The Disappearing Mind Podcast

Navigating a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make the best decisions for someone you love. In this new episode, host Dawn Platt is joined by memory care expert Maggie Mariello for a compassionate conversation about what families can expect as dementia progresses and how memory care can provide comfort, safety, and meaningful quality of life. Together, they explore the differences between assisted living and memory care, discuss behavioral changes, hospice, therapeutic communication, and the many support services available to families. Learn about the questions that rarely come up on a community tour but can make all the difference in navigating dementia care with greater understanding and confidence.Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or facing new decisions along the way, this episode offers practical guidance, gentle reassurance, and expert insights to help you feel more informed and less alone. If you've been wondering what to expect from memory care — or how to make informed, compassionate decisions for someone you love — this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

If you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you've probably asked yourself, "Is this normal?", "Am I doing the right thing?", or "How do I handle this?" In this episode, host Dawn Platt answers real questions submitted by family caregivers who are navigating the everyday challenges, emotions, and uncertainties of dementia caregiving.From managing difficult behaviors and improving communication to coping with caregiver stress, guilt, and decision-making, Dawn offers compassionate guidance, practical strategies, and reassuring insights to help you feel more confident and less alone on your caregiving journey.Whether you're a spouse, adult child, family member, or professional caregiver, you'll likely hear questions that reflect your own experiences — and discover practical solutions that can bring greater peace of mind and support.

To close out Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re revisiting this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind, highlighting the importance of memory screenings for adults over 50.Learn how these simple 10-15 minute evaluations can detect not just early signs of dementia, but also treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders, and discover convenient options, including free screenings from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Discover why these simple, non-invasive evaluations should be as routine as checking your blood pressure or cholesterol.To learn more, read "Proactive Brain Health to Live Well Every Day".

What if protecting your brain health was just as important as protecting your heart? In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with host Dawn Platt, where she reveals why dementia isn’t an inevitable part of aging — and what you can do right now to help build your brain’s natural defense system. Discover the surprising lifestyle habits that can strengthen your cognitive reserve at any age, learn to spot the crucial difference between normal forgetfulness and early warning signs, and understand why experts are saying "what's good for the heart is good for the brain." Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive future or supporting a loved one, Dawn shares practical, science-backed strategies that could make all the difference.

We're revisiting a must-listen episode where host Dawn Platt and Board Certified Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist Dr. Michelle Boudreau discuss an important question many individuals and families face: when is it time to see a neurologist for memory concerns?Together, they explore the role neurologists play in identifying and evaluating cognitive changes, discuss the latest advancements in dementia medications, and examine the challenges surrounding the growing number of dementia cases.Whether you're navigating memory concerns yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking to better understand brain health, this episode offers expert insight and valuable guidance.

What if the key to protecting your brain isn't just exercise — but how you move and think at the same time? In this fascinating episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt welcomes SMARTfit CEO and cognitive fitness innovator Cathi Lamberti for a conversation that challenges everything we thought we knew about brain health. From cognitive reserve and dementia prevention to the surprising power of dual-task training, Cathi reveals how intentional brain-body engagement may help strengthen the mind, support cognitive function, and improve quality of life at any age. If you're searching for hope, practical strategies, and cutting-edge insights into cognitive wellness, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Could one simple change help you or a loved one stay stronger, safer, and more independent with age? In this popular episode, host Dawn Platt welcomes back Dr. Brittany Tallhamer, a physical and occupational therapist who has witnessed firsthand how movement can transform lives at any age or stage of dementia. Dr. Tallhamer reveals the shocking truth about what happens when we stop moving, shares an inspiring recovery story that shocked caregivers, and provides practical exercises that support balance, brain health, and everyday confidence.Whether you're managing arthritis, supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer's or dementia, or simply want to maintain your wellness as you age, this episode delivers practical strategies you can start today — no gym required. Tune in to learn why we don't lose mobility because we age; we age faster because we stop moving.To hear more from Dr. Tallhamer on this topic, listen to “Brain Health in Motion: Dr. Tallhamer on Movement Therapy.”

