
Let's Talk Dementia
By Carol Howell - dementia educat


Remember To Talk SLOWLY
When communicating with your loved one with dementia, be aware of how quickly you talk. When communicating with your loved one who has dementia, be mindful of your speaking pace. Consider adding some pauses between your words. You might be surprised at how much that enhances communication!

Keys, Wallets and Purses
Keys, wallets, and purses are essential to us. Men typically carry keys in their front pockets, while women prefer purses. It’s crucial to maintain familiarity when someone transitions to memory care. It will "feel" normal.

Lions Mane For Your Brain, Your Sleep and Your Dreams
Lion's Mane has numerous beneficial effects on the body, but please consult with your doctor.

Listening For The Wind
Sitting outside and listening to the sounds of the wind was very relaxing for me. You should give it a try.

Sorting Silverware
It's a great idea to ask your loved one with dementia to participate in household projects appropriate for their abilities is a great thing to do!

Dementia and Worshipping
Individuals with dementia might find certain aspects of Christian worship to be uncomfortable, scary, or upsetting. We need to think about those things and adapt to them.

Three Supplements For Your Brain
In today's episode, I discuss three supplements that help build a healthy brain. They are all available on Amazon, and one is in every grocery store.

Don't Take That Stuff!
Don't believe everything you read about or every video you watch on social media. There are so many products being pushed that are supposed to do amazing things for the body, including curing cancer. BE CAREFUL! YOU COULD CAUSE GREAT HARM TO YOURSELF!

What Are You Thinking About?
Philippians 4:8 -
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Darkness Shattering
Caregiving can be difficult. There are days when all seems like gloom and despair. You might not feel hopeful. However, as children of God, our job is to shatter that darkness with The Light that lives in us. One candle can brighten a big room. Be that candle!

When Can I Go Home
What are the two most commonly asked questions in a memory care community? The first is, "When are we going to eat," and the second is, "When can I go home?" How you answer that is very important.

Two-Thirds of The Brain Is Gone
When a person lives through all the stages of Alzheimer's disease, two-thirds of the brain has left the body. This video should help you understand your loved one's inability to react to life in a way that seems "normal."

Ditch The Chemicals
Have you ever counted how many chemicals you put on your skin daily? It is time to Ditch The Chemicals!

Nose Over Toes
Encouraging your loved one to move their nose towards their nose when you assist them with getting out of their chair is a beneficial tip!

Gummies and Bathing
If you are having a hard time getting your loved one with dementia to do what you want them to do, maybe you need to buy some Gummies.

Walking While Driving The Car
"Walking while driving the car?" How is that possible? This podcast will give you a full explanation. There is a video available that demonstrates this technique. Here is the link - https://www.letstalkdementia.org/videos/walking-while-driving-the-car

MCI - What Is It?
MCI is Mild Cognitive Impairment, but it is NOT mild! It is time to make changes to avoid any cognitive impairment.

WALKING IN CROWDS
Walking in crowds with someone with dementia can become a frightening experience for them. Let's look at alternatives.

What Year Is It?
While celebrating the entrance of 2025 into our world, should you emphasize those numbers - 2025 - with your loved one with dementia? That is something to think about.

Old People Are The Best - Part Two
In this episode, I continue with the story of Simeon coming to the temple to meet The Lord's Christ. I hope you enjoy listening. Merry Christmas!

Old People Are The Best
This episode is a bit different, but I hope it is meaningful for you during this Christmas Season.

Christmas Shopping and Dementia
Should I take my loved one with dementia Christmas shopping? Hmmm... that depends.

WHKY INTERVIEW - TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING

Kicking Caregiver Guilt To The Curb
Are you feeling guilty over things you had nothing to do with? It is time to kick that guilt TO THE CURB!

Clean Water and Clean Air
If there was only ONE thing you could do for your health, it would be to drink clean water. Breathing clean air is also essential. Check out www.livesans.com for the machines we use in our homes.

Colored Plates - Corrected Version
Using colored plates at your Thanksgiving meal can increase the appetite of your loved one with dementia.

WHKY Radio Interview - Benefits for Veterans
In honor of our veterans, Chuck Boozer and I discussed my time on the International Space Station (HUH??) and veterans' benefits.

