Episode 180

Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Why does someone living with dementia repeat the same question, insist on going home, accuse someone of stealing, or suddenly resist care?

In this episode, Lisa Skinner explains how these behaviors are often connected to fear, confusion, memory loss, discomfort, or the need for reassurance. She shares practical ways caregivers can respond with calm, simple communication instead of arguing, correcting, or escalating the situation.

You’ll learn why identifying the possible trigger behind a behavior can make such a difference, and how reassurance, familiar routines, simple choices, and a person-centered approach can help reduce distress.

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Learn what may be triggering common dementia behaviors and how calm, reassuring responses can help reduce distress and improve dementia care.

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#MindingDementia #TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #LisaSkinner #DementiaCare #DementiaCaregiver #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaBehavior #DementiaSupport #PersonCenteredCare #FamilyCaregiver

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About the Podcast

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Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

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Lisa Skinner, CDP, CDT

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.
Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Skinner’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-selling book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education, workshops on counter-intuitive solutions to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on over 400 national, international media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives effective advice for how to respond to false beliefs.