By AlzAuthors Featured on The Whole Care Network
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We're the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Joi
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The podcast currently has 125 episodes available.
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:
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
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
In this heartfelt episode of AlzAuthors, we dive into the emotional and practical aspects of caring for loved ones with dementia, with a special focus on family memories and intergenerational bonds. Jeannette Fazzari Jones shares a particularly touching story about her experiences with her grandparents’ dementia, detailing both the struggles and joys she encountered along the way. She is the author of the beautifully illustrated children's book, Meatballs for Grandpa.
We talk about how the many senses like touch and smell impact memory, and how to use sensory activities to connect not just with our person with dementia, but with children who may yearn to stay connected to a beloved person. As an educator, Jeanette speaks to the kinds of activities that can be used with young children who may read or listen to the story. We discuss the traditions of cooking and treasured recipes that are handed down through families that keep family connected. Jeanette is the author of the beautifully illustrated children's book, Meatballs for Grandpa.
After listening to this warm and delicious episode, you might just be inspired to cook a big batch of meatballs!
Connect with Jeannette
Buy Meatballs for Grandpa
Read her AlzAuthors blog post - need to add link
Website
Twitter/X
About the Moderators
Marianne Sciucco
Christy Byrne Yates
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
Christy Byrne Yates moderates an Aging & Amazing book club discussion with co-host Marianne Sciucco on the value of fiction in dementia caregiving.
Marianne, a founder and manager of AlzAuthors, and also board president, podcast producer and host, draws from her experiences as a nurse and personal caregiver to share her journey and the inspiration behind her novel, "Blue Hydrangeas: An Alzheimer's Love Story."
A registered nurse, she was drawn into the world of Alzheimer's and dementia care through personal experiences with family members affected by the disease. Working in the dementia unit of a nursing home, she found her calling in caring for individuals impacted by cognitive diseases. Her encounters with patients in various stages of memory impairment sparked a deep curiosity and desire to find solutions to improve their comfort and well-being.
It was a serendipitous meeting with an elderly couple, where the wife had Alzheimer's and the husband was her devoted caregiver, that inspired Marianne to embark on her writing journey. Fueled by her passion for highlighting the often-overlooked male caregivers, her book delves into the emotional complexities of Alzheimer's and the unwavering love and hope that sustains caregivers through the challenges.
Marianne's unique perspective and firsthand experiences bring authenticity to her narrative, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into the world of Alzheimer's and the profound impact it has on those touched by its reach. She believes fiction can be an in important tool in educating people about Alzheimer's and dementia, offering a "soft landing space," where readers can not only find facts but discover the human story found in all dementia situations.
In this episode, you will:
After the podcast
About the Moderators
Marianne Sciucco
Christy Byrne Yates
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
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast, where we explore the power of collaboration and unity within the dementia community. In this episode, we're joined by Gina Awad from the U.K, who has channeled her passion for dementia care into valuable insights for caregivers. Her journey began at a young age, witnessing the impact of dementia on individuals in care homes, which fueled her dedication to the cause. Her background in health and social care, combined with her personal experiences, has led her to author the illustrated book "United: Caring for Our Loved Ones with Dementia," providing caregivers with practical strategies and emotional support.
We discuss the challenges of competition in the field of dementia support, emphasizing the importance of working together to benefit those living with dementia and their families.
We also delve into the collaborative process behind the creation of "United." Gina and her illustrator, the late Tony Husband, decided to join forces during COVID-19 lockdown to make a difference for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Throughout the episode, we explore the significance of involving individuals directly impacted by dementia in conversations and initiatives, as emphasized by the phrase "Not about us without us." Gina shares a powerful story about a man with dementia trying to withdraw money from a bank, which led to an opportunity for her to educate bank staff about dementia and share the story in a local paper.
We also talk about the rich support groups available for care partners and those living with dementia, as well as the Reading Well initiative, which released a list of 20 books, including contributions from authors living with dementia, to be available in public libraries across England and Wales.