Can you really build a stronger, more resilient brain as you age? In recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, host Dawn Platt explores the science of cognitive reserve — the brain’s ability to adapt, compensate, and stay strong despite aging or neurological changes. Discover 10 research-backed strategies to support brain health, reduce dementia risk, and boost cognitive resilience through everyday habits like exercise, sleep, nutrition, social connection, and lifelong learning.If you’re looking for practical ways to protect your memory and sharpen your mind, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

We're revisiting a popular episode exploring brain health and movement therapy with special guest, Dr. Brittany Tallhamer. As a Physical and Occupational Therapist, Dr. Tallhamer has dedicated her career to helping seniors living with dementia improve their quality of life through movement therapy and meaningful connection. But for Dr. Tallhamer, dementia care is more than a profession – it’s deeply personal.In this heartfelt and informative episode, Dr. Tallhamer shares her own family’s experience with dementia and how that journey shaped her passion for supporting older adults and their caregivers. Dawn and Dr. Tallhamer discuss the critical role physical and occupational therapy can play in dementia care, the connection between movement and brain health, and practical ways families can encourage engagement, independence, and overall well-being.Listeners will also gain insight into the emotional side of caregiving, the importance of meeting individuals where they are, and how compassionate, person-centered care can make a meaningful difference throughout the dementia journey.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of compassionate care.

As we reflect on Memorial Day and honor those who served, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes focused on a benefit many veteran families still don’t know about. Millions of veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover dementia and memory care costs—yet countless families miss out simply because they’re unaware it exists. In this conversation, host Dawn Platt talks with Suzette Graham, CEO of Patriot Angels, about a little-known VA benefit that could provide thousands of dollars each month toward care expenses. Through heartfelt stories, unexpected insights, and important eligibility information, this episode highlights why so many families struggle to access the support they’ve earned. If you’re caring for a veteran or military spouse living with dementia, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What does it mean to find hope in the middle of dementia, loss, and a lifetime of hardship? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down with Jerrid Sebesta, author of “Life Undeferred,” to explore a deeply personal story of resilience, caregiving, and transformation. From growing up in uncertainty to navigating his mother’s dementia and final days, Jerrid shares raw insights on faith, purpose, and the unexpected gifts within the caregiving journey. If you’re facing dementia, caregiving stress, or searching for meaning through grief and adversity, this inspiring conversation offers perspective, healing, and hope.Listen in or watch the video now.

When caregiving enters the world of social media, support can quickly turn into scrutiny. In part two of this series on social media’s impact on dementia caregiving, host Dawn Platt explores the uncomfortable reality of judgment within the caregiving community – why it happens, how online platforms amplify it, and the emotional toll it takes on families already under pressure. From bold opinions to quiet guilt, Dawn unpacks what’s really behind these interactions and offers a powerful reminder: there is no single “right” way to care. If you’ve ever felt judged – or caught yourself judging – this episode will challenge your perspective and help you protect your peace while navigating one of life’s most complex journeys.For more on this topic, be sure to listen to part 1 of this series: Dementia Caregiving in the Social Media Age: What Helps and What Hurts

What if the smallest choices you make each day could help protect your brain for years to come? In the third and final episode of this special series of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down once again with registered dietitian and author Carrie Bloemers to turn insight into action. Together, they explore how simple, realistic nutrition habits can support cognitive health – whether you’re navigating a dementia journey or simply looking to eat healthier and think more clearly. With practical strategies, encouragement, and a focus on progress over perfection, this episode offers an empowering path forward for anyone ready to make meaningful change.Listen in or watch the video now.

Could something as simple as your daily meals be quietly shaping your brain health? In this second episode in a special three-part series of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down with registered dietitian Carrie Bloemers to unpack the powerful connection between chronic inflammation and cognitive decline. With a blend of science, real-life insight, and practical guidance, this conversation reveals how small, sustainable changes can help protect the brain, support caregivers, and bring a sense of control and hope to a journey that often feels anything but.Listen in or watch the video now.

What if the key to protecting your brain isn’t a breakthrough drug but what’s already on your plate? In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down with registered dietitian and author Carrie Bloemers to uncover the powerful connection between nutrition and brain health. From the science behind the MIND diet to deeply personal insights shaped by caregiving, this conversation offers practical, hope-filled strategies that can help delay cognitive decline and improve quality of life as you age.Tune in or watch the video now.

In this heartwarming episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt uncovers the powerful connection between food and memory in the dementia journey. Joined by Senior Living Culinary leader Ellie Shively, Dawn explores how simple, familiar kitchen tasks – like shucking corn or baking bread – can unlock deep memories, spark conversation, and bring loved ones back to life in unexpected ways. What begins as a humble activity transforms into a moving reminder that connection doesn’t disappear, it just needs the right doorway to reappear.Tune in to discover how you can create these meaningful moments, and start reconnecting in ways you never thought possible.

