This is a replay of our book club discussion with our friends at Aging & Amazing. "Books & Chit Chat" is a monthly book club featuring a title from the AlzAuthors collection. Throughout the month, readers participate in a discussion in the book club's Circle community at Aging & Amazing, then meet with the author for an in-depth discussion of the book and the caregiving journey. The online discussions are typically moderated by Andrea Couture, but she was unavailable for this episode so AlzAuthor founder, manager and author Marianne Sciucco is in her place for this episode.

Florrie Munat, the author behind "Be Brave, a Wife's Journey through Caregiving," brings a deeply personal and touching account of her caregiving experience for her husband, Chuck, who faced a stroke and Lewy body dementia. Through her memoir, Florrie provides a candid and insightful portrayal of the challenges and triumphs she encountered, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for caregivers navigating similar paths. Her tender storytelling and unwavering strength make her a compelling and relatable guest, bringing a wealth of wisdom and empathy to our discussion on the complexities of dementia caregiving. We're honored to have Florrie's unique perspective and compassionate voice on the Podcast.

Quote:

When love and duty are one, then Grace is within you. - Florrie Munat

In this episode, you will:

• Gain insights into the caregiving journey for dementia patients and discover effective support strategies.
• Explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a tool for caregivers to navigate their emotions and experiences.
• Learn how to effectively navigate complex family dynamics in the context of providing care for individuals with dementia.
• Discover the powerful benefits of journaling as a coping mechanism and reflective practice during the caregiving journey.
• Understand the unique challenges and symptoms associated with Lewy Body Dementia to better support individuals with this condition.

After the Podcast

Register for Books & Chit Chat

Purchase Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through

Caregiving, which is available as a paperback, and on Audible

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small

commission on book sales at no cost to you

Connect with Aging & Amazing

Hear Florrie speak about Lewy Body Dementia on Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

Read Florrie's AlzAuthors post: Memoir, Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving by Florrie Munat

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

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By Christy Byrne Yates, MS, California, US

Podcast Description: Discover the unexpected truth about dementia care from a professional who found herself on the other side of caregiving. Get ready to uncover the surprising insights that transformed her perspective and could change yours too. Find out what left her reevaluating her own caregiving advice and how she's now championing an empowering approach for other caregivers. It's a revelation that could reshape the way you think about dementia care and caregiving.

Mary Ann Drummond, a highly experienced nurse with a career spanning over 30 years, is a prominent figure in the realm of dementia care. Her book, Meet Me Where I Am: An Alzheimer's Care Guide, is a comprehensive resource derived from her extensive work in memory care settings. It offers practical strategies and insights tailored to the unique challenges of dementia caregiving. In collaboration with Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, Mary Ann co-authored Grandma and Me, a children's guide for Alzheimer's and dementia, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the broader impact of these conditions on families. With her wealth of nursing knowledge and literary skills, Mary Ann's contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and support available for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Quotes:

“Give yourself grace. You're only human. There're going to be days where you don't always do exactly what you might know to do, but it's not wrong. It's just human.”

“It's about capabilities. It's less about the limitations and more about the abilities.”

In this episode, you will:

• Gain valuable insights into dementia care from real-life experiences.
• Discover the importance of prioritizing self-care as a caregiver.
• Learn to recognize and leverage individual capabilities in dementia care.
• Overcome challenges in decision-making as a caregiver for someone with dementia.
• Explore how to create a dementia-friendly caregiving environment for enhanced well-being.

After the Podcast

·      Meet Me Where I Am – An Alzheimer’s Care Guide

·      Grandma and Me – A Kid’s Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

• I Choose to Remember, a reminiscence therapy aid - available exclusively on the Angel Tree Publishing website.

Connect with MaryAnn

Twitter at @RNforAlz for more information and updates.

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

Podcast Description: Jane Dwinell, co-author of Alzheimer's Canyon, brings a heartfelt and personal touch to the podcast. As a former Unitarian Universalist minister and with a background in nursing and hospice care, Jane's journey as a caregiver for her husband, Sky Yardley, provides a unique and empathetic perspective on the impact of Alzheimer's. Through their public speaking tour and workshops, Jane and Sky shared their experiences with dementia, aiming to break the silence and stigma surrounding the disease. Jane's dedication to storytelling and her commitment to raising awareness make her a valuable voice in the conversation about Alzheimer's and dementia.

Quotes:

"He wanted to meet his people. He wanted to meet other people with dementia. And by doing this church stuff and the workshops, it was his people all over the place."

“He was still writing almost up to a year before his death, when he was still at home, and he was unable to dress himself and bathe himself. He was still writing.”

