In this powerful episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen interviews Lisa Skinner, behavioral specialist and author of the bestselling book Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces. Together, they uncover how families can navigate the emotional terrain of dementia with compassion, awareness, and practical strategies that truly make a difference.
For over three decades, Lisa Skinner has been helping families understand the “why” behind the behaviors of those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Having experienced eight family members with the disease, she brings both professional expertise and heartfelt empathy to her mission — to help people see that even in memory loss, connection is still possible.
Understanding the Secret Faces of Alzheimer’s
In the interview, Lisa explains that dementia presents many “faces” — confusion, fear, agitation, or even aggression — but behind each is a person still trying to communicate. Instead of correcting their reality, she encourages caregivers to “join their reality.”
This counterintuitive approach means meeting your loved one where they are, emotionally and mentally, instead of forcing them back into your own sense of truth. It builds peace instead of resistance.
Lisa’s groundbreaking method has transformed how families interact with loved ones struggling with memory loss, offering them dignity, comfort, and companionship in the process.
Real-Life Stories: From Confusion to Connection
In her book and this podcast, Lisa shares moving stories — like her grandmother’s delusions of birds in her mattress or the man who mistook his own reflection for a friend. These anecdotes help listeners understand that what might appear as “false beliefs” are, in fact, real experiences for the person living with dementia.
Through compassionate caregiving techniques like reminiscence therapy, Lisa shows how recreating familiar environments can restore calm and even joy. For example, she recounts the story of a retired lawyer whose agitation ceased after his caregivers recreated his old law office in his bedroom — allowing him to “return to work” in peace.
The Power of Lifestyle and Prevention
Lisa also emphasizes the growing research connecting lifestyle choices — such as diet, exercise, and sleep — to brain health. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fish, and healthy fats, can reduce the risk of developing dementia. Managing cardiovascular health, hearing loss, and sleep apnea can also make a measurable difference.
Her insights remind us that prevention and awareness begin long before symptoms arise — and that taking care of your brain is a lifelong commitment.
Learn from Lisa: Minding Dementia Training Program
For families and caregivers looking to go deeper, Lisa offers her Minding Dementia Training Program — a six-part, self-paced course packed with tools and strategies to navigate dementia care with confidence.
This training includes a comprehensive workbook and is currently available to Inside Personal Growth listeners for just $97 — a small investment that can profoundly improve the caregiving experience.
Connect with Lisa Skinner
-
Website: DementiaAwarenessSpeaker.com
🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation
You can listen to the full interview with Lisa Skinner on the Inside Personal Growth podcast — a show that empowers listeners with insights from authors, thought leaders, and experts in health, well-being, and personal growth.
Through her stories, Lisa reminds us that even when memories fade, love, connection, and understanding remain timeless.
You may also refer to the transcripts below for the full transcription (not edited) of the interview.
[fusebox_transcript]
Leave a Reply