The Dementia Deck: Planning with Clarity While You Still Can | S2EP54

Episode Summary: According to Compassion & Choices, one in three older adults will die with dementia. Honey & Santiago introduce The Dementia Deck, a 41-card conversation tool to express your care preferences while clear of mind. They discuss caregiving worries, feeding tubes, late-stage care decisions, and fears about living with dementia.

Essential Question: If you were diagnosed with dementia tomorrow, would your loved ones know what kind of care matters most to you?

Content Warning: This episode discusses dementia and its challenges. If you or someone you love is dealing with dementia, please take care of yourself. This episode introduces a planning tool, not professional help.

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not doctors, therapists, or lawyers.

Key Takeaways:

• 1 in 3 older adults will die with dementia; 14 million Americans by 2050

• Alzheimer's deaths increased 145% while heart disease deaths decreased 9% (last 20 years)

• Dementia Deck has 41 cards for exploring care preferences while clear-minded

• Younger onset dementia can begin in 30s or 40s

• Start with comfort questions (music, hobbies) before heavy care decisions

• As of October 2025, Nevada is only state with dementia-specific advance directive forms

• Other states: use dementia-directive.org form as addendum