PODCAST · health
Make Dementia Your B*tch!
by Rita A Jablonski, PhD CRNP FAAN FGSA
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Parkinson's Disease, vascular, frontotemporal, or another dementia? Dr. Rita Jablonski, a renowned dementia behaviors expert, nurse practitioner, and NIH-funded researcher, explains why behaviors occur and how to handle them. Learn how to deal with care refusals, illusions, delusions, hallucinations, sexual overtures, shadowing, sundowning, and MORE! Unlock the dementia brain. Reconnect with your loved one by learning what is triggering a behavior and how to lovingly respond. Theme music: Closer by Staticinverona (www.tribeofnoise.com). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rita-a-jablonski/support
Episodes
-
Episode 81: Apathy Not Depression
It can be hard to tell the difference between depression (feeling sad) and apathy (loss of interest in things). In this episode, learn what causes apathy in people living with dementia and how to deal with it. Interested in one of my caregiver studies? Email the team [email protected] Have a...
-
Episode 80: How Much Info to Share with People Living with Dementia
Family caregivers are often unsure of how much to tell a person living with dementia about future plans. In this episode, I provide guidance for how much information to share with someone living with dementia, depending on whether they are in the mild, moderate, or severe stage. Other resources:...
-
Episode 79: Guiding Lights--Navigating Holiday Moments in Dementia Care
In this episode, I help you make the most of the upcoming holidays while caring for someone with dementia. Listen to helpful tips, from involving the person living with dementia to handling the pain in the ass relative who criticizes your care. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has been selected…
more -
Dementia, Law Enforcement, and Genetic Testing
In this episode, I provide you with a resource: law enforcement who have received crisis intervention training that includes helping caregivers and people with dementia. This is a critical resource, especially for families of people living with behavioral variant FTD. I also discuss genetic...
-
Episode 77: How to Handle Frequent Crying Behaviors in People Living with Dementia
Caregivers often ask me for ways to manage crying behaviors. These crying behaviors can happen multiple times a day for a short time, or once a day but for hours. Learn what may be causing those behaviors and how to respond in a loving way. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has been selected by...
-
Episode 76: Becoming Your Own Dementia Expert
Learn my formula for developing and tweaking strategies when faced with dementia behaviors: neurodegeneration plus personality plus values plus cohort. Sounds complicated, but it is not. When you know how a particular type of dementia is affecting behavior, you can select a strategy and then...
-
Episode 75: How Difficult Family Dynamics Can F*ck With Dementia Caregiving
Pre-dementia family relationships can make caregiving even more challenging. In this episode, I discuss different ways family dynamics cause dementia caregiving to be even more stressful and some approaches to dealing with these dynamics. Whether you are dealing with a super-critical parent who...
-
Episode 74: Avoiding Arguments and Knowing When to Step In
Join me for a replay of March 6's webinar, "Four Ways to Avoid Arguing with a Person Living with Dementia." During the second half of the podcast, I answer a question posed by a listener regarding when to step in and provide more care without overdoing it. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has…
more -
Episode 73: Vacations, Travel, and Dementia
This is the time of year for #vacation and #travel planning. If you are thinking of doing any type of travel with your loved one with dementia, this podcast will help you plan for an optimal experience. Check out a great #TSA resource, TSA Cares. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has been selected...
-
Episode 72: Handling Conflicts Between Residents in Memory Units, Importance of Early Dementia Diagnosis, and Bruce Wills' FTD announcement
In Episode 72, I tackle 3 topics that were not lengthy enough for their own podcast. Those topics include what to do when people who live in Memory Care Units have conflicts with each other; the importance of getting an early dementia diagnosis so that you can receive one of the new drugs (if you...
-
Episode 71: Preventable Dementia and a Valentine's Day Message
Vascular dementia is considered a preventable dementia, much like heart disease is considered preventable. In this episode, I explain how to prevent vascular dementia. I also share my annual Valentine's Day Message to Dementia Care Partners. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has been selected by...
-
Episode 70: Alzheimer's "Cures" and Miracle Memory Pills
You see the ads on TV. You see claims on social media of a revolutionary Alzheimer "cure" (and I'm not talking about the FDA-approved disease modifying drugs). People make claims supposedly backed by research. In today's podcast, I discuss a popular book that has been around for several years and...
-
Episode 69: Why Does My Family Member with Dementia Say Mean and Hurtful Things to Me?
