At the window with Dementia

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An informative and often candid perspective of dementia from the standpoint of a Nurse Practitioner specializing in dementia, a family member of many people with dementia and someone who is concerned that in the future I may develop dementia.

Laura Banner


    • Dec 14, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 12m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from At the window with Dementia

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 48 "Dementia - when their filter is GONE!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 14:35


    This episode explores when a person with dementia makes socially insensative or inappropriate comments. When they lose their awareness of what they say.  I talk about what I have personally experienced and how it felt and how I responded. 

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 47 "Strategy to enjoy the holidays - Manage your expectations"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 11:29


    This episode discusses how you can change your approach to the holiday season so that both you and your LO will have a more enjoyable time.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 46 "If you're struggling to find hope during the holiday season know you aren't alone"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 10:22


    Thanksgiving is a holiday of hope and giving thanks. What if you can't find something to be grateful for?  Listening to this episode will hopefully help you find peace, hope and maybe even something to be thankful for.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 45 "Depression and Dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 15:45


    So many seniors have undiagnosed and untreated depression.  Perhaps your LO with dementia also has depression.  Depression can impact memory and make their dementia appear much move advanced then it may truly be.This episode addresses how to approach the topic with your LO and what can be done."Senior Living: Taking back your Golden Years" (on Amazon) is a book written by Laura Banner and her daughter Kelly Rasmovich.  This book can help your LO find joy and purpose at a time in their life that they thought it wasn't possible. 

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 44 "Dementia and Falls"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 14:47


    A single fall can be all it takes to have your LO go from being independent to requiring 24/7 supervision and assistance.  This podcast episode will help you to identify risks factors for falls and ways to help with fall prevention.  It's packed with useful information that can make a real difference in you and your LO's life!

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 43 "Understanding the sounds of dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 9:47


    Do you struggle to understand what your LO is trying to communicate through their sounds and nonverbal communication? This episode sheds light on the challenge.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 42 "Dementia and Fur Babies"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 12:40


    Pets have a special way of becoming a part of our family. The amount of love, companionship and sense of purpose they offer to someone living with dementia is immeasurable.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 41 "Changing the way dementia impacts YOU"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 12:54


    What's your New Year's resolution? Mine is to change how dementia has impacted my life, my attitude and my own health. This episode talks about the importance of taking control of your life and not surrendering it to the devastating disease of dementia.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 40 "Dementia - Finding the joy in what is"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 8:27


    So often we compare our present with our past. Unfortunately by doing this we miss out on what IS. This episode offers a new perspective.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 39 "How simplicity can reduce stress"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 7:51


    The old adage "less is more" is true! Find out how the simple act of decluttering can reduce both you and your LO's stress.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 38 "Caregiver tip - When it's time to write it down"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 12:20


    Sometimes it seems like everyone is on the "same page" only to be surprised when your LO has a completely different recall of a previous conversation. Sometimes it's no problem, but sometimes this can cause some uncomfortable feelings. Listen to Episode #38 to hear my experience and my suggestion of how to avoid this from happening to you.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 37 "What is a dementia mimic"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 15:17


    This episode takes a deep dive into the most common "mimics" of dementia. It discusses what causes other than dementia can cause memory impairment to the point of actually looking just like "dementia". This is the follow up to Episode #36.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 36 "Is it dementia or a dementia mimic that's causing memory loss"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 13:54


    Sometimes memory loss may appear to be dementia but in fact it's a dementia mimic. Dementia is progressive, nonreversible memory loss but a dementia mimic can be treated and then from that point forward memory will improve. This episode talks about when a mimic looks just like dementia. Be sure to check out next week's episode (#37) to learn more about dementia mimics.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 35 "Caregiver Tuesday Tips"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 10:12


    How do you prepare for the holidays when a loved on has dementia. Caregiver Tuesday Tips provides good advise to help make the holidays less stressful for you and your LO.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 34 "The ugly side of dementia caregiving"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 19:14


    A raw and honest conversation about how being a caregiver can change your outlook.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 33 "The unexpected family of dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 13:40


    Being a caregiver of someone with dementia will likely be the most difficult thing you will ever do. Being part of a support group can offer you the emotional connection you need to help make this otherwise difficult journey a bit less frightening. The bond that is created in the group is like no other and will be something you cherish for the rest of your life. Hear my own personal thoughts about being part of a dementia support group in this episode.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 32 "Nothing is safe when you're a caregiver"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 13:34


    When you are a caregiver of someone with dementia or any other progressive disease you know how your world can be flipped upside down. The 24/7 demands can and DO take a toll on you. This episode is focused on you and your needs.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 31 "Dementia friendly activities for you and your loved one"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 12:22


    At a loss of ideas for activities for your LO with dementia to engage in? Listen to this episode! It will provide you with things to think about and activities to try to make each day a little more enjoyable for you both.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 30 "Are you getting your dementia questions answered"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 13:31


    Too often your doctor's appointment comes and goes before you know it and you leave thinking of all the questions you forgot to ask. This happens to everyone but what do you do when you get home and find yourself needing information? Caregivers do you feel like the time you spend with your LOs healthcare provider leaves you feeling like a knowledgeable caregiver or do you feel like you're left in the dark? This episode is spent on exactly this issue. Listen to ATW episode #30 and hear my personal experience with this issue.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 29 "Looking through the window at dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 13:54 Transcription Available


    In this episode I talk about the importance of having good credible information about dementia and how you can get it.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 28 "Changing seasons with dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 8:43 Transcription Available


    The change of seasons can bring on unexpected confusion to your loved one with dementia. This episode with give you some things to consider as you prepare for the Fall/Autumn season.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 27 "What it means to be a dementia caregiver"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 10:04 Transcription Available


