When Dementia Behavior Spirals: Aggression, Antipsychotics & Caregiver Burnout

What happens when dementia isn’t about memory loss? In this episode of This Is Your Brain on Mom, Wendy and Barry share a raw update on their mom’s condition as her behavior—not her memory—continues to spiral. From yelling and disrobing to falls and confusion, the symptoms are escalating, unpredictable, and impossible to fully explain. With no clear answers, the proposed solution is a transfer to a facility specializing in psychogeriatrics. As they navigate disorganized care meetings, medication concerns—including the use of Haldol—and rapid physical decline, Wendy and Barry confront the reality of caregiving burnout and a system that often manages behaviors without understanding them. Honest, chaotic, and unexpectedly funny, this episode captures the tension of recognizing your loved one is still there—even as everything else changes. 🎧 If you’re a caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the complexities of dementia care—especially when the system struggles to keep up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices