Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving

 Dr. Mia speaks with Kirstin Thomas, co-founder and president of KindredMind, about how her mother's Alzheimer's and vascular dementia shaped her caregiving journey and inspired a technology companion for people living with dementia. They explain how familiar-voice and face-to-face features aim to ease the anxiety from repetitive calls and support connection, while discussing privacy safeguards, dementia-care principles, and the limits caregivers must learn to accept.

Kirstin Thomas is the Co-Founder and President of KindredMind. She built it from lived experience: her mother lives with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in a memory care facility in Ontario, Canada, and would call again and again, reaching for the comfort and reassurance of a familiar voice Kirstin couldn’t always answer. Unable to find a tool that met that need, she built one, a voice companion that answers a loved one’s calls in the family caregiver’s own voice, grounded in simulated presence therapy and dementia-friendly communication guidelines.

At KindredMind, she leads company strategy, operations, and the brand’s voice, building it as a growing suite of tools supporting people from mild cognitive impairment through the stages of dementia, alongside the families who care for them. Whether answering repetitive calls, offering companionship and conversation to combat loneliness, or carrying reminders through the day, the aim remains the one that started it all: making sure the person living with dementia feels heard and reassured, so caregivers can keep showing up for the people they love, without carrying the weight of every missed call.

Website & Social

https://kindredmind.care/

@kindredmindcare

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Kirsten Thomas's caregiving story and the origins of KindredMind
02:56 Early signs: language changes, repetition, and executive function
05:07 A sudden loss of independence and the calls that inspired the product
08:34 How KindredMind Voice offers a familiar, patient response
11:31 AI voice concerns, privacy, and the safeguards Thomas describes
16:01 How call coverage works and options for transparency
19:45 Validation, reassurance, and redirecting repeated questions
22:47 Two voice modes: companionship and reassurance
24:53 KindredMind Presence: tablet-based friendly or familiar faces
28:01 Caregiver guilt, acceptance, and what remains within your control

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

Dr. Mia speaks with Senior-Care Executive Chef Craig Bowerson, a longtime kitchen professional who developed a resident-led menu system, about bringing choice, personal history, and better food to assisted-living dining. They explore practical ways caregivers can use familiar recipes and cooking together to nourish relationships, including when dementia or limited time complicates meal preparation.

Chapters
 

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Why family recipes and resident choice matter
03:13 Meet Craig Bowerson and his resident-led menu system
04:44 Staffing, cooking skills, and the cost of prepared food
07:15 How residents help build a personalized menu
09:58 Alternatives, comfort foods, and flexibility at mealtime
11:08 Making cooking manageable for caregivers and people with dementia
13:37 Cooking together to build connection and preserve family traditions
18:32 Simple meal-prep ideas and familiar freezer meals
19:59 The history hidden in old family recipes
23:17 Why dignity and choice drive Craig’s work
26:19 Taking the resident-choice program to more facilities

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

In this episode, Dr. Mia talks with Andy Tubman, a music therapist and co-founder of SingFit, about how music therapy and innovative technology can improve quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. They explore the science behind music's impact on the brain, practical applications, and how Sing Fit's platform supports emotional and cognitive health.

Visit https://www.singfit.com/ to create a free account and then download the app from your preferred app store. 

Andy Tubman is Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at Musical Health Technologies/ SingFit. He has been a Board Certified music therapist/MT-BC for over 20 years, developing innovative techniques that help clients achieve their therapeutic goals, and training fellow healthcare professional in his methodologies internationally.

In 2011 Andy co-founded Musical Health Technologies and released the first therapeutic singing program, SingFit, on iTunes. SingFit utilizes patented technology to create scalable singing and cognitive programing that is used in professional caregiving and at-home settings. Presently, Musical Health Technologies is partnering with the Advanced Medical Technology Initiative of the Department of Defense / Veteran’s Administration, Tufts University and Glasgow Caledonian University to advance the research and efficacy of singing and cognitive function.

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Andy Tubman and Sing Fit
03:12 What is SingFit and how does it differ from just playing music
05:37 The importance of active singing and word cues
07:24 What does a music therapist do in different settings
10:28 How music can stabilize heart rate and support physiological health
13:08 Overview of SingFit Studio Caregiver app
15:46 Personalized music therapy and the role of profiles
17:38 Can people with dementia sing independently?
19:50 Designing SingFit with caregivers and people with dementia in mind
21:22 Partnerships, webinars, and community support
23:22 Different modalities of using music for health and activity
25:17 Using music to support activities of daily living
26:09 Encouragement to explore SingFit and closing remarks

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

In this episode, Dr. Mia talks with Caroline Shelby, a grief educator and caregiver, about navigating grief, especially in the context of caring for loved ones with dementia. They explore practical strategies for coping, the importance of acknowledging grief, and how to find clarity amidst chaos.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grief and Caregiving Challenges
03:36 Meet Caroline Shelby: A Grief Educator and Caregiver
04:25 What Would You Tell Your Past Self During Grief?
08:39 Practical Ways to Move Through Grief
13:09 The Role of a Grief Coach vs. Therapist
17:50 Making Difficult Decisions in Caregiving
20:17 Acknowledging and Expressing Grief
23:03 How to Connect with Caroline Shelby