It is hard enough to care for someone living with dementia. It is even tougher when that person fires mean, hurtful, and nasty words and comments in your direction. In this episode, I explain why this behavior may occur and what to do about it. Make Dementia Your B*tch podcast has been selected…
more -
Episode 68: Using the "Caregiver Vibes" Strategy for Care Refusals
It is really frustrating when the person living with dementia refuses to accept care or tells you that he or she already performed the task. You know the drill. “Take a shower,” you say. “I just did,” they say…even though you know it has been days, weeks, maybe months since they have had a…
more -
Episode 67: Weight Loss and Dementia
Weight loss in people living with dementia can stem from a variety of causes: the need for more help or supervision; being too sedated to properly eat; pacing and unable to sit still to consume a meal; or refusing to eat. In this episode, I provide approaches for all of these causes and provide...
-
Episode 66: Behavioral-variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia is one of the most misunderstood of the dementias. Today’s podcast is focused exclusively on this dementia. Learn why it is misdiagnosed and how to handle many of this dementia’s specific challenges. If you live in the Birmingham, AL area, Vestavia Hills...
-
Episode 65: Holiday Survival Strategies for Dementia Caregivers
Holiday season is busy. Even busier if you care for someone living with dementia. In this episode, you will learn helpful strategies for navigating holiday parties and religious celebrations. I provide all purpose "scripts" for dealing with long-distance relatives and uninvolved family members…
more -
Episode 64: Apathy in Different Dementias
One of the most frustrating aspects of dementia is when the person living with dementia has no motivation to do anything. This extreme lack of motivation is called apathy. Apathy has different causes in people living with bvFTD than people with other dementias. In today’s podcast, I’m going to...
-
Episode 63: Why Does My Family Member's Dementia Look Differently? Cognitive Reserve
Why does my family member’s dementia look differently from others with the same diagnosis, or even at the same stages? I get this question multiple times a week. Sometimes, caregivers are confused because this is the second, or third, person they are caring for…and their experience this time is...
-
Episode 62: A Variation of Alzheimers--Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia
In episode 55, “Frontotemporal Dementia and Speech Problems,” I introduced something known as primary progressive aphasias. Primary, because the speech problems happen first in the disease. “Progressive,” because the speech problems get worse over time. “Aphasia” is a medical word for difficulty...
-
Episode 61: Feeling Disconnected from People living with Dementia
Family caregivers often share that they have lost their connection with people living with dementia. Some limit their communication with the person living with dementia because of constant arguments. Others feel sad when their efforts go unappreciated. In today's episode, you will learn why the...
-
Episode 60: Down Syndrome and Dementia
People living with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s Dementia compared to people without Down syndrome. In this podcast, I provide information about why people living with Down syndrome are at greater risk for developing early-onset dementia, how dementia…
more -
Episode 59: Slowing Down the Loss of Procedural Memories
Procedural memories are memories of how to do things—like how to brush your teeth or program your remote. People living with dementia start to lose these memories in the reverse order that they learned them. Procedural memories created in childhood are the last to go. In this podcast, learn how…
more -
Episode 58: What People Living with Dementia Want You to Know (formerly the 10 Commandments of Dementia/FTD Care)
I wrote a blog post in 2018 titled the "10 Commandments of Dementia Care." This was followed by "What People with bvFTD Want You to Know." In this episode, I combined both--and updated the information--into a 10-item "Framework for Dementia Care" and added a few more items specific to bvFTD. This...
-
Episode 57: Decoding "I want to go home!"
In this episode, I explain the many meanings behind requests to go home. I also provide various approaches you can take when faced with a person living with dementia who tells you that they want to go home...but they already ARE home. I also clarify the "entering their reality" approach. New! 5...
-
Episode 56: Sexual Behavior and Dementia
In this episode, I want to address a topic that can be uncomfortable: sexual behavior in people living with dementia. Sometimes, an aging parent with dementia may make overtures to an adult child of the opposite gender. I explain how this is a case of "mistaken identity" and how to prevent it....
-
Episode 55 FTD and Primary Progressive Aphasias
In today’s episode, I describe two subtypes of frontotemporal dementia: nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia and semantic variant primary progressive aphasias. Unlike behavioral variant FTD, people with either one of the primary progressive aphasias have problems speaking as the initial...