What Color Plate?
The color plate you serve the Thanksgiving meal on can affect how much your loved one with dementia will eat and enjoy the meal.

Is She Grandma or Vera?
How you greet your loved one can significantly impact their response. Listen in to learn more.

Where To Have Thanksgiving
Today, we are discussing where to have Thanksgiving and a few preparations you might need to make beforehand.

Time To Start Smelling!
I was blessed to interview Dr. Michael Leon to learn about Memory Air. He has developed a machine that will help improve the olfactory system (your sense of smell). The olfactory system has a massive impact on the brain and improves the symptoms of dementia. That is excellent news! Listen to learn more. Check out his website at www.memoryair.com .

Let's Talk About LAUGHING
Is there anything better than a good laugh? You know, the kind referred to as a "belly laugh." It is better than medicine. I hope this episode makes you and your person with dementia laugh!
In January we will celebrate the 19th Anniversary of helping caregivers. Please consider being one of 190 individuals to commit to donating $10 a month to support our ministry. THANK YOU! Here is the link to get started. https://www.letstalkdementia.org/donations.html

Storms Are Coming
Hurricane Helene just made its way across a large area of the United States, and she brought a wide path of destruction. It was scary for so many people, and yet others realized huge blessings when the storm scooted past them. Should we tell our loved ones with dementia about impending storms?
Do we discuss the storm in front of them? Listen in to learn the answer.

Grounding - It Is AMAZING!
This episode gives more details on GROUNDING. It is an amazing way to heal the body and reduce inflammation. Remember, inflammation is the leading cause of Alzheimer's. If we can reduce inflammation by harnessing the power in Mother Earth, that is AMAZING!

Do You Smell Something?
There is a link between your sense of smell and Parkinson’s Disease. There is also a link between your sense of smell and other health issues. Take a sniff. Is your sniffer working well?

Where Are My Keys and Purse?
Women like their purses, and men are keen on having their wallets in their back pockets and keys in their front pockets. It all feels natural and familiar. Then, we move them to memory care and take those things away. Don’t do that!

What is Grounding?
Have you heard of “grounding?” It is a process by which your body absorbs electrons from the earth. There is a good bit of science regarding its effectiveness in healing the human body.

Gender Roles?
Do you always play certain roles in your marriage while your spouse has different roles?
Should you teach your spouse to handle finances, operate the washer and dryer, or pump gas? Yes!

Pinocchio or Pinocchi-NOSE?
If you have to change the facts to bring peace and joy into the life of your loved one with dementia, will your nose grow?

Nasty Weather
The weather is nasty, and the skies are dark. Is that having a negative effect on your loved one with dementia?

What Meds Does She Take?
Learning about the various medications your loved one is taking is very important. I often hear from family members whose loved one is taking one or more medications that are not intended for individuals with dementia. It's time to check!

Building Muscles
Muscles prevent falls, reduce chances for broken bones, decrease bone loss, increase metabolism, and even improve cognition!

Do You Have A Life Box?
Do you have one central safe space for all your valuable paperwork? Is it weather resistant? Who knows of its existence? I cover that on today’s episode.

Thank You Veterans
There are benefits available to veterans and spouses of veterans that help pay for assisted living, memory care, group homes, skilled nursing and in-home care. Today's episode will help you learn a little more about those benefits. Contact me at carol@letstalkdementia.org or Veterans and Families of Florida - www.vffloridda.org .

PROBLEMS
We all face problems daily. HOW we face those problems is key on our overall health and enjoyment of life. Don’t give your problems power!

Which Book Will Help Me Most?
I'm often asked, "Which of your books will help me most in my caregiving journey?" I always respond with, "All of them!" This episode will help you learn what each book is about, but really -- you need them all!!

Let's Talk About Pooping
If regular pooping is an issue for you, today's episode will bring you hope!

You and Your Gut
Have you given much thought to your gut? Maybe you should!

Your Brain, Hearing and Dementia
Just because you “hear” what someone is saying does not mean your brain has processed that information.

LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS AND ANTS...OH NO! "JUST THE BAD ANT"
Do you feel as if your world is filled with stress, anxiety, or tension, and you can't see anything except the "bad" things? Is it hard to find the good things in your world? You might have an infestation of "Just The Bad Ants."