September 4, 2025

Betraying the Caregiver: When Family and Friends' Misperceptions Make Them Turn Away

In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, host Dawn Platt launches a powerful new series on dementia stigma with a heartbreaking yet eye-opening conversation. Meet Mary, a devoted daughter who cared for her mother with vascular dementia, only to face accusations, judgment, and social rejection from the very people who should have offered support. When her mother's friends began questioning Mary's motives and even believing confabulations and false accusations of abuse, Mary found herself defending not just her caregiving choices, but her character and love for her mother. This raw, emotional episode reveals the hidden pain families endure when dementia's cruel effects turn loved ones against their caregivers—and exposes how misunderstanding and denial can devastate those who need compassion most. A must-listen for anyone touched by dementia or those who want to truly understand what families face behind closed doors.