How Music Supports Healthy Aging and Cognitive Health

#Music  #ImprovingCognition  #Connectioins

Today, Alzheimer’s Speaks host, Lori La Bey, talks with Andrea Leap, who is a MacPhail voice teacher, a key faculty member in MacPhail’s unique Music for Life program, designed for adults 55 and older. She has more than 20 years of experience providing music education to older adults. In addition, I will be talking with Ann Schrempp, the Dimensions Program Coordinator at Ebenezer Foundation, which runs homes for seniors in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Learn:

1. How and why music is so powerful when caring for ourselves and others.
2. Music, Connections, and Normality.
3. Empowerment and Acceptance
4. Benefits to those living with dementia, their care partners, and staff
5. MacPhail Center for Music - Music for Life programs
6. Ebenezer Foundation – Programs they offer

About MacPhail Center for Music
MacPhail Center for Music transforms lives and strengthens communities through the power of music. As the nation’s largest community music school, MacPhail serves more than 15,000 students each year, spanning all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, through individual lessons, group classes, ensembles, and innovative community partnerships. Guided by extraordinary faculty, programs encompass a wide range of musical genres and traditions, fostering creativity, connection, and lifelong learning in Minnesota and beyond.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog 

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/how-music-supports-healthy-aging-and-cognitive-health/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/3Js5K9IKtWE

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-music-supports-healthy-aging-and-cognitive-health/id986940432?i=1000756075283

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PAOijAub21afmQlk5YsMF

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/3/15/how-music-supports-healthy-aging-and-cognitive-health

Contact and Explore MacPhail's Music for Life Offerings

Website  https://www.macphail.org/  

Facebook    @macphailmusic

https://www.facebook.com/macphailmusic

Instagram    @macphailmusic

https://www.instagram.com/macphailmusic

LinkedIn      @macphail-center-for-music

https://www.linkedin.com/company/macphail-center-for-music

Contact Ebenezer

Website   https://www.ebenezercares.org

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Echo's Insights -Time: A New Perspective

Today on Alzheimer's Speaks, our host Lori La Bey talks with Echo Bodine, who was recently diagnosed with a form of dementia. This is our second episode of a new series called Echo's Insights. In this episode, Echo shares her thoughts on time, how and why she organizes her days, and what her thoughts are on bucket list items.

Dementia Exposed and Embraced

Echo Insights:

1. Echo's Journey
2. Examples Of Dementia Symptoms
3. The Impact Of Telling People You Have A Form of Dementia
4. Dementia Care Has Changed - Get Educated
5. Setting Boundaries For Yourself When Living With Dementia
6. Evaluating How You Spend Your Time & How You Want To Move Forward
7. Living Alone With Dementia
8. When They Forget Your Name - How To Not Take It Personally
9. Focus On The Now - Enjoy Their Abilities & Times Of Engagement
10. Leveraging Your Intuition

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/time-a-new-perspective-when-dementia-knocks-on-your-door/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/opqw4mp3JfA

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/echos-insights-time-a-new-perspective/id986940432?i=1000755667563

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/46VPv2ngNdeXiFn7VuvhMS 

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/3/17/echo-apos-s-insights-time-a-new-perspective 

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Caregiving Taught Me About Dementia, Why the System is Broken, & How blueBell Intends To Improve It

Lori La Bey talks with Andrew Karesa, who is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a proud husband and father of two young sons.

After witnessing how his family coped to support his grandmother with her Alzheimer's diagnosis, Andrew realized he needed to take action. This inspired the creation of blueBell Village, aimed at restoring the Personhood and Independence of those living with dementia™. With blueBell, Andrew has seen lives transformed for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, and he is passionate about fostering a world where care is tailored to each individual’s needs.

Additionally, he is pursuing his doctorate at the University of Calgary, where his research explores Indigenous entrepreneurship in the health sector, with a particular focus on the role of data in new venture creation. Andrew also holds an MBA from the University of Alberta. Before founding blueBell Village, he worked as a practicing engineer in the energy sector.