-
Episode 54: Caregiver "Vibes" Affect Behavior in People living with Dementia
People living with dementia can respond to our own emotions and energy. In this podcast, I talk about ways to keep your energy, your "vibe," high and positive to avoid triggering some behaviors. I know this is going to sound new-agey and "woo woo," but listen to the podcast and see if some of…
more -
Episode 53: Wandering Behavior in People Living With Dementia
Twenty percent of people living with dementia engage in wandering behavior. Learn how to prevent wandering behavior, plans to have in place in case it happens, and what to do should your loved one living with dementia wanders away from home. Here is the link for the Alzheimer’s Association wander...
-
Episode 52: Challenges Facing Employed Dementia Care Partners in a Post-Covid World
In today’s podcast, I want to recognize the challenges faced by employed care partners and share potential resources to help with these challenges. Here are the resources I mentioned in this podcast episode: In some states, Medicaid programspay family members to provide care to persons with...
-
Episode 51: Spousal Caregivers of People Living with Dementia--Advice from Dr. Gloria Lee
Caring for a spouse who is living with dementia has its own unique challenges. In this episode, Dr. Gloria Lee--a clinical psychologist based in Vancouver, Canada--shares advice on handling guilt, anger, and depression. Dr. Lee specializes in relationships and has helped many spousal caregivers…
more -
Episode 50: Dealing with "Stubborn" and "Mean" Dementia Behaviors: Tips and Approaches
Does this feel familiar: “I quit my job to care for him, but he never appreciates anything I do.” Do you find yourself thinking, “Why is she so mean to me? Can’t she see I’m trying to help her?” Are you asking yourself, “How do I handle the stubbornness? It feels like I’m fighting all of the…
more -
Episode 49: Q and A with Dr. J--"Can a facility refuse to accept my loved one with dementia?" and Other Questions
In today's episode, I answer listener's questions: Can a facility refuse to accept my family member with dementia who has dementia-related behaviors, like refusing medication? How do I remove incontinence briefs when my family member fights with me? What should I do when my loved one with…
more -
Episode 48: My Family Member With Dementia Only Wants Care From Me And No One Else!
Some people living with dementia will only accept care from ONE family member...and no one else! If you are that family member, and you are drowning in care needs, and you are trying to figure out how to bring in help...I have some strategies for you! My “Confident & Competent Dementia Caregiving...
-
Episode 47: Being Your Authentic Self by Using the "Entering Their Reality" Approach to Handle Dementia Behaviors
"Don't piss on my head and tell me it's rain." I don't like being lied to, even if you think the lie is sparing my feelings. I used to lie to people living with dementia because I thought it was kind...until I got caught in a lie. I also felt very fake. Feeling fake can mess up your vibes and...
-
Episode 46: Placement Decisions--Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities?
The time to start considering placement options is when you do not need these options in the immediate future. However, if you are think placement may be a possibility, this is the podcast that helps you sort out one essential question: an assisted living facility or a nursing home? Learn the...
-
Episode 45: Capgras Syndrome in Dementia--My Family Member Thinks I'm Not Me but an Imposter!
Capgras syndrome is the delusion (false belief) that one's family have been replaced by duplicates...by imposters. Capgras syndrome is seen most frequently in people living with Lewy Body dementia but can also occur in other dementias. The breakdown of specific parts of the temporal lobes,...
-
Episode 44: Tips for Visiting People Living in Facilities
In this episode, I answer the question, "How do I visit my family member who doesn’t seem to know that I’m even there? Or who doesn’t even know who I am?” As dementia deepens and your family member communicates less, it may seem as if your visits don't matter. I think they do! Tune in for…
more -
Episode 43: Delusions in Dementia, Part 2--Approaches
Learn some approaches to delusional behavior in this podcast, including a really unique approach to someone who thinks there food is being poisoned! My book, "Make Dementia Your B*tch! An Easy Guide to Understanding Dementia-related Behaviors" is now available on Amazon! Order it here. Love the...
-
Episode 42: Delusions in Dementia Part 1
Delusions are defined as "false beliefs," but these beliefs feel VERY real to people living with dementia. In this episode, I explain how delusions are different from hallucinations and illusions. I explain the 3 common types of delusions that you may encounter caring for a person living with...
