In this important and eye-opening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia care: changes in perception and how they impact daily life. Lisa explains how dementia can affect the brain’s ability to properly interpret information gathered through sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. What may appear to others as confusion, stubbornness, or irrational behavior is often the result of the brain misinterpreting reality. Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about: The difference between misperceptions, misidentifications, visuospatial difficulties, and hallucinationsWhy dark rugs, shiny floors, patterns, mirrors, and shadows can become frightening or confusing for someone living with dementiaHow dementia affects depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and the ability to recognize objects and peopleCommon environmental triggers that can increase anxiety and fearSimple changes caregivers can make to create a safer, calmer, and more supportive living environmentRespectful ways to respond when a loved one is experiencing a different reality Lisa also shares practical caregiving tips for reducing distress, improving communication, and avoiding unintentional shame or frustration when supporting someone experiencing these changes. From lighting and flooring choices to the use of contrasting colors and calming reassurance techniques, this episode provides real-world strategies caregivers can begin using immediately. Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that people living with dementia are not intentionally being difficult. Their brain is processing the world differently, and understanding that reality is one of the most compassionate things we can do as caregivers and loved ones. In This Episode: Understanding visual and sensory misperceptionsHallucinations and dementia-related perception changesWhy dark colors and shiny floors can trigger fearCreating dementia-friendly spaces at homeCommunication strategies for caregiversSupporting loved ones with empathy and dignity Resources & Support Learn more about dementia education and caregiver resources at: Minding Dementia About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. 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