Caregiving in today’s world doesn’t just happen behind closed doors – it unfolds online, in real time. In this thought-provoking episode of The Disappearing Mind, Host Dawn Platt explores the double-edged sword of social media in the dementia journey. While it can offer powerful connection, education, and reassurance, it can also fuel comparison, spread misinformation, and blur the lines of privacy and dignity. Dawn challenges caregivers to think critically about what they consume and share—offering practical insight to help you protect your peace, your loved one, and your path forward. If you’ve ever turned to social media for answers, support, or hope, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

The first neurology appointment can feel overwhelming – months of waiting, unanswered questions, and the fear of what you might hear. In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, Host and Dementia Coach Dawn Platt breaks down exactly what to expect at that first visit, why neurologists play a critical role in diagnosing cognitive changes, and how families can prepare to get the answers and guidance they need. With practical tips, key questions to ask, and reassurance that this appointment is an investigation – not a verdict – Dawn helps replace fear with clarity so you can walk in informed, confident, and ready for the next step in you or your loved one’s dementia journey.

Is it just normal aging…or something more? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt gently unpacks one of the most emotionally charged questions families face on the dementia journey. With clarity and compassion, Dawn explores the difference between isolated memory lapses and true patterns, the often-overlooked “gray zone,” and why waiting for certainty can cost more than you think. If you’ve ever felt that quiet worry, second-guessed your instincts, or feared what an evaluation might reveal, this conversation will replace uncertainty with insight and remind you that seeking clarity isn’t giving up hope, it’s creating it.

What does real memory care actually look like — and could it be the greatest act of love you give someone? In this heartfelt episode, host Dawn Platt sits down with Danielle, a daughter navigating one of the most difficult decisions a family can face: whether to transition her 84-year-old father, a retired NYPD officer with Alzheimer's, into a memory care community. Dawn pulls back the curtain on Discovery Senior Living's GLOW Memory Care Program — a comprehensive, science-backed approach that goes far beyond basic care. From personalized programming rooted in each resident's unique life story, to specialized dining techniques, music therapy, legacy preservation, and 24/7 family collaboration, GLOW is redefining what it means to truly support someone living with dementia. If you've ever wondered how to honor the person your loved one has always been while keeping them safe, engaged, and deeply connected, this episode is for you.

What happens when a son who's been estranged from his mother for years gets a call from her bank manager saying something's wrong? In this powerful first episode of our new four-part series examining how dementia reshapes relationships, Host Dawn Platt sits down with Jonathan, a married father of two who never imagined he'd become his mother's caregiver. When dementia struck during COVID, Jonathan made the life-altering decision to move her from Connecticut into his home in Florida, despite their complicated past.This isn't a story about having all the answers. It's a raw, honest conversation about obligation, family values, and the emotional weight of doing what feels right when the past remains unresolved. Jonathan's journey, from frantic midnight door alarms to navigating an overwhelming healthcare system to ultimately making the decision for nursing home placement, will resonate with any son or daughter quietly carrying this responsibility, wondering what they would do in the same situation.

Could one simple change help you or a loved one stay stronger, safer, and more independent with age? In this popular episode, host Dawn Platt welcomes back Dr. Brittany Tallhamer, a physical and occupational therapist who has witnessed firsthand how movement can transform lives at any age or stage of dementia. Dr. Tallhamer reveals the shocking truth about what happens when we stop moving, shares an inspiring recovery story that shocked caregivers, and provides practical exercises that support balance, brain health, and everyday confidence.Whether you're managing arthritis, supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer's or dementia, or simply want to maintain your wellness as you age, this episode delivers practical strategies you can start today — no gym required. Tune in to learn why we don't lose mobility because we age; we age faster because we stop moving.

Your brain has a built-in protection system called cognitive reserve, and the latest research shows you can strengthen it at any age. In this fourth episode of our January Wellness Series for Brain Health, Host Dawn Platt reveals how simple daily activities can build your brain's resilience against cognitive decline. From morning mental challenges to evening reflection practices, Dawn shares evidence-based strategies that go beyond generic "brain health" advice, offering practical routines you can start today. Whether you're looking to protect your own cognitive future or support a loved one with dementia, discover why small, consistent actions matter more than you think, and how Dawn used these exact techniques to keep her mother functioning at her highest level until her final week of life.

