Aging in Style with Lori Williams

It’s tough to grieve when a loved one passes unexpectedly, but it’s next-level stressful if you don’t know where your loved one’s important documents are. Burial plans, mortgages, car titles, insurance policies, social security cards - not to mention passwords to utility websites and phone plans - the list of important information you’ll need feels endless! This makes it a struggle to plan a funeral and close your loved one’s affairs while you’re grieving.

Leslie Frazier provides a solution to this issue with My Personal Dox. This is an online document storage website that organizes documents into 9 categories that each have their own checklist. Inspired by Leslie’s own personal experience with her uncle passing away due to an accident, My Personal Dox helps families reduce stress during the loss of a loved one.

With My Personal Dox, you can upload all your important documents in a safe, secure platform and leave notes. You’ll also choose up to five family members who will gain access to this information now or in the future and leave notes and helpful contacts if something happened to you. Leslie created this tool with her 82-year-old mother’s blessing, ensuring it is simple and user-friendly for any age.

Topics discussed:

My Personal Dox (Documents)

Document management and organization

Handling loved ones’ affairs

Closing accounts

Funeral preparation

Estate planning

Checklist when a loved one passes

Takeaways from this episode:

-There is an alphabetical inventory report to see everything added to My Personal Dox. Scroll down the list to find a particular item, select it, and you’ll be taken to the folder with relevant information.

- There’s a contact module (“Rolodex”) where you can add contact information for your bills, your insurance agent, etc.

- You can choose whether to give your loved one's access today or in the future. If later, there’s a process where your chosen family member will submit third-party information to gain access.

- My Personal Dox is encrypted with servers behind firewalls monitored 24 / 7. It’s a trusted, verified site.

- My Personal Dox offers a free account, but there’s also a monthly and annual plan. With the annual plan, you can enjoy 10% off. All options are economical – and worthwhile in assisting your loved ones.

Save an extra 5% on an annual plan (on top of existing 10% off):

Use code AISPODCAST*

*The code also gives you 5% off the monthly plan up to 12 months, if you choose to go with the monthly plan.

Resources discussed:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Get a free My Personal Dox account and view different plans:

https://www.mypersonaldox.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliefraziercpa

Watch an overview of My Personal Dox:

https://youtu.be/_0k6-4ibHZA 

039. Getting Organized! Creating a Binder Of Essential Documents for aging parents

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7907ae1f/039-getting-organized-creating-a-binder-of-essential-documents-for-aging-parents

048. Understanding Power of Attorney, Living Will and Other Legal Terminology

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2ca905f2/048-understanding-power-of-attorney-living-will-and-other-legal-terminology

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

What if I told you some people diagnosed with dementia may not have dementia at all? Surprisingly, it’s estimated that 5 percent of people institutionalized for dementia actually have Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

NPH looks similar to Parkinson’s or forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, but it’s actually treatable. It’s caused when normal production of spinal fluid goes awry and builds up in brain ventricles, which cushions and nourishes the brain. This throws off brain pressure and causes neurological and physical symptoms such as imbalanced gait.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes Gary Chaffee to share his incredible story with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Currently, a 75-year-old volunteer with the Hydrocephalus Association, he started having signs of NPH when he was only in his early 30s. It wasn’t until 2001 when he moved to Texas that he received a diagnosis and shunt surgery that helped him return to normalcy - and his “gray life” brightened.

Today he feels like an 18-year-old with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of education to share with not only seniors, but people at any age who experience similar symptoms. A diagnosis of NPH can be a relief to many individuals and families, as they’re able to take treat it with surgery and restore their abilities and health.

Topics discussed:

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Dementia misdiagnosis

Ventricles

Spinal fluid

Hydrocephalus vs. dementia or Parkinson’s

Shunt surgery / replacement

Brain surgery

Takeaways from this episode:

-Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a misnomer - it’s an abnormal accumulation of spinal fluid in the brain and can affect you at any age, but primarily over age 60.

-Implanting a shunt during brain surgery is the main form of treatment for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. You can get by with one or two shunts, but statistics are showing after 5 years it’s likely you’ll need a new one.

-NPH is “wet, wacky, and wobbly”: it’s marked by urinary incontinence and frequency, wobbly gait, and cognitive issues and forgetfulness.

-Many people are misdiagnosed, so know the signs and discuss them with your doctor. CT scans can typically identify it.

