Giving up the keys is one of the hardest — and most emotional — steps for people living with Alzheimer’s. But it can also be one of the most important acts of self-awareness and courage. 

In this powerful episode, Janna and Larry open up about the real story behind Janna’s decision to stop driving: the denial, the scary moments, the emotional fallout, and the deep pride that made it feel so hard. With honesty and humility, they unpack how they navigated the turning point, and what it means to keep thriving — even when letting go of something big. 

You’ll discover: 

• The personal moment that made Janna realize it was time to stop driving 
• Why driving with Alzheimer’s is more dangerous than many want to admit 
• How to talk about safety without shame or control 
• The emotional weight of “giving up,” and how to reframe it as strength 

If you or a loved one is facing this decision, this episode offers real empathy, practical wisdom, and the reminder that letting go doesn’t mean losing yourself. It means choosing life — and those around you — with courage. 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

Links and Studies   

1. Mild cognitive impairment & early Alzheimer’s: predictors of driving cessation 

 “Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease dementia, and predictors of driving cessation” (7‑year prospective study) 

•Link: PubMed    

2. Subtle cognitive decline often precedes self‑withdrawal from driving 

Study at Washington University St. Louis, published in Neurology & summarized by WashU and Harvard 

Link ScienceDaily and Harvard Studies 

3. Driving in early‑stage AD: literature review 

 “Driving in Early‑Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: An Integrative Review” (2016) 

•Link: Research in Gerontological Nursing  

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for Alzheimer’s—but could small shifts in food and movement help slow things down? 

In this honest and hope-filled episode, Janna and Larry share what they’ve personally tried in the areas of diet and exercise, and how those changes have impacted Janna’s inflammation, energy, and daily outlook. From anti-inflammatory foods to brain-boosting walks, they offer no medical claims—just real results, told straight from lived experience. (Be sure to check the links to our research on our site at alzheimersthriver.org) 

You’ll discover: 

• How cutting refined sugar and empty carbs impacted Janna’s energy and joint pain 
• What a typical day of brain-supportive meals looks like (including dessert!) 
• Simple, do-anywhere exercises to boost circulation and cognition 
• Why trying hard things—like reading or music—can still grow new brain pathways 

This isn’t about perfect plans—it’s about practical, encouraging steps toward thriving. And if you’ve been feeling discouraged, Janna’s message at the end will give you the boost you didn’t know you needed. 

Links to research regarding this episode:

Diet-Induced Brain Insulin Resistance

“Induction of Brain Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s Molecular Changes by Western Diet”
Rodents fed a Western-style diet (high simple sugars + fats) developed insulin resistance in brain regions critical for Alzheimer’s. This led to increased amyloid precursor processing and tau pathology over time NIH

Human Data: Diet and Amyloid Accumulation

“High Glycemic Diet Is Related to Brain Amyloid Accumulation Over One Year in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease”
In cognitively-normal older adults, higher intake of high-glycemic foods (including sugars) correlated with increased amyloid PET signal over 12 months—especially in the precuneus, a region vulnerable to amyloid buildup NIH

Mechanistic Reviews: Insulin Resistance → Amyloid

·       A mechanistic review outlines how insulin resistance promotes amyloidogenic APP cleavage, Aβ aggregation, and tau hyperphosphorylation—and how aggregated Aβ further disrupts insulin signaling, forming a vicious positive feedback loop PubMed

·       In models, insulin resistance alters the blood–brain barrier, reducing insulin uptake and increasing Aβ entry and retention in the brain AlzheimersJournalss.

Additional Mechanisms: Glycation & Inflammation

·       Elevated sugar leads to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that bind RAGE receptors, amplifying Aβ production, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and insulin resistance frontersin.org.

🧩 Synthesis: The Pathogenic Cycle

1.     High sugar → insulin resistance (peripheral and central).

2.     Brain insulin resistance → enhanced amyloidogenic APP processing and tau pathology.

3.     Aβ aggregates → disrupt insulin receptor signaling, worsening insulin resistance.

4.     Hyperglycemia & AGEs → aggravate oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction, further increasing Aβ deposition.

