Alzheimer's & Dementia: How They Differ, Early Signs, Prevention & Caregiving Strategies That Work

In this episode of The 3rd Phase, host Lori Carpenter sits down with dementia expert and occupational therapy assistant Cody Normoyle to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in caregiving: the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia. Drawing on more than a decade of clinical experience and her own journey caring for her mother, Cody explains the most common early warning signs of cognitive decline, the everyday habits that support brain health, and what testing and treatment options are actually available today. Most importantly, she shares practical, real-life strategies caregivers can use right now; regulating yourself first, validating before you redirect, and becoming a "behavior detective" to de-escalate sundowning, repetitive questions, agitation, and refusal of care. She also introduces her affordable Behavior Decoder mini-app and free hygiene-refusal guide, offering hope and tangible tools for families who want to navigate dementia caregiving with more confidence and less overwhelm.Links from this episode:Cody Normoyle: Instagram | ThreadsLori Carpenter: loricarpenterdesigns.com | InstagramPlease join our Facebook Community and sign up for the Weekly Newsletter.