Resources discussed:

Learn more on the Hydrocephalus Association website:

Hydroassoc.org

https://www.facebook.com/HydroAssoc?ref=mf%2F

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if you’re caring for a senior with dementia. They’re often able to operate appliances, but their judgment is impaired - leading to home and personal safety issues.

Megan Rowe joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss home safety for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As the senior program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, she draws from her expertise and personal stories to bring attention to this topic.

She discusses how the brain is affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, particularly when it comes to judgment, behavioral changes, and spatial awareness. Paired with hazardous home items like kitchen knives, toxic cleaning products, and vitamins / medications, safety can get complicated. However, with the right practices (like keeping items out of sight, out of mind), cleanliness, reworking locks in your home, and keeping emergency numbers on hand, and more, you’re better positioned to keep your loved ones safe.

Topics discussed:

Dementia / Alzheimer’s

Dementia home safety

Safety proofing your home

Caregiver safety tips

Medication safety

Wandering

Medical Alert

Alzheimer's Association

Takeaways from this episode:

- People with dementia experience behavioral changes and can become easily confused, suspicious or fearful. It’s important to store hazardous items like small kitchen appliances, chemicals (laundry pods), knives, guns, and more.

- Keep expired foods out of the fridge so your loved one doesn’t eat something and become ill. Write purchase dates on refrigerated products to make it easier.

- Write emergency numbers on your phone or on the fridge, along with a list of medications your loved one takes so it’s on hand in case of any crises that arise.

- Work with your doctor or home health company to figure out which walker is best, and whether you need adaptive furniture to make it easier to get in and out of beds and chairs.

- A few helpful tips: Remove locks from interior doors, declutter your home, put stickers on a glass door, deadbolt doors, and add nonslip stickers to showers (and wear nonslip shoes) to prevent falls.

- Enroll in Medical Alert so your loved one has an ID bracelet to help them return safely if they wander out of the house.

Resources discussed:

Call the 24 / 7 Alzheimers' Association help line – and ask about Medical Alert:

800-272-3900

Free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia

https://www.alzconnected.org/

068. How the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program is a lifeline for seniors with Dementia

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/27332c4d/068-how-the-alzheimers-association-safe-return-program-is-a-lifeline-for-seniors-with-dementia

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

If you have a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, you might find yourself visiting a speech-language pathologist. Depending on your injury, this professional helps with different areas of cognition and executive functioning, like decision-making and problem-solving skills. Together you’ll work to restore communication – and become as independent as possible in the meantime.

Francine Waskavitz is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and integrative health and nutrition coach (IHNC) with a passion for helping seniors maximize their cognitive health. By raising awareness on the importance of a holistic lifestyle, she encourages seniors to take early action to support their mind and overall health. In her own life, she learned about the power of food to heal and nourish - even alleviating and preventing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that could lead to dementia.

During her one-on-one coaching with patients, she also uses the Memory Wellness Wheel™. This breaks memory resilience into 8 elements. In her therapy, she goes through it one by one and works on helping you improve where necessary. This practice, along with lifestyle changes, have helped patients see incredible improvement.

Together with Senior Living Expert Lori Williams, she discusses:

- What speech therapy is

- Research on the relationship between aging, memory, health, and speech

- The importance of lifestyle in preventing / overcoming cognitive decline

- Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment

- Steps to take if you notice your memory / cognitive health declining

And more.

Whether you’re working to improve your memory or prevent dementia / Mild Cognitive Impairment, lifestyle is key. The right diet can help, along with staying mentally active and getting proper sleep.

Topics discussed:

- Speech therapy

- The role of a speech-language pathologist

- Nutrition and lifestyle

- Stroke / traumatic brain injury recovery

- Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia

- Inflammation and disease

- Improving memory

Takeaways from this episode:

- Speech therapy is covered under Medicare as long as it's medically necessary. A change in medical status would also qualify somebody to have speech therapy services.

- As Dr. Mark Hyman said: “Your genes load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger.” While your genes play a role in your health outcomes, your habits and lifestyle impact it the most.

- It’s critical to mention cognitive changes to your doctor. Forgetfulness is not a natural part of aging, so take note when it happens and how often.

- Masking and denial are early signs of cognitive change. However, once you speak with a professional about it, it may become easier to manage.