In this third episode of our "New Year, Stronger Mind & Body: January Wellness Series for Brain Health," Host Dawn Platt welcomes back National Director of Celebrations and Fitness Tamara Bowen to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and cognitive health. Discover why nearly 30% of adults over 65 face diabetes-related cognitive decline, learn simple hydration hacks that can reverse confusion in seniors, and hear inspiring stories of residents who transformed their lives through better eating habits. From "hydration stations" to brain-healthy meal planning tips you can start today, Tamara reveals how small dietary changes can fuel your body, sharpen your mind, and even help combat dementia. Plus, learn about exciting new research on blood sugar's impact on brain health that could change everything. Whether you're caring for a loved one or looking to protect your own cognitive future, this episode offers practical, doable strategies that prove it's never too late to eat your way to a stronger mind.

What if protecting your brain health was just as important as protecting your heart? In this second episode of our “New Year, Stronger Mind & Body: January Wellness Series for Brain Health,” Host Dawn Platt reveals why dementia isn't an inevitable part of aging, and what you can do right now to build your brain's natural defense system. Discover the surprising lifestyle habits that can strengthen your cognitive reserve at any age, learn to spot the crucial difference between normal forgetfulness and early warning signs, and understand why experts are saying "what's good for the heart is good for the brain." Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive future or supporting a loved one, Dawn shares practical, science-backed strategies that could make all the difference.

Is it too late to transform your brain health? Absolutely not. In this energizing premiere of Healthy Body, Engaged Mind: January Wellness Series for Brain Health, host Dawn Platt welcomes wellness expert Tamara Bowen to shatter the myth that fitness and movement are out of reach for aging adults. Discover why washing dishes, tending a garden, and even folding laundry are powerful tools for building cognitive reserve, and why you don't need to run a marathon to see life-changing results. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or looking to strengthen your own brain health, this episode reveals the simple, joyful movements that create independence, reduce wandering, and bring purpose to every day. Small steps, big results. It's never too late to start.

Join Host Dawn Platt and guest Regina Trent, a senior memory care director, for the third episode in our holiday series, "Dementia & the Holidays: Support, Stories & Solutions," as they explore how to rediscover the magic of the holidays when dementia changes everything you once knew.Regina shares how families can let go of past expectations and create new traditions that bring genuine joy – from decorating trees and wreaths together to transforming a simple outing into an unforgettable memory. Learn why simplicity beats perfection, how timing your celebrations can make all the difference, and why a cup of cocoa in a vintage Santa mug might mean more than an elaborate gathering.This episode offers honest, heartfelt guidance on balancing connection with overstimulation, honoring grief while finding joy, and reimagining what the holidays can be when you focus on what truly matters: comfort, familiarity, and being present together. This is about more than adapting, it's about rediscovering the heart of the holidays in ways that honor both your loved one and yourself.

In Episode 2 of Dementia & the Holidays: Support, Stories & Solutions, host Dawn Platt welcomes Dr. Brent P. Forester, geriatric psychiatrist at Tufts University School of Medicine and co-author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia. Dr. Forester reveals a truth every caregiver needs to understand: dementia isn't just a diagnosis—it's a family disease that reshapes relationships, finances, and daily life in ways no other illness does. Discover why early diagnosis is critical, how to navigate the emotional complexity of becoming your parents' decision-maker, and proven strategies for caring smarter instead of harder. Whether holiday family gatherings are bringing these challenges into sharper focus or you're simply seeking guidance for the road ahead, this conversation offers the clarity and compassion you've been looking for.

Welcome to the first episode of our holiday series, Dementia & the Holidays: Support, Stories & Solutions! Host Dawn Platt sits down with Regina Trent, a Senior Memory Care Director, to tackle one of the season's toughest questions: What do you give someone you love who's living with dementia? From re-gifting a beloved scarf that sparked pure joy to making playlists that unlock forgotten memories, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, touching stories, and dementia stage-specific gift ideas that honor the person behind the diagnosis. Dawn and Regina also dive into Amazon's popular gift list for people with dementia and reveal what a dementia professional really thinks about those recommendations—the good, the questionable, and what's actually missing. If you've ever felt lost staring at generic "top 10" lists, this episode will help you discover what truly matters: your presence, not just your presents.

