Have you been told to walk away from loved ones with Alzheimer's, assuming there's nothing left to connect with? The pain of feeling disconnected and hopeless in caregiving is all too real. But what if there was a way to find joy and connection in the midst of it all? Let's uncover the power of creativity and joy in dementia care together.

In this episode, Marilyn Raichle, author of "Don't Walk Away: A Care Partner's Journey," provides valuable insights on the power of art therapy for Alzheimer's patients. Her personal experience caring for her mother showed her that her mother was still "in there," and they built the loving relationship theyb were unable to create in the past.

Quote: People living with dementia have lives to live and gifts to give.

Watch on YouTube

Key lessons

Art Reveals Hidden Abilities Discovering her mother's artistic talents showed that people with dementia still have gifts to share.

Focus on What's Present Instead of dwelling on what's lost, concentrate on discovering and appreciating what remains in the person.

Take Time to Just Be Spending quality time together, even just five minutes doing something enjoyable, can build meaningful connections.

Listen More Than Talk Ask questions and truly listen to their answers, even if repeated, as they may reveal what's important to them.

Find Joy in Small Moments Sharing laughter, songs, walks and simple pleasures can create happiness for both caregiver and care recipient.

Accept Their Reality Meet them where they are rather than trying to correct or change their perspective.

Love Can Still Grow Despite memory loss, the capacity for giving and receiving love remains intact.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Participate in the Expose Dementia Conference, The Art of the Matter, happening March 28th to 30th at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum, Maryland. Learn more about the intersection of art and dementia care.

Tune in to Podcasthon starting on March 15th and listen to the AlzAuthors episode featuring a discussion on the long-term impact of caregiving.

After the Podcast

Purchase Don’t Walk Away

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

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Connection is key in dementia care. Discover the transformative power of arts engagement for people living with dementia in this inspiring conversation with Mary Crescenzo, author of “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own.”

In this heartfelt episode, a replay of an Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, Mary shares her decades of experience using various art forms to connect with and enrich the lives of people living with cognitive decline. From her early days as an art teacher to becoming a pioneering voice in arts engagement for dementia care, Mary offers practical, accessible ways to bring creativity into caregiving.

You’ll learn:

• Simple ways to incorporate music, visual arts, movement, and storytelling into daily care
• How creative expression can bridge communication gaps
• The importance of intergenerational engagement through art
• Self-care strategies for caregivers through creative writing
• Ways to implement arts activities in both home and facility settings

Mary’s Key Messages for Caregivers:

• Everyone has innate creative abilities
• Art activities don’t require expensive materials or special training
• Focus on the present moment rather than past relationships
• Celebrate and display creative works
• Don’t give up if first attempts aren’t successful

Quote: “Art brings joy into the darkness of this disease.” - Mary Crescenzo

After the Podcast

Download Mary's Tip Sheet: 7 Tips for Connection and Communication through the Arts

Get the book: The Planet Alzheimer's Guide by Mary Crescenzo

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you or the author.

Read her AlzAuthors Blog

Catch the Dementia & the Arts Podcast Episode

Follow Mary

Listen to her co-hosted show: Dementia and the Arts on Alzheimer's Speaks

Resources mentioned:

• Mary's Caregiver Tip Sheet: “8 Ways to Use Arts for Engagement”
• Learn more about Mary’s play "Planet A" and the inner world of Alzheimer’s:

Remember: You don’t need to be an artist to engage in creative activities with your loved one. As Mary says, creativity is an innate human ability that can bring connection and joy to the dementia journey.

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.

Meet the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

Support AlzAuthors

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 ever considered creating a “contract” with yourself as a caregiver—one that clearly defines what you can and cannot do? Debra Hallisey, caregiver advocate and author of A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, joins us to share her insights on navigating caregiving dynamics, especially for those caring for a loved one with dementia.

In this heartfelt conversation, Debra offers practical tools and exercises to help caregivers embrace the reality of dementia while maintaining their emotional well-being. From her caregiving journey to her work supporting families, Debra provides a profoundly compassionate perspective on the challenges and rewards of creating a safe and loving environment for individuals with dementia.

Whether you’re a caregiver or supporting someone who is, this episode is a valuable resource filled with actionable strategies and powerful insights to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care. Don’t miss it!