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover the emotional rollercoaster of dementia caregiving.
• Discover the unique challenges of dementia caregiving during COVID-
• Understand the fluctuations in cognitive abilities in individuals with dementia.
• Learn the art of writing and publishing personal dementia caregiving experiences.
• Explore life after caregiving, including ways to move on both physically and emotionally.

After the Podcast

Purchase Alzheimer’s Canyon: One Couples Reflections on Living with Dementia, which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible

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

Read Jane's AlzAuthors post: ‘Alzheimer’s Canyon’ Honors Jane’s Husband’s Wish to Make Blog Posts a Book and Help Others with Dementia.

Listen to Jane on the “Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia” virtual event Podcast episode, “Writing Through the Fog: Three Authors Share Coping Strategies.”

Jane's Bio:

Jane Dwinell is a retired RN, freelance writer, and Unitarian Universalist minister. She is the author (or co-author) of four books including Birth Stories: Mystery, Power, and Creation and Alzheimer’s Canyon: One Couple’s Reflections on Living with Dementia, which won the Independent Publisher's of New England's 2023 award for narrative nonfiction. She lives in northern Vermont with her two cats, Tubby and Pogo, and her garden.

Connect with Jane

Facebook

Instagram

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

This is the replay of our inaugural book club discussion with our friends at Aging & Amazing. "Books & Chit Chat" is a monthly book club featuring a title from the AlzAuthors collection. Throughout the month, readers participate in a discussion in the book club's Circle Community at Aging & Amazing, then meet with the author for an in-depth discussion of the book and the caregiving journey. The online discussions are moderated by Andrea Couture, whom we meet during this first of the discussions on January 30, 2024.

Andrea, also known as Drea, is the author of "Embracing What Remains," a moving memoir chronicling her experience as a young caregiver for her father during his dementia journey while simultaneously raising her own young children. As an advocate for Alzheimer's and dementia, Andrea's insight into the challenges and emotional toll of balancing caregiving responsibilities with motherhood offers a unique perspective that resonates with many caregivers. Her poignant storytelling and candid reflections provide a relatable and authentic portrayal of the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia. Andrea's ability to navigate the delicate balance between her roles as a daughter, mother, and caregiver shines through in her memoir, making her a valuable voice in the Alzheimer's and dementia community. Andrea is a member of the AlzAuthors management team specializing in acquisitions and serving as book club moderator.

In this episode, you will:

• Develop resilience and new strategies for managing the unique obstacles faced by young caregivers.
• Uncover insights for coping with the emotional impact of caring for someone with Alzheimer's and find ways to protect your own well-being.
• Explore the therapeutic benefits of expressing and reflecting on your caregiving experiences through writing a memoir.
• Understand how the COVID pandemic impacted caregivers

After the Podcast

Register for Books & Chit Chat

Purchase Embracing What Remains, which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible

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

Read Andrea's AlzAuthors post: Andrea Couture Wrote the Book She Yearned for on Her Dementia Journey

Listen to Andrea's podcast "Behind the Mask: COVID, Kids and Caregiving"

See Andrea on the AlzAuthors Live virtual panel discussion "When Dad Has Dementia"

Connect with Aging & Amazing

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 the power of art in dementia care?

Myth 1: Only artistic individuals can benefit from art therapy.

Myth 2: People with advanced dementia can't engage in creative activities.

Myth 3: Art therapy is only about painting and drawing.

In this podcast, you will learn how different art forms can benefit those living with dementia and how you can incorporate them in your care. From using humor to engaging with music and art, our expert panelists are redefining the meaning of connection in dementia care. Learn how simple activities like painting, singing, and even reading can spark meaningful interactions, revive memories, and create joy. Stay tuned for heartwarming stories and unexpected insights that will change the way you approach dementia care. Immerse yourself in this inspiring journey of reconnection and hope.

The Panelists

Tom & Karen Brenner, Mary Crescenzo, Katya De Luisa, Marc Rothman, MD, and Tryn Rose Seley. For details on the authors visit our website.

Quotes:

"I like to generally think of people who have dementia as on a journey that's very different from the one we all are on who don't have dementia. And it's taking them to a different place. It's taking them to a place that's hard for us to recognize."- Marc Rothman, MD

"When we meet a person with Alzheimer's where they are, by using fluid guidance, non-judgment, not having preconceived notions what they can or cannot do, we can begin to have engagements with them." Mary Crescenzo

"It's our turn to start the conversation, to bring out the best in a person with dementia." - Tryn Rose Seley

In this episode, you will:

·      Discover how art can transform the lives of individuals with dementia and enhance their well-being.

·      Learn how personalized art can revive memories and create meaningful connections with individuals experiencing dementia.

·      Explore the impact of humor individuals with dementia and how it fosters engagement and joy.

·      Uncover the benefits of using reading and writing as therapeutic tools to stimulate cognitive abilities in individuals with dementia.

