5 Shocking Facts About Dementia I Wish Everyone Knew

🚨 5 Shocking Facts About Dementia I Wish Everyone Knew 🚨

Did you know dementia isn’t just about memory loss? Or that some common assumptions about dementia are totally wrong? 🤯 In this video, I’m sharing 5 shocking truths about dementia that will change how you think about it—and how you can support loved ones living with it. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or just curious, these facts will leave you thinking differently—and inspire you to make a difference.

💥 Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ The surprising reality about dementia treatments (and what’s coming soon!)
✅ Why dementia isn’t just memory problems—it’s MUCH more.
✅ Common dementia behaviors (and why they don’t happen to everyone).
✅ How caregivers make it look like “everything is fine” when it’s not.
✅ The power of treating people with dementia with dignity and respect.

🎯 Why this matters:
Understanding dementia helps create a more compassionate, dementia-friendly world. It’s about supporting caregivers and loved ones while breaking harmful myths. 🌟

💬 Join the conversation! What’s one thing YOU wish people understood about dementia? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🎥 Videos To Learn More:

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🔗 YouTube Playlists To Explore:

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#dementia #DementiaCare #DementiaSupport #CaregiverSupport #DementiaHelp #CaregivingTips #careblazers #elderlycare

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DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Full details here:
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I'm Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist specializing in older adults. One day, while hiking a trail, I came up with the idea for Careblazers and I decided to see if posting videos online could provide help to the many other Careblazers in the world who don’t get to have help come directly to them in their homes.
Our mission is to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, frontotemporal, Lewy body, vascular, or any other type of dementia. We believe that to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we provide free educational videos like this one, so anyone with an internet connection can access dementia care information.

[sallieschuetz]

Oh boy you hit the nail right on the head. People tell me my husband seems fine and they don’t see his dementia and it really gets under my skin.

[joanne]

Unfortunately, when the loved one "seems fine" or "looks fine", people don't consider the work that we, as caregivers, have put into the process to promote, foster and keep the life of the loved one in a level of homeostasis. Everything appears as fine and there are no problems or issues, and the caregiver is forgotten. Seldom are we offered any help. Moreover, the appearance of "fine" seems to put us in the realm of exaggerating the disease. It's sad that there is little awareness or a desire to learn about the vast array of day to day issues that aspire and creep up out of nowhere--- yet we keep giving our hearts and souls to make our loved ones feel loved, comfortable and important while they live out this dreadful disease. Yes, a series on this would be most helpful. God Bless You for your love and inspiration in helping us.

[markchin]

Some helpful techniques to alleviate, but not cure, dementia include:
1. Good dementia daycare,
2. Proper and regular medication,
3. Adequate & appropriate diet,
4. Essential personal hygiene and a good living environment,
5. Adequate sleep and no deprivation of rest.
6. Spiritual care (religious or otherwise),
7. Good social interaction with good humour and appropriate distractions,
8. Help for caregiver in all his or her needs - dignity, care, love, time off, food and entertainment, spiritual - daily and personally.
Thank you for this new video, Dr. Natalie!❤
From Singapore 🇸🇬

[RayneRuth]

Thank you for mentioning the feelings of those in our care. I am a caregiver, and a witness to caregiving delivered by others. I have witnessed some caregivers impose their will on people with dementia. I observed a caregiver force their parent's jaw open, then force food into their mouth. I have seen a caregiver physically manhandle and force a patient from their bed, then force them to sit on the toilet. I have heard caregivers say things like, "She's just being dramatic, she doesn't really need help with that." Even a caregiver's dismissive behavior is making a choice on behalf of the care recipient. I witnessed caregivers withhold a critical medication, because they claimed that it was causing a side effect that incovenienced the caregiver. We can be frustrated, we can be angry, we can be exhausted, and we can be impatient. But our feelings do not justify manhandling human beings or forcing them, against their will, to be put in situations they do not want to be in. There is no way that anyone will convince me that people with dementia cannot feel the genuine intent behind the type of interactions I described. There is zero dignity in substandard care.