Learn About:

1. blueBell Village
2. blue Bell Connect
3. The Dementia Collective Podcast
4. Indigenous Dementia Needs

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog 

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/what-caregiving-taught-me-about-dementia-how-and-why-the-system-is-broken-how-to-improve-it/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/PcJEe6ykBIM

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-caregiving-taught-me-about-dementia-why-the/id986940432?i=1000754789159

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GcTRczRGZXyI4VtBnCXs7

Dementia Map 

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/3/12/what-caregiving-taught-me-about-dementia-why-the-system-is-broken-how-bluebell-intends-to-improve-it

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Contact blueBell

Website  

https://blueBellConnect.ca/

Andrew Karesa LinkedIn  

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

blueBell Village LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebellvillage/

blueBell Village Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/bluebell_village/

blueBell Village Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/bluebellvillage

blueBell Village X (Twitter)

https://twitter.com/blueBellVillage

blueBell Village YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@Bluebellvillage

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world, one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dementia Friendly America-Creating Communities Where People Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners Can Live, Engage, and Thrive  

#DementiaFriendly #Engagement #CaregiverSupport

Lori La Bey talks with Mary Ek, the director of Dementia Friendly America (DFA), who has been engaged in this work since its conception as a statewide effort in Minnesota in 2011. As DFA moves into 2026, communities across the country are taking meaningful steps toward becoming more dementia friendly

Learn:

1. Dementia Friendly Communities
2. Dementia Friends USA
3. Memory Café Alliance 
4. Giving Voice

Alzheimer's Speaks Blog 

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/creating-communities-where-people-with-dementia-can-live-engage-and-thrive/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/PUlJQrykB2Q

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-friendly-america-creating-communities-where/id986940432?i=1000754090547

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oiOpujOBoofo9hcn0nx5Z

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com  

Contact Information For Dementia Friendly America

Website

https://dfamerica.org/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BJDWeSEfQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dementiafriendlyamerica?igsh=MWlpeDZraWZtMXVoZg==

X/Twitter  

https://x.com/dfamerica_

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementiafriendlyamerica/

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dementia Care at Home: Professional Support That Makes a Difference

Lori La Bey talks with Lakelyn Eichenberger, Ph.D., a gerontologist and caregiving advocate with Home Instead, an Honor Company, who educates professionals, families, and communities on aging challenges and resources. A nationally recognized speaker and media contributor, she hosts the Caregiver Chats podcast and is deeply committed to helping aging adults and family caregivers navigate the complexities of caregiving.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/dementia-care-at-home-professional-support-that-makes-a-difference/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/4fcttw4m48s

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-care-at-home-professional-support-that-makes/id986940432?i=1000750449786

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/26dDpetg4byx2J3diQGXEB

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/2/19/dementia-care-at-home-professional-support-that-makes-a-difference

Contact Dr. Lakelyn 

LinkedIn     https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakelyn-eichenberger/ 

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/lakelyn.eichenberger/

Instagram  @lakelynk

Contact Home Instead

Website   www.HomeInstead.com 

What’s Next Guide   https://www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/40-70-rule-action-plan-successful-aging/ 

Facebook @homeinsteadind

https://www.facebook.com/homeinsteadinc

LinkedIn  @homeinsteadinc https://www.linkedin.com/company/homeinsteadinc

Instagram   @homeinsteadinc

https://www.instagram.com/homeinsteadinc/ 

YouTube  @homeinsteadinc

TikTok  @homeinstead.inc

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Echobox Memory Vault - Continuity of Care through Quality of Life  

Lori La Bey talks with Tim and Tannis Roberts, the cofounders of Echo Box, who observed something profound and couldn't let it go.  They witnessed something special and knew in their hearts it had to be expanded to help so many others.  Listen in to what they experienced and the path it has led them on.

Tim is an artist, writer, and musician with a love for hockey, and his wife, Tannis, enjoys travel, good literature, researching genealogy, and camping in the mountains. They live in Calgary, Canada, with their two daughters and continue to manage Echobox’s growth with heart, purpose, and gratitude for those working towards a higher standard of living.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/echobox-memory-vault-continuity-of-care-through-quality-of-life/

Watch the Video Interview Below

hhttps://youtu.be/xVB0n-4kYV4

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/echobox-memory-vault-continuity-of-care-through/id986940432?i=1000750039368

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/47ilIwOjHZNzuZoccUGYIM

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/2/10/echobox-memory-vault-continuity-of-care-through-quality-of-life 

Contact Information

Website  https://echobox.ca

Email   [email protected]             

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/echobox.memory.vault/

Instagram   @echobox.memory.vault.ltd

Tim on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-roberts-455b281b8/  

Tannis on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannis-roberts-0800921b9/

YouTube   https://www.youtube.com/@echoboxmemoryvault416

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Having a Caregiving Plan Matters to You, Your Family, and Your Money      

Lori La Bey talks with Raymond Lavine, an advisor for extended care benefits. Ray helps individuals and families design long-term care benefit packages. He also works with businesses as they evaluate their company's benefits package.

