When you get into your 60s, forgetting someone’s name isn’t easy to laugh off anymore. It often brings up real fears of losing your mind due to Alzheimer’s. That’s why I’m happy to share this conversation with a dementia expert who explains the difference between normal aging and real cognitive decline.

Behavioral specialist Lisa Skinner reveals the surprising list of treatable conditions that often get misdiagnosed as dementia. We also talk about what the newest research actually says about reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, why learning a new language or instrument genuinely protects your brain, and how to support a loved one who’s struggling with compassion instead of correction. This is a conversation about healing in midlife and how to trade vague fear for real information, and real information for peace of mind.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The real difference between a “memory hiccup” and an actual warning sign of cognitive decline
• Treatable conditions — including thyroid imbalances, UTIs, and Lyme disease — that are routinely mistaken for Alzheimer’s
• What the 2024 Lancet Commission’s research means for your ability to lower your own dementia risk by up to 45%
• Why learning a new language or instrument does more for your brain than any puzzle app
• How to support a loved one showing signs of decline without arguing them out of their reality

About Lisa Skinner
Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist and certified dementia care trainer with more than 30 years of experience guiding families and caregivers through the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. She is the two-time #1 bestselling author of “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost and Truth” and “Lies & Alzheimer’s — Its Secret Faces.” Lisa also hosts both the Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s podcast and television show, where she’s built a library of more than 165 episodes dedicated to replacing myths about dementia with accurate, compassionate information.

Connect with Lisa

• Website: https://www.mindingdementia.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaSkinnerOfficial
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaskinnerauthor/
• Book: Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost

Resources & links mentioned:

• Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — 800.272.3900
• 2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention (14 modifiable risk factors, up to 45% potential risk reduction)
• Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s podcast and TV show — 165+ episodes on mindingdementia.com
• Watch more conversations like this one, completely free, on New Reality TV. Consciousness, healing, the paranormal, the unexplained, all in one place. Available on Roku, FireTV, iOS, and Android. newrealitytv.com

Design Your Life, Your Way – next steps:

• Book a Strategic Clarity Session with Gloria: tidycal.com/gloria3/power-call
• If this episode spoke to you, leave us a review.
• Follow/subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
• Share this with a friend who’s navigating transition, reinvention, or a fresh start after 50.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn @GloriaGraceRand to continue the conversation about midlife, meaning, and living on purpose.