“ She’s Just Not Herself ”: When It’s More Than Forgetfulness (A Dementia Conversation) EP139

In this deeply informative and compassionate conversation, Kathy sits down with gerontologist, educator, and advocate Donna Fedus to talk about aging, dementia, caregiving, and the emotional realities families face as loved ones experience cognitive change. Donna helps unpack the often-confusing language around dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and caregiving, while offering practical guidance for adult children, spouses, and caregivers trying to navigate difficult decisions with empathy and clarity. Together, Kathy and Donna explore:- The difference between normal aging and concerning cognitive changes- Why dementia is a broad umbrella term (Alzheimer’s is only one possible cause)- Reversible causes of dementia symptoms, including UTIs and medication interactions- How to recognize early warning signs- The emotional toll and stigma caregivers often face- Why connection, music, purpose, and emotional understanding still matter deeply- How caregivers can broaden their “care circle” and ask for support- The guilt many families feel around changing living situations or memory care- Why education and communication can make caregiving feel less overwhelmingDonna also shares hopeful perspectives on brain health, cognitive reserve, and the importance of seeing people with dementia as whole people who are still reachable, meaningful, and deserving of connection. This episode is an essential listen for anyone caring for aging parents, worrying about cognitive decline, or trying to better understand what compassionate caregiving can look like.Resources Mentioned- Alzheimer’s Association-https://www.alz.org/- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America-https://alzfdn.org/ eldercare.gov-https://eldercare.acl.gov/home- Area Agencies on Aging Donna’s company: Borrow My Glasses-https://borrowmyglasses.com/Donna’s “WOOP” Groups for Caregivers -https://borrowmyglasses.com/product/woop-group/Borrow My Glasses Catalog for talks and workshops you can bring into your organization or conference: https://borrowmyglasses.com/resource-list/ About Donna FedusDonna Fedus is a gerontologist, educator, and advocate who has spent more than three decades helping people better understand aging, dementia, caregiving, and brain health. Through her organization, Borrow My Glasses, Donna works with organizations, professionals, caregivers, and families to build compassion, practical skills, and confidence around aging and cognitive change.Donna’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-fedus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borrowmyglasses/