Table of contents
Dr. Krystal D. Mize of Florida Gulf Coast University explains posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a less common form of dementia that often affects vision and how the brain makes sense of what we see before it affects memory, and shares practical advice for families caring at home.
What this interview covers
- What PCA is and how it differs from the dementia most families expect
- What every family should understand after a diagnosis
- Living alone with dementia and the role of a care partner
- The early signs a family needs more help, and what good support at home looks like
- How family caregivers can look after themselves, and why speaking up for your loved one matters
- Biomarkers, diagnosis, planning accommodations and where to learn more about PCA
Chapters
- 0:00 Preview
- 0:29 Welcome and introductions
- 2:01 What drew Dr. Mize to dementia work
- 4:09 What families feel and want to know first
- 6:17 What every family should understand after a diagnosis
- 9:36 Living alone with dementia and the role of a care partner
- 11:35 Early signs a family needs more help
- 13:26 What good support at home looks like
- 15:51 How family caregivers can look after themselves
- 18:45 PCA research and why awareness matters
- 25:10 How our understanding of dementia has changed
- 27:40 Biomarkers, diagnosis and planning accommodations
- 30:19 One dementia myth families should stop believing
- 31:29 One step to take this week
- 33:18 Where to learn more about PCA
- 34:41 Who else to talk to in the PCA field
- 36:35 Thank you and closing
About the expert
Dr. Krystal D. Mize, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, where she directs the Everything Lab. Her research and educational outreach focus on posterior cortical atrophy.
About this interview
Interview by Ella Krane, Research and Interview Intern, University of Southern California. Hosted by Kingsley C. Mbaeze, Dementia Companions. Part of our Dementia Expert Interviews series: practical advice from dementia experts for families caring at home. See all interviews on YouTube.
Read the article: When dementia does not begin with memory loss, by Ella Krane.
Caring for someone with dementia at home in Florida?
Dementia Companions is Florida’s dementia-only caregiver service. We send 3 caregiver video profiles within 48 hours, free. Companion care is non-medical help at home, $35 an hour · minimum 25 hours a week. Call (689) 333-6079 or get 3 free caregiver video profiles. You can also read our free family guide.
This interview is general information, not medical advice. Please talk to your loved one’s doctor about their care. For free help any time, call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Want a companion screened for dementia care experience?
We'll send 3 caregiver video profiles within 48 hours, so you can watch their video interviews before you decide. $35 an hour, minimum 25 hours a week, no long-term contract. Stop anytime with 7 days’ notice.
