Unlocking Strength Within: Vulnerability, Misinformation, and the Power of Pause
Living with dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia brings many changes — not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone around them. This presentation, which is part of APDA’s Unlocking Strength Within series, explores how the shifts in thinking and decision-making that come with dementia can make individuals more vulnerable to misinformation, impulsiveness, and scams.
Guest speaker Brandi Hackett, LCSW, C-ASWCM, a licensed clinical social worker and Director of Support Services with the Lewy Body Dementia Association, will explain the emotional, psychological, and neurological factors that contribute to these risks — and more importantly, how we can respond. Through real-life examples, Brandi will share ways to:
• identify potential scams
• ask the right questions
• reduce risks
• strengthen support systems
• build resilience for both individuals and their care partners
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Brandi Hackett, LCSW
Brandi Hackett, LCSW, serves as Director of Support Services at the Lewy Body Dementia Association, where she offers guidance and compassion to individuals living with LBD, their care partners — past and present — and LBDA volunteers nationwide. With two decades of experience in geriatric social work, Brandi brings a broad background in skilled nursing, case management, end-of-life support, and insurance navigation. She is a published author in the Journal for Certified Senior Advisors, recognized for her insights on “Compassion Fatigue,” and an experienced educator who leads workshops on dementia sensitivity, LBD awareness, and accessing community resources. Passionate about enriching lives both professionally and personally, Brandi is an avid home cook who delights in experimenting with new recipes—sometimes testing out 10 in a single week.