Alzheimer's Voices

Gregg’s husband David, a pediatrician, faced Alzheimer’s with a doctor’s clear eyes. Gregg shares what caregiving taught him, why he considers himself lucky, and what LGBTQ+ older adults need from chosen family as they age.

In this episode of Alzheimer's Voices, Brent Beasley, M.D., shares how a primary care physician became a patient. His symptoms surfaced in 2022 after a mild case of COVID-19: brain fog, trouble following conversations, difficulty at work that eventually cost him his job. A neurologist friend's hunch led him to Jeffrey Burns, M.D., at the KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, where Brent was among the first patients to receive a p-tau217 blood-based biomarker test. Diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's in 2023 at 57, he started on lecanemab (Leqembi) soon after FDA approval and credits the treatment with the years he's had since. Brent speaks candidly about disclosing his diagnosis and about his advocacy for the BRIDGE Act and for broader use of blood-based testing in primary care.

In this episode of Alzheimer's Voices, Jacquelyn shares her experience caring for both her mother and grandmother after each received an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She reflects on the barriers she faced navigating a system unprepared for young-onset Alzheimer's, from delayed diagnoses and insurance gaps to the 29-month Medicare waiting period her mother endured. Jacquelyn also speaks openly about how family dynamics and cultural expectations around privacy shaped how the disease was, and wasn't, talked about. Now, she is building an online community for caregivers, drawn from a deep commitment to guiding other millennials through one of life's most difficult chapters. 

In this episode of Alzheimer's Voices, Frances Kakugawa speaks about life after caregiving, detailing her relationship with her mother as she progressed through different stages of neurodegenerative change. As an author, Frances discovered how poetry could benefit both their lives during this difficult process. She now leads poetry support groups, teaching care partners to release their stress and emotions through writing. Her story reveals the power of language to reach people during challenging times and channel their emotions into art. 

For more of Frances’s work on caregiving and Alzheimer’s, explore her books I Am Somebody: Bringing Dignity and Compassion to Alzheimer’s Caregiving and the children’s book Wordsworth Dances the Waltz.

In this episode of Alzheimer’s Voices, Robert Toia joins Carol Steinberg to share his experience supporting his wife, Kathy, through the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. He discusses the transition from caring for Kathy at home to making the difficult but necessary decision to move her into long-term care. Robert outlines the steps he took to evaluate facilities, the role of professional caregivers, and how he balanced Kathy’s needs with his own well-being. His story offers practical insights and reassurance for families navigating similar choices.

In this episode of Alzheimer’s Voices, Dr. Arnold Beresh—a lifelong podiatrist and surgeon—speaks about his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson’s diagnoses, and how they changed his sense of community. He shares his journey transitioning from clinical practice to life after diagnosis, and how discovering the National Council of Dementia Minds helped him and his wife better understand their path forward. In 2022, the organization launched a group called Doctors with Dementia, a unique support network that helped shift Dr. Beresh’s view of support groups from skeptic to advocate. He reflects on how peer support offers a safe space to connect with others on a similar path, free of judgment or shame.

In this episode of Alzheimer’s Voices, Chris and Debra Tann open up about their experience with frontal temporal dementia (FTD) and how a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) became the spark for something bigger. Chris shares his journey navigating the complexities of FTD, while Debra explains how it inspired her to launch Reminiscent, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals living with cognitive change. Together, they shine a light on the importance of awareness, accurate diagnosis, and the power of turning personal challenges into collective action.

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In this episode of Alzheimer’s Voices, Scott and Kris Berkheiser open up about their journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, the challenges of diagnosis, and the impact of new treatment options like Leqembi. Scott discusses the role of both medical and lifestyle interventions in managing his condition, while Kris offers a candid perspective on supporting a loved one through this journey.

In this episode of Alzheimer's Voices, Dr. Daniel Potts, a long-time neurologist and founder of Cognitive Dynamics, reflects on the profound impact of Alzheimer’s disease in his personal life and his medical practice. Dr. Potts shares his experiences caring for his parents, who lived with Alzheimer's, during their end-of-life care and hospice journey, and how those experiences have shaped his compassionate approach to working with patients in similar situations.

In this episode of Alzheimer's Voices, join us as we explore the transformative power of music in Alzheimer's care with Ann Wyatt. Ann discusses how music serves as a powerful tool for connection and well-being, whether at home or in care settings. Tune in to learn how integrating music into daily routines can bring comfort, foster connection, and even ignite moments of joy!