Every behavior tells a story – but are you listening? In this powerful episode, the fourth and final in our Alzheimer's Awareness Month series, Host and Dementia Coach Dawn Platt helps you crack the code on behavioral triggers in Alzheimer's and other dementias. Discover why agitation, wandering, and resistance aren't random acts of defiance, but desperate attempts to communicate unmet needs in a confusing world. Dawn shares her proven detective work approach to identifying hidden triggers – from sensory overload to uncomfortable clothing – and teaches you how to use observation, validation, and simple environmental changes to reduce distress for both you and your loved one. Stop reacting to behaviors and start understanding them.

In this third episode of our Alzheimer's Awareness Month series, Host Dawn Platt takes you on an immersive journey through the mind of someone living with dementia to explore what a day is really like for them – from the disorienting confusion of waking up in the morning to the anxiety of sundowning at dusk. Experience the fear of not recognizing your own reflection, the struggle to put on a shirt, and the overwhelming panic of not knowing where "home" is. But this isn't just storytelling – Dawn weaves in practical coaching strategies for caregivers at every turn, showing how gentle guidance, validation, and empathy can transform these challenging moments into opportunities for connection. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or simply want to understand dementia better, this episode will change how you see Alzheimer's disease forever. Because when memories fade, love remains.

Most people are surprised to learn that Alzheimer’s disease represents just one of more than 100 types of dementia. This staggering fact is often overlooked—and yet it has profound implications for diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life.In the second episode of our Alzheimer’s Awareness Month series, Host Dawn Platt highlights why understanding the specific type of dementia is essential, not optional. Families often assume all dementia is Alzheimer’s, but each type presents differently and requires tailored approaches to care.Discover why one woman's misdiagnosis changed everything about her care, learn the critical differences between vascular dementia's sudden drops and Lewy body's fluctuating clarity, and understand why getting the right diagnosis could transform your loved one's treatment plan.Whether you are walking this journey with a parent, spouse, other family member or friend, this conversation will broaden your perspective and empower you to advocate more effectively. Join the 55 million families worldwide committed to facing dementia with knowledge, clarity, and support.

Join Dawn Platt as she kicks off a powerful series for National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, exploring the truth behind a disease that affects nearly 7 million Americans—and counting. This isn't just about forgetting where you put your keys. Discover why a grandmother who can recall her wedding day can't remember how to make her morning tea, learn the critical difference between normal aging and Alzheimer's, and find out why early detection could change everything. Dawn shares real stories of families navigating this journey and reveals the surprising ways music, emotion, and connection can reach parts of the brain untouched by the disease. Whether you're caring for a loved one, noticing changes in yourself, or simply want to understand what millions face daily, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical guidance. Because even as memories fade, the heart still remembers love.

With Veterans Day approaching, we're sharing information about a benefit that could change everything for families paying for dementia care. Millions of veterans and widows qualify for financial help with memory care costs—but most have no idea it exists. Host Dawn Platt sits down with Suzette Graham, CEO of Patriot Angels, to discuss a little-known VA benefit that could add thousands of dollars monthly to help cover care expenses. From a heartbreaking story about sacrifice to surprising eligibility requirements families often miss, this conversation reveals why so few are accessing the support they've earned. If you're caring for a veteran or military spouse with dementia and struggling with the cost of care, this episode is a must-listen.

If you're torn about whether to bring your loved one home from memory care this holiday season, feeling guilty about changing traditions, or wondering how to make the holidays special without overwhelming them—this episode is for you. Host Dawn Platt offers compassionate guidance on creating smaller, calmer gatherings that honor what matters most: connection over perfection. Learn practical modifications like timing visits when your loved one is most alert, simplifying menus, managing overstimulation, and preparing family members for realistic expectations. Dawn shares her own story of adapting her mom's cherished gift-giving tradition as dementia progressed, and reminds us that the smallest moments—a familiar song, a favorite dessert, holding hands by the tree—are often the most meaningful. This holiday season doesn't have to look like it used to for it to be filled with love.

Not all memory care programs are created equal—and if you're touring communities right now, you need to know what questions to ask. In this eye-opening episode, host Dawn Platt sits down with Maggie Mariello, a memory care director with over 25 years of experience to reveal why outdated programs fail those living with dementia today. From the shocking success story of a man who struggled at three communities before thriving with the right approach, to the critical difference between recreational activities and true science-based programming, this conversation arms you with the insider knowledge you need. Learn what neuroplasticity really means for your loved one, why behavioral management training matters more than the building's amenities, and the specific questions that separate communities truly equipped to handle modern dementia care from those stuck decades in the past.

