How to Support Dementia Care: Alzheimer’s Tips & Brain Health Guide
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Watching a loved one struggle with memory loss, confusion, or personality changes is heartbreaking. If you’ve ever watched a loved one struggle this way, then you know just how overwhelming and heartbreaking it can be.
For many families, an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis feels like stepping into uncharted territory—one filled with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions. But you don’t have to face it alone. What if you could navigate this journey with more confidence, compassion, and clarity?
This guide offers dementia care support and Alzheimer’s caregiver tips to help families navigate these challenges with confidence and compassion.
In a recent episode of The Nutritional Nerd, renowned dementia behaviour specialist Lisa Skinner—author of Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces—shared her wisdom, personal stories, and practical advice for families and caregivers to turn fear into hope.
Her insights don’t just shed light on the complexities of dementia; they offer a roadmap for turning confusion into connection and anxiety into action. Be sure to check out the podcast on all major platforms and see the entire interview on YouTube.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia:
Beyond Memory Loss
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When most people think of Alzheimer’s or dementia, they picture someone who forgets names or gets lost in familiar places. But, as Lisa Skinner explains, these conditions are far more complex.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of neurodegenerative diseases that gradually erode a person’s ability to think, communicate, and function in daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but there are many others, each with its own unique challenges.
Lisa emphasizes that cognitive decline affects more than memory. It can disrupt:
Speech
Reasoning
Judgement
Mood
Behaviour, and
Physical abilities
A person may struggle to find words or make decisions, suddenly become agitated or paranoid, experience hallucinations, or have difficulty with coordination or mobility.
The biggest piece of the whole experience is not understanding what the disease does to the brains of the people living with it… It is so much more complicated than people really expect.” — Lisa Skinner
A Personal Mission to Empower Families
Lisa’s expertise isn’t just professional - t’s deeply personal. Having cared for eight family members with dementia—including her grandmother and even a beloved dog—she’s faced the confusion, frustration, and heartbreak firsthand. She saw how little practical day-to-day guidance was available and made it her mission to fill that gap so other families could feel less alone.
Through her books, workshops, speaking engagements, and website, Lisa shares real-life stories and actionable strategies that empower families to feel less alone and more equipped to handle whatever comes their way.
Compassionate Care: The Power of Validation
One of Lisa’s key lessons is how to respond when your loved one’s reality differs from yours. Imagine visiting your grandmother, only to hear her insist that birds are living in her mattress or that someone is stealing her belongings. Your first instinct might be to correct her or argue—but Lisa warns that this can lead to distress and emotional meltdowns.
Instead, she recommends validating their feelings and joining them in their reality, even if it seems illogical. When her grandmother described birds in her mattress, Lisa didn’t argue—she empathized and offered comfort. This approach helped de-escalate the situation and build trust.
Caregiver Tip: If your loved one is experiencing delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations, resist the urge to correct them. Don’t argue. Instead, listen, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is simply be present and compassionate.
Is It Dementia or Normal Aging?
It’s natural to worry when you - or someone you love - starts forgetting things. Lisa helps families distinguish between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia:
Normal aging: Occasional forgetfulness, like misplacing your keys or forgetting a name, is common and not usually a cause for concern.
Mild cognitive impairment: More frequent or noticeable memory lapses that don’t significantly disrupt daily life.
Dementia: Persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities, independence, or relationships.
Before assuming the worst, Lisa urges families to rule out other causes. Medical conditions like urinary tract infections, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects can all mimic dementia symptoms and are often treatable. A thorough medical evaluation is essential.
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Dementia Risk Factors: What You Can Control
Lisa breaks down dementia risk factors into two categories - modifiable and non-modifiable. As you can imagine, we may not be able to control the non-modifiable factors, but can certainly do something about what we can control!
Non-Modifiable Risks:
Age: Risk increases significantly after age 65, with one in three people affected by age 85.
Gender: Women face higher risk.
Ethnicity: African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic populations have higher rates.
Genetics: A family history of dementia or carrying the APOE4 gene increases risk, but does not guarantee disease.
Modifiable Risks:
Heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes: Managing these conditions can lower risk.
Sleep apnea: Treat sleep apnea to improve oxygenation to the brain.
Hearing loss: Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, and treatable.
Lifestyle choices: Adopt healthy habits like diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation to reduce risk by up to 40%.
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Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference
Lisa and host Kelly discuss and share simple, science-backed ways to protect your brain:
Eat smart: Minimize ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, and sugars to reduce inflammation and support brain health.
Move more: Regular physical activity - like walking, swimming, or dancing - improves blood flow and boosts cognitive function.
Challenge your mind: Learn a new language or skill, play an instrument, or even brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand to build cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity.
The great news is that it’s never too early (or too late) to prioritize brain health and adopt healthier habits. Small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow.
Alzheimer's Association 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures: https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone
Caring for someone with memory loss can feel isolating, but help is available. Lisa’s website, mindingdementia.com and the Alzheimer’s Association offers practical advice, real-life stories, and a community of understanding.
And if you’re looking for personalized guidance, compassionate care planning, or expert support tailored to your unique situation, I’m here to help. My services are designed to empower families, ease the burden of caregiving, and ensure your loved one receives the best possible care.
Ready to Feel More Confident and Supported on Your Dementia Journey?
Contact me today for a free consultation and discover how my expertise can help you and your family thrive—not just survive—through every stage of dementia care. Yes, you can transform the dementia journey from fear and frustration to one filled with understanding, connection, and hope with the right knowledge and support. Schedule your free consultation today and discover how my expertise can help your family thrive—spaces are limited!
For more expert tips and support, explore Lisa Skinner’s resources or connect with me for personalized dementia care solutions.
What’s been your biggest caregiving challenge? Share below to connect with others!
[Medical Disclaimer]
Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.