·      Embrace the power of patience and innovation in art therapy to create meaningful and enriching experiences for individuals with dementia.

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

Shop our Store

Join our book club

Anyone living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and those who care for them, knows the importance of lifestyle adjustments to successfully navigate this journey. From simple strategies like making lists, reducing social commitments, and focusing on tasks that bring joy, to complex maneuvers like family involvement in advanced directive planning, the lifestyle changes are indeed varied.

In this podcast hosted by Kensington Senior Living, three authors discuss the role of personalized coping mechanisms, underscoring the unique experience each individual and family uses to embrace and adapt to the uncertainties of Alzheimer's. You'll meet Daniel Gibbs, MD, a retired neurologist diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, Gerda Saunders, a retired instructor in the Gender Studies Program at the University of Utah diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, and Jane Dwinell, an RN, freelance writer, Unitarian Universalist minister, and caregiver to her late husband, Sky Yardley, diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Moderated by AlzAuthors co-founder Marianne Sciucco and Susan Evans from Kensington Senior Living.

In this episode, you will:

• Hear personal stories of living with Alzheimer's and dementia
• Discover lifestyle modifications to better manage these conditions
• Learn how to navigate daily life with dementia
• Understand the importance of family support

Outtakes:

"The more you know, the better you could love." - Gerda Saunders

"What's good for the heart is good for the head." - Dr. Daniel Gibbs

Resources:

• Explore the AlzAuthors website to discover books, blogs, podcasts, and films written by authors who share their personal experiences with Alzheimer's and dementia
• Visit Kensington Senior Living's website to learn more about their seven unique communities and the relationship-based care they offer
• Consider reading Dr. Daniel Gibbs' A Tattoo on My Brain to learn about his journey as a retired neurologist living with Alzheimer's and the lifestyle modifications that can help slow the progression of the disease
• Check out Gerda Saunders' memoir, Memory's Last Breath, to gain insights into the experience of living with dementia and the perspective changes that come with it
• Learn more about Jane Dwinell's book, Alzheimer's Canyon, which chronicles her caregiving journey for her late husband with Alzheimer's
• Read Marianne Sciucco's novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story

Our Book Club with Aging & Amazing

Visit our website for full details

Visit Aging & Amazing

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.

Want to be on the podcast?

Here’s what you need to know.

Shop our Store

Join our book club

AlzAuthors is excited and honored to partner with the online community Aging & Amazing for a monthly book club, a “Meet the Author” type of event: AlzAuthors Books and Chit Chat. The book club will feature a new book and author every month. The first few months have been scheduled and include:

• January 30th 7pm EST: Andrea Couture – Embracing What Remains: A Memoir 
• February 27th 7pm EST: Florrie Munat – Be Brave, a Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving
• March 26th 7pm EST: Ruth Stevens– Stage Seven, a novel
• April 30th 7pm EST: A gathering of poets for National Poetry Month: featuring 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

Join Us

To learn more about this book club or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.

Register here to receive the Zoom link to the meetings.

About Aging & Amazing

In their own words, Aging & Amazing, based in Washington DC, is “an online community, in addition to local, in-person care management and training services supporting older adults, caregivers, and professionals specializing in aging. Aging & Amazing offers a helping hand to uplift older adults, caregivers, and professionals through services, education, and support.”

AlzAuthors is excited and honored to partner with the online community Aging & Amazing for a monthly book club, a “Meet the Author” type of event: AlzAuthors Books and Chit Chat. The book club will feature a new book and author every month. The first few months have been scheduled and include:

• January 30th 7pm EST: Andrea Couture – Embracing What Remains: A Memoir 
• February 27th 7pm EST: Florrie Munat – Be Brave, a Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving
• March 26th 7pm EST: Ruth Stevens– Stage Seven, a novel
• April 30th 7pm EST: A gathering of poets for National Poetry Month: featuring 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

Join Us

To learn more about this book club or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.

Register here to receive the Zoom link to the meetings.

About Aging & Amazing

In their own words, Aging & Amazing, based in Washington DC, is “an online community, in addition to local, in-person care management and training services supporting older adults, caregivers, and professionals specializing in aging. Aging & Amazing offers a helping hand to uplift older adults, caregivers, and professionals through services, education, and support.”

Caregiver Andrea Couture juggles young children, caregiving during the COVID 19 pandemic, and stigma to share her father's Alzheimer's journey, seeking connection and support in a rural community.