What happens when the person you love most begins to disappear before they're truly gone? In this raw and powerful episode, host Dawn Platt sits down with Mary, whose mother's five-year journey with vascular dementia transformed their once-idyllic relationship into something unrecognizable. Mary opens up about the brutal reality of losing her best friend twice—first to the disease's cruel personality changes and accusations, then to death itself. From a Christmas miracle that brought glimpses of her "old mom" back, to the guilt that haunts caregivers even after doing everything right, Mary's story reveals the two chapters of grief that no one warns you about. If you've ever wondered whether you're alone in feeling relief mixed with devastating loss, or if those final moments together were somehow meant to be, this conversation will speak directly to your heart.

What happens when a sophisticated scammer targets someone living with dementia? In this eye-opening episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down with Mary, whose mother fell victim to a romance scam that evolved over four years—morphing from a fake military general to an impersonated celebrity. Mary shares the heartbreaking reality of watching her mother get manipulated, buy gift cards, and plan a new life in Italy with someone who never existed. But this isn't just a story about financial loss—it's about the impossible balance between protecting someone you love and preserving their dignity, the warning signs families miss, and why traditional advice often fails when dementia is involved. If you think this could never happen to your family, this episode will change your mind.

When a dementia diagnosis arrives, does the person disappear behind the label? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt challenges us to see beyond the diagnosis and recognize the vibrant human being who remains. Drawing from years of walking alongside remarkable individuals and families on the dementia journey, Dawn reveals how intellect, identity, and essence endure—often in surprising ways. From the retired nurse who still comforts others to the artist who continues to create, discover why saying "I'm still me" isn't just hope—it's truth. This episode will forever change how you see and connect with someone living with dementia.

Continuing our World Alzheimer's Month theme on stigma, what happens when well-meaning friends suddenly stop calling? When family members talk about you instead of with you? In this powerful episode, National Dementia Trainer Dawn Platt tackles the hidden crisis that strikes right after a dementia diagnosis—stigma. It's not born from cruelty, but from fear and misunderstanding that can make someone feel erased from their own story. Dawn reveals the devastating myths that fuel this stigma, shares heart-wrenching stories from families who've lived it, and offers a roadmap for pushing back. Because here's the truth: a diagnosis doesn't erase a person's worth—but stigma can make them feel like it does. If you've ever wondered how to support someone with dementia, or if you're carrying the weight of these labels yourself, this episode will change how you see everything.

When a family member questioned whether memory care activities could truly preserve cognition, calling it a "degenerative disease" that "rarely slows down," host Dawn Platt knew she had to set the record straight. In this eye-opening episode, Dawn teams up with Maggie Mariello, National Assistant Director of Memory Care Programs with over 20 years of experience, to reveal the shocking difference between communities that simply house residents and those that ignite their minds daily. From the veteran who tends gardens using his landscape architecture expertise to the Juilliard graduate who regains speech through piano, you'll discover how the right programming doesn't just fill time—it preserves the person inside the disease. If you're choosing between assisted living and memory care for your loved one, this episode could completely transform your decision and give you hope you didn't know was possible.

In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, host Dawn Platt launches a powerful new series on dementia stigma with a heartbreaking yet eye-opening conversation. Meet Mary, a devoted daughter who cared for her mother with vascular dementia, only to face accusations, judgment, and social rejection from the very people who should have offered support. When her mother's friends began questioning Mary's motives and even believing confabulations and false accusations of abuse, Mary found herself defending not just her caregiving choices, but her character and love for her mother. This raw, emotional episode reveals the hidden pain families endure when dementia's cruel effects turn loved ones against their caregivers—and exposes how misunderstanding and denial can devastate those who need compassion most. A must-listen for anyone touched by dementia or those who want to truly understand what families face behind closed doors.

Ever sat in a dementia support group feeling more alone than when you walked in? You're not crazy—and you're definitely not alone. In this eye-opening episode, national dementia trainer Dawn Platt reveals why traditional support groups often miss the mark and shares the unspoken truth: it's not about having people around you, it's about having the right people. Whether you're a 42-year-old spouse navigating early-onset dementia, managing care from two states away, or seeking culturally aligned support that honors your family's values, Dawn breaks down exactly how to find your tribe. Plus, she shares her game-changing caregiver checklist that will help you identify what you actually need right now—not what everyone thinks you should need.