- Along with seeing your doctor, start with managing nutrition, sleep, and stress to help battle mental fog. Typically, within a few weeks, it will make all the difference.

- Inflammation is the root of disease. Look at your numbers, such as blood pressure, and try to incorporate omega-3s (salmon, chia, walnuts, etc.) in your diet.

Resources discussed:

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Francine Waskavitz:

https://www.francinewaskavitz.com/

Take your Memory Wellness Wheel™ assessment

https://www.francinewaskavitz.com/takemytest

075. How brain fitness slows down dementia and Alzheimer's disease

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3a1051ca/075-how-brain-fitness-slows-down-dementia-and-alzheimers-disease

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

The top 2 reasons why someone would move into senior housing are needing help with using the bathroom due to incontinence and changing clothes. Jimmy Zolo’s company Joe & Bella addresses both, and returns to the podcast to discuss new adaptive clothing from Joe & Bella.

Joe & Bella began during the pandemic, so people in senior living communities wouldn't lack essentials. However, once they began offering clothing, 90% of sales came from apparel within 3 months. Soon, Jimmy found a niche in the market for adaptive clothing that not only helps seniors extend their independence, but offers modern, fashionable styles that are unique in the market. This clothing helps keep seniors safer at home longer than ever while restoring their dignity.

What is adaptive apparel? It could be as simple as magnetic buttons instead of traditional buttons that would be difficult for someone with extreme arthritis or Parkinson's. The goal is to help ease the process of dressing and undressing.

One of the reasons adaptive clothing is helpful is due to incontinence. It’s difficult to address it, as it’s an aspect of aging that’s rarely discussed due to the stigma – and even more difficult for kids to discuss with their parents. Jimmy is hoping Joe & Bella will shift the conversation and empower seniors with an aspirational brand that recognizes seniors needs and stays true to their age.

The first two products are available July 11 in the U.S., Canada and U.K. with more products coming later in the year.

Topics discussed:

- Adaptive clothing

- Seniors with limited mobility

- Joe and Bella

- Incontinence

- Overcoming incontinence stigmas

- Senior housing

- Senior products

- Fashion for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

- Adaptive clothing is any type of apparel that has one or multiple alterations that can make the process of getting dressed easier, such as Velcro sneakers.

- Joe & Bella apparel has 2 goals: extending independence to make it easier to dress and undress. If independence not an option, it helps ease the challenge of assisted care and dressing for caregivers.

- The number one worker's comp issue right now in senior housing involves transitions: helping someone in a wheelchair go to the bathroom, to get them changed, etc. Adaptive clothing helps for caregivers as well as seniors.

- Have open, empowering conversations about how helpful products and solutions without stigmatizing a person's abilities. Reassure them there’s no need to be embarrassed because they help with independence and quality of life.

- Visit the Joe & Bella website on July 11 to shop their new adaptive apparel.

Resources:

Shop essentials for loved ones, like adaptive clothing:

https://joeandbella.com

Social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/ShopJoeandBella/

https://www.instagram.com/shopjoeandbella/

033. Joe & Bella: a platform to simplify the caregiver's life

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77e58dec/033-joe-and-bella-a-platform-to-simplify-the-caregivers-life

Listen to Aging in Style episode 31:Joe & Bella: a platform to simplify the caregiver's life

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77e58dec/033-joe-and-bella-a-platform-to-simplify-the-caregivers-life

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Residential homes are great alternatives to large senior living facilities. They feel like a home because they actually are houses rather than a resort or hotel atmosphere, and there’s often a better ratio of caregivers to residents.

There are many reasons why you might choose a residential home over another type of senior living, but Hal Cranmer adds even more to the experience. Based in Arizona, his residential homes are next level in terms of health offerings and engaging activities. His residents and caregivers are treated as family, complete with “home movies” – like a parody video of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” reimagined for seniors.

Hal joins Senior Living Expert Lori Williams to discuss his interesting journey to managing residential homes and his passion for his career. His care homes demonstrate this passion as Hal and his caregivers support seniors regaining control over their health and their lives through nutritious food, fun outings, and even personal training so they can stay active. Plus, families can easily visit, get involved, and help keep the seniors social and happy.

Hal believes seniors are still young on the inside – and many want to continue to have fun and be healthy for their families. His mission is to help that happen. You’ll get a peek at what the fun, family-like atmosphere he’s nurtured in this unique example of a residential home.