Andrea Couture, the author of "Embracing What Remains," brings a unique perspective to the podcast with her firsthand experience caring for her father, a surgeon diagnosed with dementia, while also raising young children. Her background in journalism and heartfelt storytelling offer valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of her caregiving journey, especially navigating through the complexities of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrea's willingness to share her family's journey with openness and honesty provides comfort and support to others who may be facing similar experiences. Her memoir and active involvement within the Alzheimer's community showcase her dedication to raising awareness and creating a sense of community among caregivers.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's caregiving and learn strategies to navigate through it.
• Understand the importance of sharing Alzheimer's experiences and how it can positively impact caregivers and families.
• Explore writing as a powerful form of Alzheimer's advocacy and its potential to make a difference.

Impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer's Caregiving

Amid the global pandemic, Alzheimer's caregivers have faced more unique hurdles. As Andrea explained, managing in-home caregivers during COVID-19, the resulting anxieties, and ensuring safety gave rise to much distress. Understanding these challenges can provide viewpoints for creating effective strategies to assist caregivers in navigating similar situations now and in future crises.

As a new member of the AlzAuthor sTeam, Andrea now serves as an Acquisition Editor and moderator of a new collaboration with Aging & Amazing - AlzAuthor's Books & Chit Chat," which will feature her book during the inaugural event on January 30, 2024.

Purchase Embracing What Remains, which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible.

After the Podcast

Register for AlzAuthors Books & Chit Chat on January 30, 2024

Purchase Embracing What Remains, which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible.

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

Read Andrea’s AlzAuthors post

See Andrea on When Dad Has Dementia on YouTube

Andrea Couture is an author and mother of three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Embracing What Remains is her first memoir and book. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, children, and dog.

Connect with Andrea

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

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 visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ .

Thank you for listening.

We are a WCN Featured Podcast.

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network.

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know.

Shop our Store

Lori Aden and Sheila Parsley are two incredible women who have taken their personal experiences as caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's and turned them into a powerful tool for support and understanding. Through their series of children's books, Lori and Sheila have found a unique way to address the complexities of Alzheimer's disease in a relatable and compassionate manner. With whimsical dragon characters and heartfelt storytelling, they guide children through the different stages of the disease, helping them understand and cope with the changes they may witness in their loved ones. Their books not only provide comfort and reassurance to children but also offer a valuable resource for caregivers who may be searching for ways to explain Alzheimer's to their young ones. Lori and Sheila's journey as caregivers and authors has allowed them to build a deep understanding of the challenges and emotions faced by those caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Their dedication to supporting others in similar situations is truly inspiring.

Lori has also written a book called, “I Remember Me - The Mom Chronicles, which is a memoir of her time caring for her mother. She started with a Facebook thread for family that grew by leaps and bounds when family and friends asked to add others who were on a similar journey. 

In this conversation you’ll hear from both sisters about their struggles, and ultimately how this journey brought them closer together culminating in a delightful and touching resource for families.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover practical strategies for explaining Alzheimer's to children in a sensitive manner.
• Learn strategies for children to adapt to the changes in loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
• Hear about strategies such as baby dolls for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Learn about the financial strains experienced by caregivers.
• Explore the importance of community resources in Alzheimer's care, discovering how local support services and organizations can provide much needed assistance and a sense of community for both caregivers and those with Alzheimer's.

website: http://irememberme.life 

o  I Remember Me – The Mom Chronicles

o   Grandma is Acting Funny – A Children’s View of Alzheimer's

o   Grandpa is Acting Funny – A Children’s View of Alzheimer's

 You can also hear Lori Aden read from the children’s series on the “Poetry for the Dementia Journey,” episode of Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia” Podcast 

Listen

Books by Loria Aden and Lori Aden & Sheila Parsley

By Lori Aden

I Remember Me - The Mom Chronicles: An Alzheimer's Journey Sharing Lessons Learned and Challenges Conquered as a Caregiver

Category: Memoir, Caring for a Mother with Alz

Link: https://amzn.to/3t4otaM

By Lori Aden and Sheila Parsley

Grandma is Acting Funny - Beginning Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Category: Children’s Books

Link: https://amzn.to/46famRR

Grandma is Acting Funny - the Middle Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Category: Children’s Books

Link: https://amzn.to/3QzkVcB

Grandma is Acting Funny - the Late Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Category: Children’s

Link: https://amzn.to/3u9H4Xf

Grandpa is Acting Funny - the Beginning Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Link: https://amzn.to/3QE6nrZ

Grandpa is Acting Funny - the Middle Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Link: https://amzn.to/3SDbFXo

Grandpa is Acting Funny - the Late Stage: A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Link: https://amzn.to/3QwxPYO

Baby Doll and Pet Doll Therapy

Lori and Sheila referred to a Baby Doll that their mother loved. Baby Doll and Robotic Pet Therapy is often used for comfort for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Here are some links for both. They recommend NOT using all the accessories with the dolls.

Toy Choi's 16 in Interactive Baby Doll

Lissi Doll

New York Doll Collection

Robotic Pets