Real Health with Karl Henry

A neuroscientist’s guide to caring for someone with dementia

6 snips
Jul 17, 2025
Sabina Brennan, a neuroscientist and psychologist, is the author of 'Still Me,' focusing on dementia care. She discusses the different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and how they affect families. Brennan also emphasizes the importance of cognitive stimulation for patients and self-care for caregivers. With 40% of Alzheimer’s cases linked to modifiable risk factors, she provides insights on how lifestyle choices can impact outcomes. Personal stories share the emotional challenges faced by caregivers, highlighting their need for support.
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INSIGHT

Understanding Dementia Types

  • Dementia symptoms come from various brain diseases, not just one condition. Alzheimer's is the most common type, but there are others like vascular and Lewy body dementia.
  • Different dementias have distinct causes and symptoms, requiring specific understanding for proper care and diagnosis.
ADVICE

Brain-Healthy Lifestyle Importance

  • Adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle to delay or reduce dementia symptoms even if you have the disease.
  • Lifestyle factors have a bigger impact than genetics and can change the disease's trajectory significantly.
ADVICE

Empowerment Over Doing For

  • Do not do everything for a person with dementia; empower them to maintain independence.
  • Balance support with allowing them to do daily activities to preserve function and confidence.
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