Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast

Family caregiving is a profound and complex journey, particularly when faced with dementia or terminal illnesses. In this podcast episode, a replay of a Books & Chit Chat discussion, we delve into the experiences of Malia Kline, co-author of "Sisterly Shove." She shares her heartfelt story of caring for her aging parents and the intricate dynamics encountered with her physician sister and co-author Diane Stinson.  Malia’s caregiving journey begins with her family grappling with the twin burdens of her father’s dementia and her mother’s pancreatic cancer. Malia and Diane had differing views on their care, which involved moving each parent cross-country from one sister’s care to the other’s. Diane, a pathologist, believed different medical decisions could extend their lives. Malia wished them relief from suffering even if it resulted in death. However, these differing perspectives did not create a chasm between them; instead, they brought the sisters closer in their shared mission. Writing a book with alternating chapters from each perspective helped in this process.  For Malia, writing "Sisterly Shove" with Diane was not just a story-telling endeavor but a therapeutic journey. The collaborative process allowed them to alternate writing and editing chapters, facilitating understanding and maintaining their relationship. Their book provides an intimate perspective on caregiving challenges, sibling dynamics, and their fight against the medical establishment. Through excerpts read during the podcast, we gain insights into how the sisters' different approaches reflected their childhood personalities and shaped their caregiving strategies. Malia emphasizes the importance of journaling and writing as tools for preserving memories and coping with the complex emotions of caregiving. In this episode, you will: Understand the impact of dementia on the entire family dynamic, not just the individual.Learn how to navigate complex sibling dynamics in elder care to foster a more cohesive and collaborative caregiving approach.Discover effective coping strategies when caring for a loved one with dementia, creating a more harmonious caregiving environment.See how writing is a powerful tool for processing and managing the emotional complexities of caregiving. After the Podcast Purchase Sisterly Shove Learn more about Malia at AlzAuthors.com and “Dementia with Difficult People”  Learn more about the Moderators Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates Learn more about Aging & Amazing Sign up for the book club About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Barbara Drake-Vera’s caregiving journey in Peru, caring for her American father with Alzheimer's, is a unique and eye-opening story that sheds light on cultural differences in elder care. While Barbara lived in Lima, Peru with her Peruvian husband, her widowed father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He lived in a four-bedroom home he previously shared with his late wife in Florida, USA, and it was soon determined he could not live alone at home. As the only child, Barbara felt compelled to come to his assistance. She knew that elder care was manageable and affordable in Lima, where multigenerational families living together was the norm. So, she and her husband made the unconventional decision to move her dad to Peru to be cared for in their home. This was a radical change for him, a proud and independent American man, World War II veteran, and former postal worker in his eighties. Together, they navigated the cultural nuances of caregiving within a Latin community that, in spite of their challenges, led to success. Barbara, the author of Melted Away: A Memoir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru,had had a difficult relationship with her father for many years, but this caregiving journey helped heal old wounds. Quotes “Caring for someone with dementia can be a real gift, but you don't think of it at the time because you're just trying to get through each day.” - Barbara Drake-Vera “I decided to be compassionate. It wasn't forgiveness, but I chose not to let the past be my present.” - Barbara Drake-Vera “My father, who was a self-absorbed, narcissistic jerk, was never such a nice person as when he was finally treated for Alzheimer's and cared for in Peru.” - Barbara Drake-Vera In this episode, you will: Explore the impact of cultural differences in elder care and learn how diverse perspectives can enrich the caregiving experience for individuals with Alzheimer's.Discover the benefits of multigenerational living for Alzheimer's caregiving and how it can positively influence the well-being of both the individual with Alzheimer's and the caregivers.Learn effective strategies for transitioning elders with Alzheimer's to new environments and understand the importance of creating a supportive and familiar space for them.  After the podcast Purchase Melted Away: A Memoir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Learn more about Barbara Drake-Vera About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

In this replay of an Aging & Amazing Book Club discussion, we engage in a deep and emotional conversation with Carolyn Birrell, discussing her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother, who had dementia. Carolyn, author of Walking with Fay: My Mother’s Uncharted Path into Dementia, shares her story of coping with the challenges of caregiving, its emotional toll, and the need to find humor and love in the face of difficult and unlovable behavior from her mother. She also shares the emotional story of the last days of her mother’s life during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Throughout, Carolyn emphasizes the need for caregivers to find encouragement in being more loving during this difficult process, even when faced with resentment and disappointment. One of the most notable insights shared is Carolyn's reflection on learning to see past the unlovable behavior of her mother and to remember the person she fell in love with. Quotes Balancing Care and Judgment: "One of the most frightening things for me during that time was the perception from others that I was being overreactive and controlling and was inserting myself into my mother's life unnecessarily." Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: "I was able to manage her quality of care, but I wasn't able to manage her quality of life." Finding Encouragement in Challenging Times: "When I wrote the book, I thought I was writing it for people who were feeling alone and I wanted them to know that no, you're not alone, that others have gone through this just like you. You're going to be okay and hang in there." Finding Humor and Love in Caregiving: "And I think what I really learned from this whole thing is trying to find the humor and the spirit of actual loving this person who has become oftentimes unlovable." In this episode, you will: ·     Uncover insightful tips for navigating the unique challenges of dementia caregiving ·     Understand the profound impact of COVID-19 on dementia care ·     Discover effective coping strategies for dementia caregivers during challenging times. ·     Learn about the valuable support and resources available through the Alzheimer's Association support groups After the podcast Read Carolyn’s AlzAuthors post Purchase Walking With Fay now Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Connect with Carolyn Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Unexpectedly, a physician's journey of caring for her father with Alzheimer's disease leads to groundbreaking insights. From reversing cognitive decline to the impact of emotional trauma, Dr. Helena Popovic shares a wealth of evidence-based strategies for caregivers. Her unique blend of personal experience and scientific knowledge sheds light on effective coping strategies and self-care techniques for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's. Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of information, humor, and wisdom, as Dr. Popovic reveals the power of joy, gratitude, and holistic well-being in the face of Alzheimer's disease. Quotes "The human brain is continually altering its function, cell number, circuitry, and chemistry as a direct result of everything we do, experience, think and believe. This is called neuroplasticity." - Helena Popovic "The most important thing I could give him would be genuine joy, love, enthusiasm. So just looking after ourselves is just in itself already looking after the other person." - Helena Popovic "The greatest gift that we can give to the people we care about are our life force, our energy, our enthusiasm, our passion." - Helena Popovic In this episode, you will: Discover effective coping strategies to ease the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer's.Learn about potential methods to slow down or reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.Explore the impact of emotional trauma on the risk of developing Alzheimer's and how to mitigate its effects.Uncover self-care techniques to maintain your well-being while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.Understand the benefits of practicing gratitude for your mental health and overall resilience. Purchase "In Search of My Father" Connect with Dr. Helena Popovic Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn  About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Have you heard these myths about faith's role in caregiving? Myth 1: Faith won't make a difference in the practical challenges.Myth 2: Caregivers must be perfect in their faith to make a difference.Myth 3: Faith won't alleviate the emotional toll of caregiving. Let's unravel them with our guest Dorothy Horne in this replay of Books & Chit Chat with Aging & Amazing. We touch on everything from clinical trials to the role of faith, and the power of community and positive narratives on the dementia journey. Dorothy, a retired first-grade teacher and former columnist for a local newspaper, brings a unique perspective to the conversation as she shares her caregiving journey with her husband, Byron, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Through her faith and resilience, Dorothy has found moments of grace and strength in the midst of the challenges of dementia caregiving. Her heartfelt reflections and personal experiences offer valuable insights into the role of faith in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's and dementia, providing inspiration and support for others on similar paths. She has shared these insights in two books: Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer's and Ordinary Days and Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home.  In this episode, you will: Explore the profound impact of faith in providing strength and comfort while navigating the challenges of dementia caregiving.Learn how to break free from the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.Encounter the concept of “lightbearers” and how to become one.Discover the transformative power of community support in finding emotional resilience and practical assistance.Prepare for a positive and fulfilling life beyond caregiving by understanding the transition process and available resources After the podcast Read Dorothy’s AlzAuthors post Purchase Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer's and Ordinary Days and Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home now. Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Connect with Dorothy Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Mentions Michael Verde's work - For those interested in Michael Verde's work and his insights on dementia care, you can explore his organization, Memory Bridge, and access his resources and speaking engagements. About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Caring for a spouse with dementia is a deeply challenging and emotional journey. In this episode, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates bring together three extraordinary guests: Richard Creighton (aka Frank Brown), Scott Rose, and Tio Stib (aka Stephen Miller), who share their personal experiences and hard-earned insights. Richard Creighton shares his journey caring for his wife Kate, who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. He discusses the daily routines that bring them joy and emphasizes the profound impact of kindness and community support. Richard blogs about their Alzheimer’s journey at Living with Alzheimer’s.com. Learn more about Richard at AlzAuthors.com. Scott Rose opens up about the heartbreaking realization of his wife Maureen’s cognitive decline due to frontotemporal dementia. He chronicles their experience in his book We Danced: Our Story of Love and Dementia, and highlights the importance of maintaining dignity and understanding communication challenges. Learn more about Scott on AlzAuthors.com. Tio Stib, who lost his sight around the same time his wife, Maria, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, offers a unique perspective. He captures their poignant and humorous moments in his book My Dementia Diary: A blind caregiver’s journey with his wife and her dementia, and discusses the cultural differences in dementia care between Mexico and the U.S. Learn more about Tio at AlzAuthors.com.  