Join us as we explore the importance of collaboration, unity, and the sharing of experiences within the dementia community through Gina Awad's work and insights.
Connect with Gina
Read her AlzAuthors blog post
Gina hosts a quarterly radio show on Phonic 106.8 FM ‘Living Better with Dementia’ with over 70 shows to tune into at your leisure.: https://www.mixcloud.com/livingwithdementia/
About the Moderators
Marianne Sciucco
Christy Byrne Yates
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 podcast, host Marianne Sciucco is joined by an ensemble of talented poets to officially launch our anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey. This collection brings together caregivers who have personally navigated the complexities of caregiving, diagnosis, and emotional upheavals tied to Alzheimer's and dementia.
They write about many of the situations common to caregivers: the impact of the initial diagnosis, moving into assisted living or memory care, saying goodbye. From touching moments with loved ones to the nuanced challenges of caregiving, these poems offer solace, understanding, and a break from the isolating silence often surrounding dementia.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or someone seeking to understand the impact of Alzheimer's, this anthology and today’s episode provide a profound sense of connection and empathy. You'll experience a myriad of emotions, from sadness to joy, despair and hope. In the end, you will be comforted in knowing that you are not alone.
Takeaways:
· Gain insight into the profound impact of personal storytelling on Alzheimer's.
· Understand the unique challenges and emotional impact of early onset Alzheimer's on families.
· Explore the benefits of creative expression in providing holistic care for individuals with dementia.
Purchase Poetry for the Dementia Journey
Timestamps and page numbers:
2:30 Mariana Mcdonald, Diagnosis, p.30
5:06 Austin Alexis, Dementia Intrigue (not in book)
7:12 Sue Fagalde Lick, You Dance, p.80
8:42 Gail Thomas, A Daughter's Garland, p.114
10:28 Judith H. Montgomery, Mother's Day at Aspen Ridge Assisted Living, p.101
12:10 Ann Campanella, Child Mother, p.62
13:43 Margaret Stawowy, Mother Country, p.162
15:33 Eileen Kennedy, Ritual, p.59
16:41 Joy Johnston, At the Crossroads, p.167
17:47 Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the Neighbors, p.147
20:37 Patricia McKernon Runkle, Given the Mother Word PURE, p.119
21:52 Alan Bern, Boxae, p.17
24:59 Kelly Dumar, Mrs. Bean's Snow, p.158
29:00 Renee Terry Mucci, Life, p.127
30:55 Eileen Kennedy, End of Day, p.60
31:59 Mariana Mcdonald, All the Books, p.31
34:10 Austin Alexis, The Patient, p.95
36:58 Gail Thomas, Alchemy, p.116
39:47 Alan Bern, Dream of Tangles, p.15
40:40 Judith Montgomery, Sometimes, p.103
43:56 Kelly Dumar, How He Asks, p.157
45:15 Ann Campanella, Beyond Words, p.63
47:01 Margaret Stawowy, Signs of Her Decline, p.163
About the Moderator
Marianne Sciucco
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
How would you navigate the complication of having your spouse display Dissociative Identity Disorder - previously called Multiple Personality Disorder - alongside symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Today, we delve into the memoir "Don't Forget to Dance" with Marc Alderdice for our June Books & Chit Chat with Aging and Amazing. Marc takes us on a poignant journey through his wife Mary's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's, starting at age 59, and the extraordinary challenges they faced together, including her struggles with dissociative identity disorder.
We explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped Marc's narrative, his wife Mary’s determination to do all she could to prepare herself for a dementia diagnosis and how his scientific background influenced their approach to Mary's care. Marc also shares how he embraced the role of a male caregiver in a predominantly female sphere, the importance of self-care, and the insights gained from support groups continuing to meet virtually since Covid.
You'll hear about the significance of activities and physical gestures in communicating with nonverbal loved ones, the inspiration behind the book's title, and how Mary, despite her diagnosis, found joy in new hobbies and activities.