You've never balanced a checkbook, and now you're suddenly responsible for someone's entire financial life. Join Host Dawn Platt as she tackles one of caregiving's most overwhelming challenges: stepping into the CFO role for a loved one facing cognitive decline. Whether you're a spouse who's never handled the bills or an adult child suddenly drowning in retirement accounts and medical paperwork, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to navigate the emotional and logistical maze of taking over finances. Dawn shares her personal CFO starter checklist, reveals red flags that could signal fraud or financial abuse, and shows you how to build a support network that won't break the bank. If you're feeling lost in a sea of bank statements and legal documents, this episode will help you find your footing and protect the person you love.

What happens when dementia suddenly forces you into roles you never imagined you'd be in?Host Dawn Platt shares a heart-wrenching encounter with a couple facing this exact crisis—when decades of divided responsibilities suddenly become one person's overwhelming reality. If you've ever felt lost trying to handle tasks your partner always managed, or fear what would happen if you had to take over everything tomorrow, this episode is for you. Dawn reveals the hidden support systems most people don't know exist and shares crucial warnings about those who prey on vulnerable caregivers during these transitions. You're not failing—you're learning, and you don't have to figure it out alone.

In this deeply moving episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt shares a revelation that will transform how you think about grief and memory after losing someone to dementia. Over a year after her mother's passing, Dawn discovers something unexpected: the painful memories of confusion and lost words have faded, while her mother's true self has returned in vivid, full-color clarity. Through her raw, personal reflection on love, loss, and the non-linear nature of grief, Dawn offers hope to anyone wondering if they'll ever remember their loved one without the shadow of disease. This episode promises a quiet corner of healing and the profound realization that when dementia fades, the person you loved most truly remains.

The moment has arrived—whether triggered by a fall, wandering episode, or simple caregiver burnout—and you're facing the heart-wrenching decision to move your loved one into memory care. In this deeply personal episode, National Dementia Trainer Dawn Platt guides you through the emotional journey "from home to here," revealing why choosing memory care isn't giving up—it's stepping up. Discover what really happens during those critical first 2-6 weeks of transition, learn the essential questions to ask when touring communities, and understand why many families later say "I finally feel like I can exhale... I'm a daughter again." If you're wrestling with guilt, uncertainty, or the fear of making the wrong choice, this episode offers the clarity and courage you need to navigate this turning point with love and confidence.

What if memory care isn't just about safety and medication management, but about preserving dignity, creating daily moments of joy, and building meaningful connections? In this eye-opening episode, National Dementia Trainer and Coach Dawn Platt shifts the lens on memory care communities, revealing how the right environment can transform lives through therapeutic engagement, purposeful programming, and compassionate care. From a powerful story about veterans reconnecting with their legacy to research-backed insights showing 20% reductions in behavioral symptoms, Dawn unveils the promise of quality memory care that goes far beyond basic assistance. Whether you're navigating this journey now or preparing for the future, this episode will change how you think about memory care forever.

When the Thompson family gathered for their first holiday since Mom's dementia diagnosis, what should have been a joyful reunion turned into heartbreak. Emily insisted on the elaborate dinner they'd always had, Jake argued it was pointless because Mom wouldn't remember, and Laura just wanted it all to go away. Sound familiar? In this powerful final episode of our family conflicts series, host Dawn Platt reveals why traditional family gatherings can become overwhelming disasters for dementia families—and shares the life-changing conversation that helped the Thompsons discover a better way. If you've ever felt torn between honoring old traditions and protecting your loved one's comfort, this episode will show you how to create new memories that truly matter. Because sometimes love means letting go of perfection to embrace presence.

In this latest episode of our family conflicts series, we tackle one of the most common yet painful dynamics in dementia caregiving: sibling resentment. "Where were you when I needed help?" It's a question that echoes in countless families when one person shoulders the burden alone. Through Emily and Brian's story—where a well-meaning Christmas suggestion becomes the breaking point—host Dawn Platt reveals why vague offers to help actually hurt more than they help. Learn how to define what real support looks like, start the difficult conversations your family needs to have, and discover practical strategies for sharing caregiving responsibilities without losing your relationships. Sometimes the hardest conversation isn't with the person who has dementia—it's with the family member who thinks good intentions are enough.