Topics discussed:

-Residential care homes

-Caregivers

-Keeping seniors happy

-Senior activities

-Staying active as we age

-Senior nutrition and fitness

-Types of senior living

-Perks of residential care

Takeaways from this episode:

- You might choose a residential care home over a larger facility because of price. Generally, care homes are priced lower than large facilities.

- Care homes supply 24/7 care, administer medications, and provide all meals, healthcare, and hygiene. They also coordinate different services like home health and mobile physicians.

- In the State of Arizona, Residential care homes are often limited to 10 residents and offer a more family / homey atmosphere. There’s no signage and it may be harder to find.

- Residential care can provide a home whether you’re active and just need a little help with medication, or if you’re on hospice and bedbound.

- Proper nutrition and exercise help improve quality of life in your remaining years. It can help increase mobility and help alleviate chronic conditions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

'A Paradise for Parents', a parody video by

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OhdjHngV7c

007. What are Residential Care homes, with Jennifer Davis, founder of Davis Family Elder Care:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/783704c9/007-what-are-residential-care-homes-with-jennifer-davis-founder-of-davis-family-elder-care

To learn more about A Paradise for Parents, please visit:

https://aparadiseforparents.com/

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

It’s always good to stay hydrated in the heat of summer, but it’s especially important for seniors. A UCLA study found that 40% of seniors may be chronically under-hydrated, with adults age 65 and above having the highest hospital admission rates for dehydration.

There are a few reasons seniors tend to struggle with hydration. Some seniors may have a decreased sense of thirst as they age, and others may struggle with incontinence and avoid drinking enough. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams discusses the main reasons seniors get dehydrated, signs and symptoms, and easy fixes to stay hydrated and even make it fun.

Topics discussed:

- Dehydration in seniors

- Mobility issues

- Cognitive impairments / dementia

- Seniors and UTIs

- How to stay hydrated

- Water-rich foods

Takeaways from this episode:

- Reasons for dehydration in seniors include medications, mobility issues, cognitive impairments, reduced kidney function, and more.

- Signs of dehydration are muscle cramps, dizziness, dark urine, fatigue, dry skin, confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

- Risks of dehydration include falling due to disorientation, as well as UTIs, which can escalate to kidney infection and even sepsis.

- You can stay hydrated by eating water-rich foods, such as cucumber and watermelon, making smoothies, or sucking on popsicles.

- Bring a water bottle with you when you’re running errands and keep a large one with you at all times so you don’t have to refill frequently.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Drinking cups for seniors with mobility issues:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=senior+cups+for+seniors&rh=n%3A3760901%2Cn%3A3775831&dc&qid=1625690471&rnid=2941120011&ref=sr_nr_n_2

Jelly Drops to boost hydration:

https://www.jellydrops.com/

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

There are an estimated 2.7 million LGBTQ people over the age of 50. With Alzheimer’s projected to affect 13 million people by 2050, we can anticipate this impacting many members of the LGBTQ population.

In honor of Pride Month, Megan Rowe joins Senior Living Expert Lori Williams to explain how Alzheimer’s uniquely impacts this population. As the Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, Megan provides statistics and tips on supporting LGBTQ seniors. Her expertise lends itself to educating and supporting families and individuals with the disease and caregivers alike.

With an average of one and a half people caring for one person with dementia, there are many unpaid loved ones helping assist this population. It’s important to note support systems look different for the LGBTQ population, and being an ally involves taking a different look at what a support system might look like and training ourselves with validating language and knowledge.

Topics discussed:

- LGBTQ community

- Supporting LGBTQ seniors

- LGBTQ and Alzheimer’s / dementia

- LGBTQ education resources

- Alzheimer’s Association and SAGE

- LGBTQ and senior living

- Representation

- Ageism

- Pronouns

Takeaways from this episode:

- Caregiving doesn’t always begin with age; it became a vital role of the LGBTQ community in the 1980s. “Caring for our own” is a common concept within the LGBTQ community.

- It’s important that intake processes discuss chosen family or important people in one’s life as opposed to biological family. Many LGBTQ don’t have a relationship with their family of origin and may not have children.

- If you don't collect information on sexual orientation and gender identity, you don't know who you're serving, whether there are gaps in services, and the differences among people’s needs.

- Publicize your commitment to welcoming people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Then follow through by becoming LGBTQ competent, getting the right training, and welcoming the community through outreach.

