This episode explores why people with dementia often experience significant weight loss and changes in eating and drinking habits. Kelly explains how aging can affect eat and drinking, as well as how dementia can disrupt hunger and thirst signals, sensory processing, and the brain's ability to complete the steps involved in eating. She includes practical strategies to simplify mealtimes, prevent dehydration, and reduce caregiver stress.

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https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources

https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/home-life/eating-and-dementia

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/living-with-dementia/changes-eating-habits-food-preference

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NhWnrr-bvx0B-bwux9JRzUaF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbJElVmccAgy8omnYc4mqN8eYv6EEpVG6CDSPovQC4NZPdFyNcBQEisaAsHQEALw_wcB

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

When a loved one refuses their medications, it can feel like an emergency. The risks are real, the pressure is immediate, and the instinct to push for compliance is strong. But in many cases, that resistance is not about defiance—it’s communication. In this episode, Kelly breaks down what’s really behind medication refusal in memory loss, and guides us through methods focusing on protecting both safety and dignity, offering a more effective way to navigate these moments without escalating conflict or damaging trust.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources:

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/medical/parent-refusing-medication/

https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/senior-health/elderly-parent-wont-take-medication?srsltid=AfmBOoqVi7cqZ_fmYk3NlUY5Ebcup3fZfdLOlpzP1V9NC7NT18G5-8ap

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

In this episode, Kelly challenges the idea that cognitive activities like puzzles and card games are always beneficial for loved ones with dementia. She explains that as the disease progresses, these activities can create feelings of being tested rather than included, leading to withdrawal and disconnect. Kelly offers practical strategies for adapting activities and communication so loved ones feel valued, contributing, and connected rather than measured.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/dementia-tasks-activities/

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/family-activities

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NgGjuKB4Dw1mGyJDvnDGMqxl&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNrwtO_DChShBVoX_S2UtM2o7ZVpHaXZnPK5aa2Z-AP8NB16rxpOVQNBoCZ84QAvD_BwE

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.