5.     E

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Ever wake up and wonder where you are — or even who you are — for a few disorienting minutes? For those living with Alzheimer’s, that confusion can be a daily, unsettling experience. But it doesn’t have to lead to panic. 

In this insightful episode, Janna and Larry open up about Janna’s experiences with disorientation after waking, and how she’s learned to respond with calm, patience, and mindfulness. They also explore practical tips for navigating the fear of getting lost and the importance of creating safe, familiar routines. 

You'll discover: 

• How Janna reframed disorientation as a moment of pause, not panic 
• Simple grounding habits that support safer walking and movement 
• Why rushing to help might hurt — and how to empower instead 
• The emotional growth and empathy that can come from slowing down 

Whether you’re facing these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode brings wisdom, humor, and hope — straight from lived experience. 

Links related to disorientation: 

1. Spatial Disorientation & Getting Lost  
   https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2020.550514/full
2. GPS Tracking Study of Outdoor Movement https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e28222
3. Disorientation upon waking in Alzheimer’s is rooted in disrupted sleep-wake cycles, delayed cognitive processing, sensory factors, and sometimes physical causes. Helping involves setting up familiar, gradual morning cues: lighting, digital clocks, comforting reminders, and slow transitions. Over time, these steps can ease confusion and make mornings calmer. 

If it's causing distress or you notice additional symptoms (like persistent dizziness), it's wise to discuss this with a healthcare provider to rule out other issues or consider supportive treatments. 

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

When Alzheimer’s hits, it’s easy to ask: Why me? Is there any meaning in the pain? In this moving episode, Janna opens up about how her faith has helped her move from despair to determination—not just to survive with Alzheimer’s, but to thrive. Joined by her husband Larry, the two explore tough spiritual questions, share the routines that keep Janna grounded, and reflect on how belief, empathy, and mindset can shape what’s possible—even in the face of a diagnosis that tries to define you. 

You'll discover: 

How Janna reframed Alzheimer’s as “Buddy Al,” and why naming it changed everything. 

What faith looks like when healing isn’t guaranteed. 

How routines, repetition, and memorization support the brain and the soul.

Encouragement for both caregivers and those diagnosed to choose strength over victimhood.

This episode is about more than religion—it’s about resilience, meaning, and the quiet fight to keep showing up for life. Listen in for hope, honesty, and healing, straight from the heart.

Links relating the positive effects of Faith in Alzheimer Patients:

PubMed: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20088813/

Alzheimer's Journal:

https://alzjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/alz.080462

Science Daily:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/04/050430222301.htm

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Ever feel like your brain just powers down as the day wears on? If late afternoons bring confusion, exhaustion, or deep sadness, you might be experiencing sundowning — a common but misunderstood Alzheimer's symptom.

In this deeply relatable episode, Janna and Larry unpack what sundowning really feels like, how it affects your sense of self, and what practical habits can ease its weight. From strategic napping to rethinking social timing, this conversation offers gentle, real-world ways to manage the fog and reclaim peace of mind.

You'll discover:

Whether you’re living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who is, this episode delivers clarity, empathy, and encouragement — straight from someone who truly gets it.

• Why sundowning happens and how it impacts your brain and body

• The surprising power of naps, daylight, and sleep tracking

• Ways to adjust your schedule to match your best energy windows

• How self-talk and acceptance can help shift your mindset on hard days

Here are a few website Links to studies related to Sundowning and the Alzheimer’s Thriver need for more sleep as time goes on:

⁠Alzheimer's Society⁠:

⁠https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/is-it-typical-people-dementia-sleep-lot-during-day⁠

⁠Boston University:⁠

⁠https://www.bu.edu/alzresearch/files/pdf/VolicerSundowningandAD20012.pdf⁠

⁠ScienceDaily⁠: 

⁠https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230728113414.htm⁠

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

If you've ever been given help  by a loved one — only to find they accidentally made things worse — you're not alone. 