[kayokolindenberger]

Another great video! My mom had vascular dementia, and I wished some of her friends understood that just because she remembers them but can't remember how to cook, take a shower or do the laundry, doesn't mean that she doesn't have dementia. Thank you Dr. Natali! 🙏

[JessDeeganIIPhD]

You live with two people, one you know and one who you do not!

[pintsizestories]

Thank you for this video. My husband's executive function was the thing most impaired but that is not apparent to those who don't spend much time with him. Only after many years has his memory started to deteriorate. No. 4 - so true. My husband could not live independently but because I "prop" him up on a regular basis, he can seem fine if someone is visiting. The other thing with his memory is that it is so unpredictable. Things you would think would be important to him can be unretrievable but other less important things can be super clear to him. I never know what he remembers.

[lunasalco]

Couldn't agree more with the last 2 minutes! Noone who is on the outside looking in will ever see how much work and effort goes into making someone with dementia look presentable to there family/friends who come to visit.

[KarenGreene]

I’m in mild stage, I enjoy listening to you. Any information you can give us is appreciated

[nancymandle]

yes, a series, please. Topic suggestions: the difficult behaviors (throwing things, violence, trying to escape, etc.).
MAID does not apply to the dementia patient
Family will likely drain their savings.
This will likely be a very long journey - 10+ years, so get prepared
Opting out of helping your family should not be an option - this will be the most difficult, life-changing experience for the primary caregiver, and could absolutely take away some of their life options (career, hobbies, education, impact on their relationships with partners and friends, etc.

[jacqui]

I wish that I knew how the final decline can come on super suddenly. My mother was her normal stage 6, entering stage 7, and totally lost her ability to swallow at dinner on a Friday. She entered hospice the next day. I also wish that I knew that not all who cannot swallow lose the desire to eat and drink-- they just cannot do it, and usually artificial hydration and nutrition is not allowed in hospice. She endured a horrific 12 days, never losing consciousness. Last, I wish that I knew that end stage behaviors can be clues that there is not much time left; I would have had infinitely more patience with my mom understanding that she truly could not control many of the movements that her body was doing. She would scoot off of the sofa, for instance, and end up on the floor repetitively. I asked her why she was doing that out of exasperation one day, and she told me that she didn't know why she was and that she just wanted to sit and rest, but her body wouldn't let her.

[kathleenguerin]

This almost makes me cry to hear. My kids don’t see my husband that often and he seems “fine”to them. They have no idea what goes on when they aren’t here and if I try to tell them they don’t want to hear it. They get on me if I seem stressed or cranky. 😢

[Joe-rbju]

I got to spend a wonderful day with my mother. I just enjoyed crying and getting to hold her hand. Letting her know how proud I am of her. In a few moments of clarity she would make a joke.

My sister used her access to her money to steal everything, literally. Stoped paying for my mom’s care let alone visiting her. Please protect your loved ones from exploitation. I have no idea how she even has access to my mom still, let alone power of attorney.

My mom gives me so much joy. I wish could give a piece of it anytime a caregiver feels isolated or overwhelmed.
Ty 4 video

[encryptedme]

I would love to hear more like this! It made me feel better just knowing that other ppl are having the same thoughts! There are days I feel like I'm crazy bc my mother can be so normal and handle things with other ppl or Drs and I'm shaking my head!

[kathynall]

I wish our politicians and insurance companies and people who control money for things like medicaid knew how impossible it is to get support and how important it is to straighten this out.

[AnnSteeves]

Love this so much!! this was so incredibly validating and helpful. I loved your last point and especially 7:10 "dignity in care is crucial" absolutely! Thank you for making such great content!

[TimTim-ruj]

Yes. I wish more people understood that behaviors and uglyness, refusals, and alot of things are because of the disease and brain damage and not the person purposly being ugly or defiant. For people to not take a defensive stance, but rather a proactive stance and different approach to solve the issue or task at hand !

[seltzer]

I wish people would visit the loved one with dementia even if they seem to not be with it. They know who does all the work. Other family members need to CARE and visit not just give excuses for not being there and patronizing the caregiver.

[bzh]

Thank you. I didn’t have anything like this when both my parents were sick. I’m so happy to see more information like this available to caregivers and patients now.

[jesusisGod]

That asking questions can give the loved one with dementia frustration and anxiety.