Connecting Across the Gap: Practical Ways to Talk to Loved Ones with Dementia

Are you or someone you care about struggling to connect with a family member living with dementia? It can be heartbreaking when conversations get tough, and many of us worry about saying the wrong thing or jumping in awkwardly.

Brent is joined by psychologist and dementia researcher Dr Nikki-Anne Wilson (UNSW and Neuroscience Research Australia) to explore practical, compassionate ways to make your chats more meaningful. Dr Wilson breaks down why background noise and multitasking make cognitive processing harder, why avoiding harsh factual corrections reduces distress, and how validating emotions and reminiscing can bring deeper connection. Whether you're navigating early-stage memory loss or looking for ways to keep daily chats respectful and comforting, this episode offers indispensable advice for every family.

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