-
Episode 41: Three Ways to Know if it is Safe to Leave My Family Member with Dementia Alone
“Is it safe for me to leave my loved one with dementia alone?” This question popped up as I was working on a piece about caregiver self-care. Dementia caregivers constantly ask me “How do I take time for myself if I’m ‘on duty’ or ‘on call’ 24/7?” Most dementia caregivers know they need to take...
-
Episode 40: Deciding to Place a Loved One with Dementia is Not Surrendering!!
There is this belief that "good" caregivers keep their loved one living with dementia at home and "bad" caregivers move their loved one into care--into assisted living facilities, memory care units, nursing homes, etc. This belief is f*cking bullsh*t. There are many reasons why home care may not…
more -
Episode 39: Releasing Caregiver Guilt, Anxiety, and Fear!
This episode is all about you, awesome caregivers!!! In this episode, I talk about common sources of dementia caregiver guilt, anxiety, and fear. As usual, I do more than talk about it--I provide some strategies for kicking these unhelpful feelings to the curb. I describe "good-enough caregiving"...
-
Episode 38: What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a type of neurodegenerative disease that includes ongoing and worsening problems with memory. CTE has been depicted in movies and television episodes--but not accurately. In this podcast, Dr. Jablonski explains CTE and describes how it is like Alzheimer's...
-
Episode 37: Teen Caregivers of Parents Living with Dementia
Teens caring for parents living with dementia may feel alone and isolated. In today's podcast, I reach out to this segment of my audience. The resources for teens is geared to those teens caring for their grandparents. Caring for a parent with dementia is much different than caring for a...
-
Episode 36: Air Travel and Dementia Caregiving
I answer a question from a listener about the need to relocate a family member living with dementia across the US. Air travel with someone who has moderate or moderately severe dementia is a daunting challenge. Listen for tips to make air travel easier. MDYB Podcast Challenge Ends Friday, March…
more -
Episode 35: Dementia and Medications for Mood, Sleep, and Behaviors
I dive deep into four general categories of medications that are often prescribed for people living with dementia: antidepressants, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines (spoiler alert--not a good option), and antipsychotics. Learn why these medications are prescribed and what problems may happen…
more -
Episode 34: Taking the Mystery Out of Common Dementia Meds: Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
People living with dementia are prescribed different medications along the dementia journey. Two categories of medications are commonly prescribed at the beginning and middle of the journey: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (like Aricept) and memantine. In this episode, I explain how these...
-
Episode 33: How to Evaluate a Memory Care Unit--5 Important Questions to Ask!
Many caregivers agonize over the decision to place their loved one living with dementia into a memory care facility. This is a very difficult and personal decision. When you are ready to cross that bridge, make sure you carefully evaluate the facility. Here are 5 very important questions to ask,...
-
Episode 32: What is Sun Downing and How to Handle It!
Sun downing--a period of seemingly increased confusion and agitation that may occur in the afternoon/evening but can occur at any time--is a behavioral symptom of distress. Sun downing, like many dementia-related behaviors, is treated like "just one of those things." Like an inevitable behavior...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Parkinson's Disease, vascular, frontotemporal, or another dementia? Dr. Rita Jablonski, a renowned dementia behaviors expert, nurse practitioner, and NIH-funded researcher, explains why behaviors occur and how to handle them. Learn how to deal with care refusals, illusions, delusions, hallucinations, sexual overtures, shadowing, sundowning, and MORE! Unlock the dementia brain. Reconnect with your loved one by learning what is triggering a behavior and how to lovingly respond. Theme music: Closer by Staticinverona (www.tribeofnoise.com). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rita-a-jablonski/support
HOSTED BY
Rita A Jablonski, PhD CRNP FAAN FGSA
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Make Dementia Your B*tch! have?
Make Dementia Your B*tch! currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Make Dementia Your B*tch! about?
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, Parkinson's Disease, vascular, frontotemporal, or another dementia? Dr. Rita Jablonski, a renowned dementia behaviors expert, nurse practitioner, and NIH-funded researcher, explains why behaviors occur and how to handle them. Learn how to deal with...
How often does Make Dementia Your B*tch! release new episodes?
Make Dementia Your B*tch! has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Make Dementia Your B*tch!?
You can listen to Make Dementia Your B*tch! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Make Dementia Your B*tch!?
Make Dementia Your B*tch! is created and hosted by Rita A Jablonski, PhD CRNP FAAN FGSA.
URL copied to clipboard!