Brian Can't Stop Fact-checking His Mother-In-Law

This episode of "Proxy" addresses the emotional challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Brian Reed, a journalist and podcast host, shares his struggles with fact-checking and correcting his mother-in-law, who lives with his family and suffers from dementia. Psychologist Claudia Drossel, an expert in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), offers insights into managing the anger and frustration that many dementia caregivers experience. Drossel emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting these difficult emotions rather than suppressing them, and explores how caregivers can identify their limits and find sustainable ways to provide care without sacrificing their own well-being. The discussion also covers practical strategies, such as cognitive diffusion, to reduce the impact of negative thoughts.