    Until you've been a caregiver, you can't possibly understand what is involved and what you sacrifice in order to care for a loved one. Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is one of the most selfless tasks someone can ever take on. Spend a few minutes and hear what it's all about.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 26 "Dementia Grypes - Observations and Frustrations"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 14:33 Transcription Available


    Dementia Grypes is a series that I started over a year ago on my website https://www.compassionateeducation.comThis podcast is a collection of my top gripes. I spell it will a "y" instead of an "i" because it is all about observations and frustrations that make me ask the question "why".Listen and see what my gripes are and see if you feel that same way.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 25 "Dementia, the disease with two deaths"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 12:39 Transcription Available


    When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, the last thing most people think about is that they will lose their loved one twice. This is one of the unique cruelties of dementia. This episode discusses phenomenon of "crossing over".

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 24 "What you need to know when asking for a memory evaluation"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 11:57 Transcription Available


    Going to see you doctor to ask for a memory evaluation can be a scary and intimidating process. Let me tell you what you need to do and what you need to ask for before going in.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 23 "What to look for in a neurologist"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 16:00 Transcription Available


    This episode will help you know if the neurologist is a good fit for YOU. Not all neurologists are the same and this episode will give you some things to consider when you first meet them.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 22 "The look of the new family unit"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 22:56 Transcription Available


    A reflection of how families tend to grow apart and the resulting implications.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 21 "Keeping treasured memories alive"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 10:32 Transcription Available


    What happens to our fond memories when we stop talking about them? This episode talks about lost memories and what we can do to preserve them.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 20 "When should we consider hospice"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 14:45 Transcription Available


    An episode that discusses the criteria for being appropriate for hospice as well as what it means when hospice joins the care team. Listen to this episode to understand how hospice can offer help and support for the entire family.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 19 "When they forget their words"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 10:55 Transcription Available


    At the window with Dementia - Episode #18 "Menopause, Memory and Dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 18:59 Transcription Available


    This episode explores what happens in a woman's brain during menopause as estrogen levels are decreased, available treatment options and potential long term implications.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 17 "When your loved one with dementia says they want to go home"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 7:09 Transcription Available


    So often people with dementia will tell their family/caregiver that they "want to go home" even when they are home. Learn what this means and how best to manage this issue.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 16 "What's your motivation to avoid dementia?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 12:14 Transcription Available


    This episode explores what motivates individuals to take action. Some people are motivated by money, some are motivated by success and others by fear. Listen to this episode and hear what motivates me.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 15 "How to improve the self-esteem of your loved one with dementia."

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 8:59 Transcription Available


    So many people experience a loss of self-worth and contribution once they develop dementia. This episode discusses how to encourage your loved one with dementia to participate and feel good about what they are able to accomplish.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 14 "Surgery, Anesthesia and Dementia: What you need to know."

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 7:28 Transcription Available


    Information about surgery that you must have! Questions to ask about possible anesthesia options and their potential long term effects.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 13 "The impact of COVID-19 on memory"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 11:03 Transcription Available


    With the current pandemic, many people are complaining of memory problems. Is COVID-19 causing permanent memory impairment? This episode explores the impact of the pandemic on memory.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 12 "Understanding long term memory"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2020 8:12 Transcription Available


    An explanation of what long term (LT) memory is and how it is preserved in the setting of early and moderate dementia. Understanding LT memory can help with ways to interact with a person with dementia.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 11 "Why B vitamins are important to brain health"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2020 23:49 Transcription Available


    An explanation about the important role that B vitamins play in maintaining good brain health. A special focus of B6, B9 and B12 and how they can impact memory.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 10 "Is it time to stop driving?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 10:16 Transcription Available


    No one wants to address the issue of driving safety with their loved one with dementia. How do you know when it's time to have them stop driving? This episode provides insight about when and how to handle this difficult topic.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 9 "Are they listening?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 7:03 Transcription Available


    Do you wonder why your loved one asks the same question over and over again? What if it's not just because of impaired memory recall? A discussion of an alternative cause.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 8 "Why are they laughing?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 11:06 Transcription Available


    Have you noticed your loved one laughing at unusual times or in response to a question? This episode takes a look at possible reasons why they may be laughing, even when it's not in response to something funny.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 7 "Let's talk hallucinations"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 12:26 Transcription Available


    An explanation of what a hallucination actually is and when it is and isn't appropriate to treat them.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 6 "CBD and Dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 11:44 Transcription Available


    A discussion about the pros and cons of using CBD oil to treat symptoms of dementia.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 5 "Should I get genetic testing for Alzheimer's"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 11:29 Transcription Available


    A conversation addressing the implications of DNA testing for Alzheimer's. Should you get tested or not and what do you do with the results if you do get tested?

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 4 "Nutrition and Hydration"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 18:18 Transcription Available


    A discussion about the unique nutritional and hydration needs for individuals with dementia.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 3 "Changing your location"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 9:29 Transcription Available


    Why it is so important to understand the world they live in instead of trying to make them fit into your's.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 2 "Window Perspectives"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 7:15 Transcription Available


    An explanation of how being "at the window" is actually a metaphor for different perspectives of dementia.

    At the window with Dementia - Episode 1 "An introduction to dementia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 17:05 Transcription Available


    An brief overview of what dementia actually is and what it isn't.

    At the window with Dementia - Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 1:57


    Welcome to At the window with Dementia! This podcast will provide weekly episodes that include both clinical information and resources about dementia as well as answer questions like "why is this happening" and "what should I expect next" and everything in between.Please subscribe so you don't miss a single podcast episode. I have a lot to say!

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