In this heartfelt episode, Janna and her husband Larry open up about the delicate balance between offering help and respecting independence. Through honest conversations and real-life examples, they share what it really feels like when “help” is not help, crossing the line — and how small shifts in patience, communication, and trust can make all the difference. 

You'll discover: 

• Why “less is more” when it comes to helping someone thrive 
• How emotional swings are natural — and what true empathy looks like 
• Tips for building routines that empower, not control 
• How care partners can better support without taking over.  
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Be sure to visit www.alzheimersthriver.org for more info

Studies and Articles on Topic for todays Podcast:

·  “Supporting independence at home for people living with dementia” – M Leverton et al., 2021.
This ethnographic study explores how home-care workers (and by extension family caregivers) can either support or inhibit independence in people living with dementia. It speaks directly to the idea of doing too much too quickly, rather than enabling the person to “do for themselves” and stay active. PMC

·  “‘I just keep thinking that I don’t want to rely on people.’ A qualitative study of independence in older people living with dementia” – P Rapaport et al., 2020.
This qualitative research captures voices of people living with dementia as they reflect on independence vs. interdependence. It’s helpful context for your theme of finishing sentences for them or acting too quickly. BioMed Central

·  “Promoting Independence With Alzheimer’s Care” – article in Alzinfo (2013).
This is a more accessible piece (not strictly peer-reviewed journal) but very relevant: it discusses research showing that when caregivers assume too many duties, it can create a “dependency support script” and diminish the person’s sense of self-worth. Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research

·  “Perceived Overprotection and Its Association with Quality of Life in Dementia” – (ResearchGate abstract)
This study examines how partner over-protection (i.e., perhaps doing too much for the person) is associated with worse outcomes for the person with dementia, likely through loss of autonomy. ResearchGate

·  “Priorities of Family Caregivers in Preserving Functional Abilities of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease” – 2024.
This study uses the Best-Worst Scaling method to identify what family caregivers value most in preserving daily living skills of Alzheimer’s patients. It ties into your theme: if the caregiver is always stepping in, those abilities may decline. Community Health Nursing

·  “Evaluating Elements of the Care Partner Experience in Individuals who Care for People with Alzheimer’s Disease Across the Severity Spectrum” – Callahan et al., 2023.
Thi

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's can feel like being placed on a fast-moving, unstoppable train — but what if there were real ways to slow it down? 

In this honest and encouraging episode, Janna and her husband Larry share how simple but consistent habits — from mindful speech exercises to intentional movement — have helped Janna maintain her abilities and quality of life. They open up about struggles, small victories, and the power of persistence in the face of discouragement. 

You'll discover: 

• How daily word games and pacing techniques can boost speech and confidence 
• Why practicing even familiar skills (like walking or playing an instrument) matters more than ever 
• How to build new neural pathways and preserve function longer 
• Encouragement to stay in the fight, even on hard days 

Follow along for straight talk, real hope, and practical tips — direct from someone living the journey every day. You are not powerless. Let's keep moving forward together. 

Links

1 Salk Institute: In Surprising Twist, Some Alzheimer’s Plaques May Be Protective, Not Destructive.

2 Alzheimer’s Association: Increased Brain Rewiring in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment  

3 Harvard Health: The Book of Neurogenesis

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

The Alzheimer's Thriver Podcast - Words from the Horse’s Mouth

Getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel like your world is crashing down — but what if the story you're telling yourself is a barrier to thriving, even with Alzheimer’s?

In this heartfelt first episode, Janna, a former teacher turned Alzheimer's thriver, shares her raw journey from denial and despair to hope and empowerment. Through personal stories, gentle encouragement, and science-backed insights like the famous Nun Study, Janna reveals how mindset shifts can slow the disease's grip and rekindle purpose.

You'll discover:

· Why changing your narrative is a powerful first step

· How small daily practices can make a big difference

· Real-life proof that thriving with Alzheimer's is possible

· Encouragement straight "from the horse’s mouth" — honest, lived experience

Hit follow and join Janna as she shares what's working, what's real, and what can help you or your loved one live better with Alzheimer's. You're not alone — let's thrive together.

The Nun Study: https://ssnd.org/ministries/nun_study/

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.