When Memory Fades: Navigating Dementia From Early Signs to Later Care | Dr. Nathaniel Chin

An Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis can leave families unsure of what comes next. In his new book, Dr. Nathaniel Chin offers families a guide to navigating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, from the first signs of memory loss to the later stages of care. Chin, the medical director and clinical core co-lead of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Medicine, hosts the podcast “Dementia Matters.” `He wrote “When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia” after his father’s diagnosis changed his career and he became one of his father’s primary caregivers. The book offers practical guidance on recognizing early symptoms, navigating medical exams, holding family meetings, building routines and maintaining connection as the disease progresses. In the conversation with Being Patient founder, Deborah Kan, Chin shared guidance from “When Memory Fades,” including how families can approach early symptoms, why people should be prepared before pursuing biomarker testing, and how routines, habits and advance care planning can help people live with more stability and dignity. He also discussed the promise and limits of new Alzheimer’s blood tests and treatments, the importance of building brain resilience in the early stages, and the need for honest conversations about what families may face as the disease progresses. --- If you loved watching this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/ Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_   Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices   Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers   LinkedIn:   / being-patient   Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/ --- 0:00 Introduction 1:13 Dr. Chin’s personal experience with his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis 3:24 Did medical knowledge make diagnosis harder to accept? 5:43 How Dr. Chin’s family approached denial and acceptance 7:19 What an Alzheimer’s diagnosis looks like today 10:33 APOE4, MCI, and steps families can take early on 15:24 Are Alzheimer’s blood tests available for people with MCI? 16:54 Should people without symptoms get Alzheimer’s blood tests? 21:29 The promise and limits of anti-amyloid treatments 24:59 Why routines and habits matter in Alzheimer’s care 27:44 The final stage of Alzheimer’s and end-of-life changes 32:50 Why Dr. Chin wrote When Memory Fades 35:14 Closing thoughts and where to learn more