Learn:

1. What is long-term care insurance, and how does it differ from regular health insurance or Medicare?
2. Why do people need long-term care as they age, and what are the odds that someone will require it?
3. What types of services and settings does a typical long-term care policy cover?
4. How much does long-term care typically cost without insurance, and what are the main factors that affect policy premiums?
5. What alternatives exist if someone can't afford or doesn't qualify for traditional long-term care insurance 

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/why-having-a-caregiving-plan-matters-to-you-your-family-and-your-money/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/XkVTiyJ3bp4

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-having-a-caregiving-plan-matters-to-you-your/id986940432?i=1000748295595

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/59gxuG3hwGaJoKtY1CnoZ8

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/2/3/why-having-a-caregiving-plan-matters-to-you-your-family-and-your-money-160-160-160

Contact Raymond Lavine

Website   www.lavineltcins.com

Email

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/LongTermCareInsurance

LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltc-benefits/

Phone    253.275.6091

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lori La Bey talks with Dr. Dennis Dulniak, who serves as President and Founder of the Nana’s Books Foundation. He brings to this role a distinguished background, including 40 years in higher education and seven+ years of caregiving for his wife Nancy, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease until 2021.

Dennis will share his mission of educating children about dementia and caring for others by giving free books to Title One Schools. Dennis has given away over 20,000 books for his cause through Nana's Books Foundation.  

Learn how Dennis is doing what he is doing, and how you can join his efforts!

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/nanas-books-foundation-20000-books-in-4-years/ 

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/7iTzAhYodkw

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nanas-book-foundation-distributing-20-000-books-in-4-years/id986940432?i=1000747266265

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vDidBGNxFSMbwDy9dGZBE

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/1/28/nana-8217-s-books-foundation-distributed-20-000-books-in-4-years

Contact Dr. Dennis Dulniak of Nana’s Books Foundation

Website  www.nanasbooks.org

Email  

Phone  407-592-6670

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ddulniak/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/nanasbooksfoundation

Nana’s Books Newsletter  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/fo8qml6

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nana-s-books-5721212a2/

ADRC Website  https://adrccares.org

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living with Incurable Brain Cancer and the Commonalities of Care    

Lori La Bey talks with Daniel Hight, the founder of More Than Our Story. After being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, he decided to create a platform to bring people together through sharing their stories and realizing we’re never alone.

Live Life Looking Through The Windshield, NOT The Rearview Mirror

Daniel's work is so helpful to many, as his interviews are inspiring, and amplify how similar we are, no matter what we are going through in life, including how we can care for others, how we need to learn to ask for help, and how to be gracious, letting others care for us when we need assistance.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/living-with-incurable-brain-cancer-and-the-commonalities-of-care/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/68hGDuvz_fs

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-with-incurable-brain-cancer-and/id986940432?i=1000746961502

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6APWbbXGjcSDUiCQm9K48A

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/1/29/living-with-incurable-brain-cancer-and-the-commonalities-of-care-160-160-160

Contact Daniel Hight of More Than Our Story

Website  https://morethanourstory.com/

Email  [email protected]

Linktr.ee  https://linktr.ee/morethanourstory

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@morethanourstory

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-our-story/

FaceBook  https://www.facebook.com/morethanourstory

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/morethanourstory/

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Echo's Insights - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Reactions

Today on Alzheimer's Speaks, our host Lori La Bey talks with Echo Bodine, who was recently diagnosed with a form of dementia. This is a new series called Echo's Insights. In this episode, Echo shares her symptoms, how and why she got diagnosed, as well as her reaction and others' to finding out she had Alzheimer's disease.

Learn:

1. Common symptoms
2. Doctors' reactions to Echo stating she was having memory issues
3. How and when a neurologist finally figured out what was wrong, even though Echo went in for migraines.
4. Echo’s reaction to hearing her diagnosis, and how family and friends reacted.

Alzheimer’s Speaks Blog Post

https://alzheimersspeaks.com/echos-insights-dementia-symptoms-diagnosis-reactions/

Watch the Video Interview Below

https://youtu.be/c0XC-xdAZ9Y

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/echos-insights-symptoms-diagnosis-and-reactions/id986940432?i=1000746538438

Listen and Subscribe to Alzheimer’s Speaks on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/255okRnEgfCUqXq1NWcrT3

Other Podcasts

https://pod.link/986940432

Dementia Map

https://dementiamap.com/events/#!event/2026/1/25/insights-with-echo-symptoms-diagnosis-and-reactions

Reach out to Lori La Bey if you are interested in connecting with Echo Bodine.

Contact Lori La Bey with questions or branding needs at https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/

Alzheimer's Speaks Radio - Shifting dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world one episode at a time by raising all voices and delivering sound news, not just sound bites, since 2011.

Alzheimer's Speaks is part of the Senior Resource Podcast Network.

Support this Show: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/donate-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.