In addition to learning more about relationship contracts, you’ll learn:

• The importance of NOT keeping dementia diagnoses secret
• Managing grief throughout the caregiving journey
• Transitioning from home care to assisted living
• Cultural perspectives on caregiving

Debra also offers the following advice for caregivers:

• Remember your person is “still in there” despite changes
• Set clear boundaries using “I” statements
• Be specific when asking others for help
• Give yourself grace throughout the journey

Quote: “Grief runs through caregiving like a river” - Debra Hallisey

After the Podcast:

Read Debra's AlzAuthors blog post

Buy the book, A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, by Debra Hallisey, Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.

Follow Debra

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

Resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Documentary: Wine, Women and Dementia by Kitty Norton
• Goodwin Living (Virginia) - Model program for caregiver education and support

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

We’re excited to share a powerful new episode: "Dual Diagnosis: When Both Parents Have Dementia at the Same Time,” a replay of a live panel discussion held on November 19, 2024.

Host Marianne Sciucco guides us through a powerful conversation with guests Vicki Tapia, Frank Silverstein, and Jean Lee, along with podcast co-host Christy Byrne Yates.

Highlights:

Vicki Tapia recounts her deeply personal experience of navigating her parents' aging and dementia, which included her father’s Parkinson’s Disease and her mother’s Alzheimer’s. She delves into the challenging decisions regarding her mother’s resistance to accepting help, overseeing their care without the help of her only sibling, and her parent’s eventual move to assisted living. She’s the author of Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia.

Filmmaker Frank Silverstein shares the profound narrative of documenting his parents' dementia journey, initially through cell phone recordings, which eventually transformed into a powerful film project, Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia. He opens up about the emotional challenges, capturing moments of humor amidst the pain, and the ethical considerations involved in their care.

Jean Lee, author of the memoir Alzheimer’s Daughter, discusses the guilt and emotional turmoil of turning her private family journey into a published book. She shares how writing became a transformative healing process, which has also brought hope and understanding to many others facing similar challenges.

Christy Byrne Yates, author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, provides insightful tips on managing family dynamics and maintaining communication as the primary caregiver. Drawing from her personal experience and professional knowledge, she emphasizes the importance of creating memories and the lasting impact caregiving has on younger generations.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover effective strategies for caring for parents with dementia that enhance their quality of life.
• Learn how to foster better communication and cooperation among siblings in the challenging role of caregiving for a parent with dementia.
• Explore the importance of documenting the dementia journey and learn how to create a meaningful record of your caregiving experience.

Buy the books:

Somebody Stole My Iron

Alzheimer’s Daughter

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.

Watch Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia

About the Podcast

We are 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 

Allison Applebaum, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience in psycho-oncology and a pioneer in caregiver support services. She discovered the critical role family caregivers play in healthcare while during her work with terminally ill cancer patients, where she witnessed the immense impact of caregiving on families.

Struck by the lack of targeted support services for caregivers, Allison founded the Caregivers Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2011, the first targeted psychosocial care program for family caregivers in a cancer center, to address this crucial need.

Soon after, her understanding of the challenges faced by caregivers became deeply personal when she took on the role of caregiver for her father, world-renowned musician Stanley Applebaum, who had Lewy Body Disease.

This dual experience, both professionally and personally, sparked her motivation to advocate for improved support and validation for caregivers, leading her to author "Stand by Me,” which aims to make caregiver support accessible to the millions of caregivers across the country. Her expertise and passion for this critical issue make her a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of caregiving.

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover the psychological effects of caregiving and understand how to address and manage them for overall well-being.
• Discover effective strategies for supporting caregivers in healthcare settings to enhance the quality of care and support provided.
• Learn the importance of effective communication in providing quality care for loved ones.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• The book, Stand by Me, by Allison Applebaum can be found on Amazon, the Simon and Schuster website, and AlzAuthors.com. Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.
• To learn more about the book and keep up to date with any events, visit Allison Applebaum's website at allisonapplebaum.com.
• Listen to audio of all the songs referenced in the book on Allison’s website.
• Read Allison's blog post to learn more about her story.
• Access Allison's Tool Kit “Developing Caregiver Clinical Services: A Toolkit for Cancer Centers and Staff” for the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/toolkits/caregiver-clinic-toolkit.pdf

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

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

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Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

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