After the podcast  Purchase We Danced: Our Story oove and Dementia Purchase My Dementia Diary: A blind caregiver’s journey with his wife and her dementia Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.  Resources mentioned: Judy Cornish, The Dawn Method Lingraphica - A device that can help with communication for individuals with speech and language difficulties due to dementia. Security Camera with Two-Way Speaker - A security camera with a two-way speaker can be used to communicate with a loved one who may have difficulty using traditional communication devices. It allows for verbal interaction and reassurance. Children's Songs - Using familiar children's songs can help soothe and engage individuals with dementia, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Love and Patience - The most important takeaway is the need for love, patience, and understanding when caring for a loved one with dementia. This includes being patient with family members and caregivers who may have different perspectives on the care process. About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Marianne and Christy engage in a heartfelt conversation with Allene Symons, devoted caregiver to her late husband Allen, who battled Lewy Body dementia. She’s the author of Love in a Time of Caterpillars: A Memoir of Monarchs and Caregiving. Her unique perspective on utilizing butterfly gardening as a source of therapy and joy, along with her insights on managing personal health crises during caregiving, make her a compelling and relatable guest. Allene shares how their hobby of tending to a butterfly garden became a source of therapy and hope, offering moments of respite and joy amidst the challenges of dementia. The simple act of observing caterpillars transforming into butterflies not only brought light to her husband's eyes but also became a cherished activity that bonded their caregivers with the natural world, providing a sense of purpose and connection. Allene's story beautifully illustrates the profound impact of outdoor activities and nature therapy in dementia care, showcasing the power of finding beauty and comfort in the midst of adversity. Her experiences highlight the importance of nature therapy, and the challenges faced by caregivers, especially amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares the difficulties she endured when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer during the pandemic. Quote "The extreme flexibility we need when we're caregivers who are a loved one with dementia is core to the journey." In this episode you will: Discover the unexpected connection between butterfly gardening and dementia care.Find out how one caregiver found joy and solace in nature therapy.Learn effective strategies for managing technology with dementia patients.Understand the unique impact of COVID-19 on dementia care and how to navigate it.Explore the compassionate use of loving lies in dementia caregiving.Embrace the importance of outdoor activities in improving the emotional well-being of dementia patients. After the podcast Read Allene’s AlzAuthors post: we'll get this once it's published.Connect with Allene Website LinkedIn X-Twitter Facebook Instagram Purchase Love in a Time of Caterpillars now. Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Mentions Alzheimer’s Association Companion cards PDF (download and print)  About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

One parent with dementia is challenging enough, but when you have TWO parents with dementia while raising young children it’s easy to fall into despair and chaos. When Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist, writer, and speaker, found herself in this situation she learned the necessary skills she needed to not only provide care to her parents and children but also to herself. In this replay of the AlzAuthors Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, she shares her insights, offering practical tips on navigating family dynamics, building a legacy of love in caregiving, and providing emotional resilience and support Christy's openness about her emotional struggles and the lessons learned from her parents offers a profound exploration of the caregiving experience, reminding listeners of the enduring power of love, empathy, and self-discovery within the caregiving journey. Her unique perspective and heartfelt reflections make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking valuable insights and guidance in managing the complexities of caregiving for aging parents, especially those dealing with dementia. Author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she’s a member of the AlzAuthors management team, and co-host and producer of the "Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia" podcast. In this episode, you will: Discover the power of self-care while caring for parents with dementia.Uncover the secrets to building a lasting legacy of love in your caregiving journey.Navigate and defuse challenging family dynamics while caring for loved ones.Unlock the top tips for managing the unique challenges of being a sandwich generation caregiver. About Christy Byrne Yates, MS In addition to being an author, Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), a credentialed school psychologist, a speaker, and life coach. As the mother of two – now grown – children, she became an expert in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities, including living in the “Sandwich Generation,” those raising children while caring for aging parents. After the podcast Read Christy’s AlzAuthors post: Christy Yates Helps Caregivers Raising Children Ease the Squeeze Purchase Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation. Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Connect with Christy Byrne Yates Website and blog Twitter  Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store