- Sharing your pronouns is a way to show you’re validating, trustworthy, and support the LGBTQ community.

- LGBTQ people should complete advanced directives and record their wishes in legal documents - especially important for those who are isolated or don’t keep in touch with family.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

2022 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

LGBTQ Community Resources for Dementia

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/alzheimers-and-dementia-resources-for-lgbtq-commun

083. The true economic impact of Alzheimer's Disease

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/29609f61/083-the-true-economic-impact-of-alzheimers-disease

Free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia

https://www.alzconnected.org/

The 10 signs of dementia:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

080. The Love Always Project: Your final gift to a family well-loved

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/22035ed9/080-the-love-always-project-your-final-gift-to-a-family-well-loved

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Katharine Esty likes to joke that she has “peaked at 87.” A psychologist and activist for aging, she’s also the author of Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness. The book contains insights from her interviews with 128 people aged 80+ from all around the country about what it means to age.

Katharine explains how the world becomes smaller in your 80s: friend circles shrink, living spaces downsize, and you even physically shrink. For her it was uncharted territory as she was accustomed to keeping up with her family despite her age. However, her own life and her interviews with other people over 80 reveals that they’re a happy group - even happier than people who are decades younger.

She and Senior Living Expert Lori Williams discuss:

-Making accommodations and adaptations as we age

-Finding happiness (and purpose!) as we age

-The 5 types of people coping with health issues

And more.

It’s easy to hold on to the past and memories of who you were before aging. However, when you finally let that go, there’s another side to it – a worthwhile, wonderful life full of new possibilities. And it’s never too late to find pleasure in new things or find a new purpose.

Topics discussed:

-Turning 80

-Attitudes around aging

-Embracing change

-Downsizing / senior housing

-Retirement

-Finding purpose as we age

-Senior happiness

-Staying social as seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

-Happiness is letting go of everything you think your life is supposed to be and celebrating everything it really is.

-It’s important for seniors’ health and emotional well-being to stay connected to other people as they age.

-Research shows that people in their 70s and 80s generally mellow out, are less angry, and worry less.

-The 5 types of people who are coping with health issues are deniers, stoics, realists, complainers, and worriers.

-People are happiest when they have a purpose and are contributing in some way.

-Instead of trying to preserve the life you had, try new things you haven’t done before - you might find another person and a new life on the other side.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Katherine Esty, PhD.'s work:

https://www.katharineesty.com/

Purchase her books:

https://www.katharineesty.com/books

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – AAPI for short. To observe it, Tanesha Tyler-Carr returns to the podcast to discuss Alzheimer’s stats as they pertain to the AAPI population. As the programs and services coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas chapters, she brings her expertise to discuss unique challenges within this group.

According to the Alzheimer Association’s 2021 Facts and Figures Report, the AAPI population is less likely than other groups to have Alzheimer’s. However, only 18% are aware of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Despite prevailing views that forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, it could be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and should be taken seriously.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams and Tanesha Tyler-Carr discuss such stats, along with:

-AAPI attitudes around medical practitioners and research studies

-Beliefs on aging and cognitive decline

- Other fascinating facts and figures

Tanesha emphasizes that it’s important to be an advocate for your health and to know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia as a first defense against the disease.

Topics discussed:

-Alzheimer’s and dementia

-Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

-Mild cognitive impairment

-Clinical trials for Alzheimer’s

-Alzheimer’s Association

-AAPI community

-Systemic racism

Takeaways from this episode:

-Nearly 45% of Asian Americans believe that medical research is biased against people of color. They may be wary of becoming “guinea pigs” for clinical trials due to a history of systemic racism and discrimination in the U.S.

-The Alzheimer’s Association partners with the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging to help people in the AAPI community understand their risk for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and to address stigmas and cultural concerns.

-Korean Americans may be at risk due to lifestyle factors such as high alcohol and tobacco use. Language barriers may also limit access to healthcare and insurance.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

083. The true economic impact of Alzheimer's Disease: 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/29609f61/083-the-true-economic-impact-of-alzheimers-disease

The Alzheimer’s Association: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Alzheimer’s

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/asian-americans-and-alzheimers

075. How brain fitness slows down dementia and Alzheimer's disease

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3a1051ca/075-how-brain-fitness-slows-down-dementia-and-alzheimers-disease

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/