Join us as we uncover themes of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of happiness amidst the trials of Alzheimer's.
Quote:
I think our journey is positive and encouraging in the sense that it shows you really can make the best out of a bad situation. The person with Alzheimer's and the loved ones can be as happy as possible. It may take some work, and it may take a little bit to change your mindset for how you approach things, but it certainly worked for us. - Marc Alderdice
In this episode, you will:
After the Podcast
Buy the Book
Listen to Previous Podcast with Marc
Find more about Marc
Follow Marc on Social Media:
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
Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey
Welcome back to the podcast where we share the powerful stories of those who have been impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia. In this episode, Christy and Marianne sit down with Sue Fagalde Lick, a remarkable poet, author, musician, and dog lover from the Oregon coast. Sue shares her deeply moving story of caring for her husband, Fred, throughout their Alzheimer’s journey until his passing.
We dive into Sue's earlier work, Childless by Marriage, and explore her latest writings on widowhood and life after dementia, including her poetry anthologies and newly published memoir, No Way Out of This: Loving a Partner with Alzheimer’s, which beautifully intertwines the romance and challenges of life with Fred. Sue opens up about the support she unexpectedly received from friends, the therapeutic value of writing, and the importance of maintaining agency and preparedness as a caregiver.
Sue's candor about the hardships of caregiving in a rural area, the emotional impact of rehoming pets, and the solace she finds in music and community will resonate deeply with listeners.
We also discuss the creation of our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey, for which Sue volunteered to serve as editor and formatter.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights resilience, love, and the importance of support systems in the caregiving journey.
Key Takeaways
Learn more about Sue at AlzAuthors.com
Connect with Sue
Website
Blog
Facebook author page
Can I do It Alone? on Substack
Purchase Sue’s books
No Way Out of This
Gravel Road Ahead
Childless by Marriage
Blue Chip Stamp Guitar
Dining Alfresco with My Dog
About the Hosts
Marianne Sciucco
Christy Byrne Yates
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
Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey
This podcast is a replay of our recent panel discussion on LGBTQ+ caregiver concerns, hosted by Sue Evans of Kensington Senior Living and AlzAuthors. Authors Laura Davis, Christopher MacLellan, Vincent Zappacosta, and Douglass Christensen joined Sue, Christy and I as we delved into the complexities of caregiving within the LGBTQ+ community. They shared personal stories, insightful advice, and meaningful discussions about their caregiving journeys, offering knowledge and support to others currently caring for a loved one.
Empathy emerged as a recurring theme during the discussion. The group explored how understanding and compassion are foundational to a positive caregiving experience, especially in the face of stigmas surrounding dementia and LGBTQ+ identities.
The panelists underscored the critical importance of legal documents such as power of attorney and healthcare proxies. These tools grant caregivers the authority needed to make vital decisions during emergencies. The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, benefits from these preparations to navigate potential biases and ensure their loved ones’ wishes are honored. They emphasized that preparing documents and passwords in advance can prevent needless complications, resonating with caregivers who might find themselves thrust into unexpected situations.
The episode illuminated unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ caregivers. Issues such as isolation and the need to select healthcare providers comfortable with their orientation were discussed candidly. Positive experiences in inclusive areas like California and New York City contrasted with occasional instances of discrimination, as shared by Vincent and Douglas when they faced resistance in having Douglass recognized as family. Legal tools and personal anecdotes underscored the power of preparedness in overcoming personal bigotry and ensuring smooth caregiving and end-of-life processes.
The insights from this episode of the AlzAuthors podcast offer hope and guidance for caregivers, especially those navigating the additional layers of complexity tied to LGBTQ+ identities.
About the Authors
Laura Davis, The Burning Light of Two Stars
Christopher MacLellan, What's the Deal with Caregiving?
