Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects a person’s ability to communicate. Unlike aphasia caused by stroke or brain injury, PPA develops gradually and worsens over time, impacting speech, reading, writing, and language comprehension.

In this episode, we clarify common misconceptions surrounding aphasia and dementia, including why aphasia itself is not dementia — but how PPA can be a ...

Agnosia is a lesser-known but deeply impactful neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets sensory information — even when the senses themselves are functioning normally. In this episode, we explore what agnosia is, how it presents in dementia, and why it can be so distressing for both individuals and caregivers.

Listeners will gain insight into:

1. ...

In this episode of The Truth Lies & Alzheimer’s, we break down what dementia really is, how it affects the brain, and why understanding the differences between various types of dementia is so important for families, caregivers, and professionals.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of progressive neurological conditions that impact memory, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. While some cognitive changes ...

In this episode of, we’re joined by Louis Swart, Business Coach for Coaches and Founder of Ironbrij, for a thoughtful conversation on how AI can be used to preserve memories and voices for loved ones living with dementia.

Louis shares how families can use AI to create living memory books, where gentle, guided questions help loved ones share their stories—recorded in their own voice. These recordings can become meaningful keepsakes t...

In this episode of Minding Dementia, we continue our conversation about how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed today. While a definitive diagnosis can still only be confirmed through autopsy, modern medical tools now allow physicians to diagnose Alzheimer’s with up to 90% accuracy while a person is living.

Building on our previous discussion about PET scans, this episode walks through the additional diagnostic tools doctors use to bet...

In this episode, we explore one of the most common questions families ask during the Alzheimer’s diagnostic process: How accurate are PET scans? We explain what an amyloid PET scan looks for, what the results can and cannot tell you, and why PET scans are only one part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

You’ll also learn how PET scans work alongside cognitive testing, MRI and CT scans, biomarkers, and medical history to help pr...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired.

In today’s episode, Lisa discusses talking to your children about Alzheiemer’s disease. Many of the highlights of this episode include:

• Tips on how to approach the topic effectively.  
• How to best prepare your child to visit a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Talk to them about what they might experie...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired.

In today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's show, Lisa goes into depth about how effective communication is key to working with Alzheimer's disease and dementia sufferers. Probably the most difficult challenge for family members and caregivers to overcome is the ability to understand what people who are livin...

In this episode, we explore one of the lesser-known but deeply impactful experiences people living with dementia may face the “Stranger in the Mirror” phenomenon. This occurs when a person no longer recognizes their own reflection and instead believes they are seeing a stranger, a visitor, or even a new friend.

Through the true story of Harold and his wife, Nancy, we take a heartfelt and enlightening look at how this phenomenon...

In this follow-up segment, Lisa dives into a second set of myths that often lead to misunderstanding and stigma around dementia. These myths cover topics beyond memory, including work ability, daily decision-making, communication, behavior, cultural differences, supplements, technology use, and the belief that dementia is a psychological issue rather than a medical one.

Lisa breaks down each myth with practical truths that help fami...

In this episode, Lisa breaks down the most widespread myths and misunderstandings surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Each myth is paired with the real truth—clearly explained—to help families and caregivers better understand what dementia is, what it isn’t, and how to respond with confidence and compassion.

Key Takeaway:

Understanding the truth behind these myths empowers families, caregivers, and communities to provide be...

As we head into the holiday season—a period filled with unique stressors and deeper family interactions—we’re revisiting this encore episode. Its insights remain as impactful and timely as when it originally aired.

The Holiday Season is that special time of year for us to celebrate with our family and friends through sharing precious time together and creating lifelong memories. Many families struggle with the decision as to whether...

Falls are one of the most common—and preventable—risks for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses. In this episode, Lisa dives into the critical topic of fall prevention and how caregivers can create safer, more supportive environments for their loved ones.

Drawing insights from the Fall Prevention Foundation, Lisa explores why people with dementia are more prone to falls, what environmental chang...

In this episode, Lisa explores one of the most challenging and misunderstood symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease — aphasia, the loss of language and communication abilities that often accompanies dementia.

Through a touching real-life story from her book Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces, Lisa introduces us to Harvey in “The Pill Box Story.” Harvey’s daughter believed her father could no longer understand or care for hims...

In this episode, host Lisa Skinner shares a powerful and personal story from her book Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces, titled “The Birds in the Mattress.” Through this real-life account, Lisa explores the frightening and often misunderstood world of paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions experienced by those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Listeners will learn:

• Why individuals living with dementia ...

In this enlightening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, host Lisa Skinner welcomes Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an insightful author, speaker, and clinician, for a heartfelt discussion on the true meaning of empathy and how it differs from sympathy.

Together, they explore how understanding this difference can profoundly impact the way we support those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia — as well as their ...

In this enlightening episode, we explore one of the most powerful and relatable ways to understand what happens in the brain of a person living with dementia — The Light Switch Analogy.

Lisa explains how the brain’s “short-term memory switch” begins to flicker as Alzheimer’s or related dementias progress, causing confusion, disorientation, and unpredictable behaviors. Through this vivid analogy, she helps care partners and families ...

Sundowning is a pattern of late-day confusion and changed behavior that can intensify anxiety, pacing, wandering, and agitation for a person living with dementia. In this episode, we unpack what sundowning looks like, why it happens, and practical ways care partners can reduce stress and keep evenings calmer. We also share “The Sundowning Story” of Jack, whose late-day distress eased after the right support and environment were in ...

In this important episode, host Lisa Skinner explores a deeply concerning issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide — elder abuse. With compassion and clarity, Lisa explains the many forms this abuse can take, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps can be taken to prevent or report it.

Every person, regardless of age, deserves to live free from harm, neglect, and exploitation. Yet, according to the Centers fo...