The Disappearing Mind Podcast

The first neurology appointment can feel overwhelming and even a little scary. After months of waiting, unanswered questions, concerns about memory loss, cognitive changes, and the fear of what you might hear, it's natural to feel uncertain about what comes next.This week, we’re revisiting an important episode of The Disappearing Mind where Host and Dementia Coach Dawn Platt breaks down exactly what to expect at that first visit, and how neurologists play a key role in evaluating cognitive decline and diagnosing dementia. You'll learn how to prepare for the visit, what information to bring, important questions to ask, and how to make the most of your time with the specialist.Whether you're seeking answers for yourself or supporting a loved one through the dementia journey, this episode offers practical guidance, caregiver tips, and reassurance. Dawn helps shift the focus from fear to understanding, reminding families that a neurology evaluation is just the beginning of an investigation, not a diagnosis in itself.Interested in learning more about how to prepare and what to expect from the first neurology visit? Download our First Neurology Visit Companion Checklist to help you organize important information, prepare questions, and feel more confident walking into the appointment.

What does person-centered memory care truly look like? In this special episode of The Disappearing Mind, guest host Esmerelda Lee sits down with host Dawn Platt to explore the philosophy, science, and innovation behind Discovery Senior Living’s memory care programs. From preserving personal identity and life stories to leveraging neuroplasticity, behavioral support, and individualized engagement, Dawn shares how programs like SHINE, GLOW, and LUMINESCENCE were designed to meet people where they are and honor who they have always been. Discover why effective memory care goes beyond activities and routines, and how a deep understanding of the individual can transform the experience for residents, families, and caregivers alike.

What inspires someone to dedicate her career to changing the way we care for people living with dementia? In this special episode of The Disappearing Mind, the roles are reversed as Esmerelda Lee interviews longtime host Dawn Platt, exploring the experiences, people, and guiding principles that have shaped Dawn’s decades-long career in memory care.From the importance of honoring each person’s individuality and life story to empowering care professionals and embracing evolving science and technology, Dawn shares what she has learned about creating meaningful, person-centered care and why there is always room for hope.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, leadership, and the future of memory care, and discover why making a difference begins with truly seeing the person behind the diagnosis.

In recognition of Active Aging Week, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with host Dawn Platt and National Director of Resident Engagement, Tamara Bowen. Together, they challenge the myth that fitness and movement are out of reach for older adults, especially those living with dementia. Discover why simple everyday activities like walking, gardening, washing dishes, and folding laundry can support brain health, independence, and overall well-being, and why you don’t need to run a marathon to see meaningful results. Through practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights, Dawn and Tamara reveal how movement can reduce cognitive decline, promote social connection, and bring greater purpose to each day. Small steps, big results. It’s never too late to start.

What if living longer wasn’t the only goal, but living well was? In this special episode of The Disappearing Mind, Esmerelda Lee, Senior Vice President of Operations at Discovery Senior Living, steps in as guest host for a conversation with Tamara Bowen, National Director of Resident Engagement, and John Vogelmeier, Vice President of Culinary Services, about BALANCED, an innovative wellness program at Discovery Senior Living communities designed to bring nutrition, movement, engagement, purpose, and social connection together. Discover the inspiration behind BALANCED, how healthy choices can become meaningful and enjoyable parts of everyday life, and why wellness in senior living is about much more than adding another fitness class or healthy item to the menu. Tune in to hear how a more connected approach to wellness is creating opportunities for residents of all abilities to learn, engage, connect, and thrive.

What might the world feel like through the eyes of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease? In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re revisiting a popular episode from that invites listeners to step into that experience. Through immersive storytelling, host Dawn Platt walks through a day in the life of someone with Alzheimer’s, revealing how familiar surroundings, everyday routines, communication, and even mealtimes can become challenging or confusing. Along the way, Dawn shares compassionate insights to help caregivers and families look beyond behaviors, respond with reassurance rather than correction, and create more moments of comfort and connection. Listen for a powerful shift in perspective that can help caregivers better understand what their loved one may be experiencing and respond with greater patience, confidence, and compassion.

What does it mean to truly understand Alzheimer’s disease, and how can that understanding lead to greater compassion, connection, and hope?In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, we’re revisiting a popular episode from National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Join host Dawn Platt as she explores what Alzheimer’s really is and why it’s about far more than simply forgetting where you put your keys. Discover why someone might vividly recall a memory from decades ago but struggle with a familiar daily task, learn the critical difference between normal aging and signs of Alzheimer’s, and explore why early detection matters.Through real stories and compassionate guidance, Dawn also reveals how music, emotion, and meaningful connection can create moments of joy throughout the journey. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, noticing changes in yourself, or simply want to better understand Alzheimer’s, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical insight while reminding us that even as memories change, love and connection remain.

What happens when a dementia diagnosis changes not just how you see yourself, but how others see you? In recognition of World Alzheimer's Month, host Dawn Platt takes on one of the most overlooked challenges of the dementia journey: stigma. Through heartfelt stories, real-life examples, and practical insights, Dawn explores why fear and misunderstanding often lead people to pull away after a diagnosis, and how we can replace silence with connection, compassion, and understanding. This powerful episode is a reminder that a diagnosis does not erase a person's identity, purpose, or value, and that by changing the way we talk about dementia, we can help ensure that no one faces the journey alone.

When memory changes begin to affect daily life, how do you know whether it's normal aging, a treatable condition, or something more serious? In the third episode of this three-part series, “Living Well With Dementia: A Journey to Thriving,” host Dawn Platt explores the critical question of why getting a dementia diagnosis matters. In recognition of World Alzheimer's Month and this year's theme, "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters," Dawn examines how early detection can help individuals and families better understand cognitive changes, access support sooner, and make informed decisions about the future. From distinguishing normal forgetfulness from warning signs of cognitive decline to uncovering treatable conditions that can mimic dementia, she breaks down the importance of accurate testing, personalized care, and proactive planning. Discover how an early diagnosis can open the door to treatment options, improve quality of life, provide peace of mind for families, and help ensure that you or your loved one are supported throughout the dementia journey.

How can we help someone with dementia hold on to the things that make life meaningful? In the second episode of this three-part series, “Living Well With Dementia: A Journey to Thriving Well,” host Dawn Platt explores the deeply personal side of the dementia journey — finding fulfillment, preserving a sense of self, and continuing to embrace the values, passions, and interests that make each person unique. Through the moving story of an accomplished concert pianist and insights from research on the benefits of mental, social, and physical activity, Dawn offers a compassionate reminder that dementia may change what someone can do, but it doesn’t have to erase who they are. Discover how thoughtful modifications, meaningful engagement, and establishing a routine can help reduce anxiety and depression, support well-being, and create opportunities to keep living — and thriving — with purpose.