Anosognosia: Why Your Parent With Dementia Doesn't Know They're Sick | Ep 13

"I'm fine. There's nothing wrong with me. You're the one who's confused." If your parent with dementia has said this, you're not fighting them. You're fighting anosognosia — a brain-based unawareness of illness that shows up in more than half of dementia cases. And it's not denial. Denial is emotional. Anosognosia is anatomical. In this episode, gerontologist Ginell Butler, MAASM, MSA explains what anosognosia is, why arguing about the diagnosis never works, and what does work: the specific communication approach that keeps you connected while keeping her safe. If you've been exhausting yourself trying to make her understand, this episode changes the conversation. You'll learn: • The neuroscience of anosognosia — why it's biological, not stubborn • Why traditional reasoning and confrontation backfire • The "meet the feeling, not the facts" communication approach • How to handle refusal of care, medications, and doctor visits ⭐ Free tool for this episode: Questions to Ask at the Appointment — the specific language to use with the neurologist about lack of insight. Grab it free: senioradvocators.org/library 📞 Book a private consultation with Ginell: senioradvocators.org 🎙️ Ginell Butler, MAASM, MSA — gerontologist, founder of Senior Advocators Inc. This podcast is educational and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. 🔔 New episodes weekly.