Vincent Zappacosta and Douglass Christensen, Dementia-Mama-Drama
About the Moderators
Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story
Christy Byrne Yates, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation
Kensington Senior Living
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
Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey
Vicki Tapia is a founder of AlzAuthors and the author of Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia. In this replay of a recent Aging and Amazing book club discussion, Vicki shares profound insights from her personal experiences. She discusses how caring for two parents with dementia placed a considerable strain on her personal support system. A long-distance caregiver, she found the challenges of managing her parent's concerning behaviors and medical needs from 200 miles away daunting. Their rural community and limited medical resources confounded the situation as well. Her only sibling's chosen absence from the situation was another stressor. Newly married, she was reticent to lean on her supportive physician husband too hard. Her adult children were also supportive but lived far away, making it difficult to ask them for help.
A lifelong journaler, she resolved her feelings and worries by putting pen to paper, eventually coming to the realization that she had written a book. Initially, she hesitated to publish her book due to privacy concerns but was encouraged to do so by positive feedback. Her decision to publish was also influenced by her desire to help others navigate similar experiences. Somebody Stole My Iron was published in 2014 and was a finalist for the High Plains Book Awards in 2015. Each chapter ends with "Lesson Learned," imparting valuable insight and inspiration to caregivers.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Finding Humor in Hardships: Vicki emphasizes the importance of finding humor in difficult situations, which can provide emotional relief and resilience.
2. The Necessity of Self-Care: Vicki's guilt over taking a trip is a common sentiment among caregivers. Her mother's philosophy, "life is for the living," underscores the need for self-care and balance, reminding caregivers to also focus on their own well-being.
3. Patience and Kindness: Through her experience, Vicki learned the crucial caregiving virtues of patience, respect, and kindness. She advises new caregivers to meet their loved ones where they are and to let go of guilt and expectations.
Learn more about Vicki at AlzAuthors.com.
About the Moderators
Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story
Christy Byrne Yates, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation
Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for 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.
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
Welcome to another insightful episode of Untangling Alzheimer's and Dementia, and a replay of our recent book club with Aging and Amazing. In this episode, we bring together a panel of poets who share a common thread—each has navigated the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Your hosts, Marianne Sciucco and Ann Campanella, along with guest authors Daniel Potts, MD, Sue Fagalde Lick, Sherri Levine, and Margaret Stawowy delve into the world of poetry as a powerful outlet for expressing the complex emotions tied to Alzheimer's and dementia care.
Listen as these courageous caregivers discuss how poetry provides solace and a sense of connection amidst the trials of caregiving. From Sherri Levine's poignant reflections on taking flowers to her mother in hospice, to Margaret Stawowy's candid portrayal of medicating her mother, and Dan Potts’s therapeutic use of art and poetry to connect with his father, each story shines a light on the personal battles and moments of tenderness that define the caregiving experience.
We also have laughter amid the hardships as Sue Lick shares a day in the life at a nursing home through her evocative poetry. Don't miss her heartwarming tale of memory care residents joyously indulging in ice cream.
Tune in to find inspiration, empathy, and perhaps a new way to process your own experiences through the beauty of poetry.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Therapeutic Expression: Poetry serves as a potent form of therapy, helping caregivers process complex emotions and find joy amidst adversity.
2. Community and Support: Sharing stories and artistic expressions can cultivate a community of support, making the dementia journey less isolating.
3. Finding Humor: Embracing moments of joy and laughter is crucial, as highlighted by our lighthearted story, showing the importance of positivity in caregiving.
About the Authors
Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the
Neighbors
Sue Fagalde Lick, Gravel Road Ahead
Daniel Potts, MD, Bringing Art to Life
Margaret Stawowy, co-editor of Storms
of the Inland Sea, an anthology with Jim Cokas
About the Moderators
Ann Campanella, What Flies Away and The Beach Poems
Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story
Pre-order our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey.
Register for our Poetry Reading June 3 at 4 pm EST.
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
The podcast currently has 125 episodes available.
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