Ep. 73 - Alcohol, Brain Health & Dementia: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Rachel Wiley

Have you ever wondered whether your drinking today could affect your brain decades from now? Many women worry about memory changes as they get older but don't realize how closely brain health, alcohol, and everyday lifestyle habits are connected. In this episode, Lindsay sits down with occupational therapist and dementia care specialist Rachel Wiley to explore the relationship between alcohol, cognition, dementia, and healthy aging. Rachel shares her expertise on how the brain changes over time, the lifestyle factors that support long-term cognitive health, and why early awareness matters. Together, they also discuss the often-overlooked impact of caregiving, why caregivers are at higher risk for burnout, and how alcohol can become a coping mechanism during one of life's most stressful seasons. You'll discover: The difference between cognition, cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease The six pillars of brain health and how they support healthy aging Why social connection, sleep, movement, and meaningful activities are essential for cognitive function How alcohol affects sleep, nutrition, exercise, and overall brain health The connection between long-term alcohol use and alcohol-related brain damage What Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is and how it's linked to chronic alcohol use How vascular health, alcohol, and dementia risk are connected The difference between normal age-related memory changes and signs that warrant medical attention Why early cognitive screening and self-advocacy with your healthcare provider are so important How dementia affects not only memory but also communication, balance, behavior, and daily functioning Why caregiver stress is a major health concern and how alcohol can become an unhealthy coping strategy Practical ways caregivers can access support, respite, and resources before reaching burnout Why taking care of the caregiver is one of the most important parts of dementia care Simple lifestyle habits you can start today to support your brain health for years to come If you've ever wondered how alcohol impacts your brain, want to reduce your future dementia risk, or you're currently supporting an aging parent or loved one, this conversation offers practical guidance, hope, and evidence-based insights to help you care for both your brain and the people you love. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Dementia Collaborative – https://DementiaCollaborative.com Explore evidence-based resources, online courses, caregiver education, professional training, consultations, and a directory of occupational therapists specializing in dementia care. Rachel Wiley, OTR/L – https://RachelWileyOT.com Learn more about Rachel's work as an occupational therapist, dementia care educator, speaker, and consultant, and access additional educational resources and professional services. Support the show Here's how you can stay connected: 🗓️ Schedule a 30-minute Discovery Call 👩‍💻 Sign-up for Feel Good AF Coaching 📱Follow along on Instagram 📰 Subscribe to the Feel Good AF newsletter And remember, Lindsay is a sober coach, not a health professional. If you are chemically dependent on alcohol (or think you might be), consult your doctor on the steps you need to take to safely detox. Intro/Outro Music Credit: Cozy Lofi Beat - Split memmories by Idoberg Sober curious women. Quit drinking without AA, How to quit drinking for High Achieving women.