Caroline is a grief educator and founder of Grief Clarity Labs, drawing on more than a decade caring for her mother through Alzheimer's and a series of profound losses in 2024 that turned her personal experience into a calling. Through coaching, writing, and recently published book, Living Beside the Leaving, she helps people understand grief not as something to move on from, but something to learn to move with. Her mission is to help people feel less alone, more understood, and better equipped to navigate one of life's most universal, yet misunderstood, experiences.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: https://www.griefclaritylabs.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineshelby/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580363698420 

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

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive update on anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer's disease, covering recent drug developments, diagnostic processes, and treatment considerations. This episode is essential for understanding how these therapies work, their benefits, risks, and what patients and caregivers should know.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to anti-amyloid therapy updates
02:12 Understanding Alzheimer's disease and dementia
03:59 Biological markers and diagnosis of Alzheimer's
05:48 Differences between Lecanemab and Donanemab
08:01 Efficacy and benefits of disease-modifying drugs
12:03 Side effects and management of ARIA
15:57 Monitoring treatment and reaccumulation of amyloid
20:06 Patient considerations and treatment logistics
24:01 Travel, caregiver monitoring, and insurance coverage
29:54 Future therapies and evolving landscape of Alzheimer's treatment
36:04 Summary and final thoughts on treatment choices

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

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Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive update on anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer's disease, covering recent drug developments, diagnostic processes, and treatment considerations. This episode is essential for understanding how these therapies work, their benefits, risks, and what patients and caregivers should know.

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to anti-amyloid therapy and its significance

02:56 Understanding the biological basis of Alzheimer's disease

04:51 The role of biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment eligibility

06:46 Comparison of Lacanimab and Donanimab: Efficacy and differences

08:55 How these medications slow disease progression

10:54 Side effects: ARIA and risk management

12:54 Monitoring protocols and safety during treatment

14:46 The future of Alzheimer's treatments and ongoing research

17:06 Practical considerations for patients and caregivers

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

Season 8 kicks off with Dr. Mia interviewing Jennifer Riggs, a caregiver and dementia care expert, about her personal journey caring for her father with dementia and the practical techniques she has learned to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Jennifer Riggs is the Director of Dementia Services at Dementia Family Support, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Certified Trainer, Consultant, and Coach. She has spent her career helping individuals living with dementia, family caregivers, and care professionals navigate the challenges of dementia with practical, compassionate, person centered strategies. Her work is also deeply personal, as she cared for her father through his journey with vascular and Alzheimer's dementia. 

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Season 8

03:00 Introduction to Jen Riggs and her background
04:20 Jen shares her personal experience caring for her father with dementia
05:30 Emotional challenges of caregiving and staying emotionally sane
07:40 Making decisions in medical care with a focus on quality of life
11:29 Learning from Teepa Snow's dementia care techniques
14:05 Practical tips from Teepa Snow's approach, including visual support
16:08 The hand under hand technique and its benefits
18:00 The importance of giving dementia patients a sense of control
19:39 Understanding communication as expression rather than behavior
20:33 Dementia Family Support and caregiver education services
23:35 The importance of understanding the disease and building a support village
25:37 Final thoughts and resources for caregivers

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

Dr. Mia shares a sneak peek into the research presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London from July 2026. More to come in season 8 of the podcast, returning Sept 1st! 

Hit the + sign in Apple podcast or follow in Spotify to save this show!

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

In this episode, Dr. Mia welcomes Dr. Monique Nugent to discuss how caregivers can effectively advocate for loved ones in hospital settings. Dr. Nugent is also the author of Prescription for Admission: The Power and Potential of Hospital Medicine, a must-read for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike. This book offers an inside look at hospital care, breaking down complex medical processes and providing actionable insights for anyone interacting with the healthcare system. Topics include communication strategies, managing hospital ecosystems, and planning for discharge to ensure safety and dignity.

Chapters

00:48 Introduction and Overview of Care Partner Importance
03:45 Navigating Hospital Communication as a Care Partner
06:19 The Role of Information in Patient Safety
11:01 Setting Expectations for Communication
15:54 Actionable Steps for Effective Care Coordination
19:21 Navigating Hospital Communication
22:03 Improving Hospital Experiences for Families
24:08 Planning for Discharge from the Hospital
26:18 Understanding Delirium in Hospitalized Patients
27:47 The Challenges of Hospitalization for Older Adults
31:05 The Benefits of Home Hospital Programs
33:14 Reevaluating End-of-Life Care Expectations

Meet Dr. Monique Nugent – Healthcare Speaker, Hospitalist, and Author
A Passion for Transforming Healthcare
Dr. Monique Nugent is a board-certified hospitalist, author, and sought-after healthcare speaker dedicated to improving the way patients, families, and healthcare professionals navigate the medical system. With years of frontline experience, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities within hospitals and is passionate about bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient advocacy.

Dr. Nugent’s mission is to make healthcare more accessible, understandable, and effective for everyone. Whether through her book, public speaking engagements, or thought leadership in medical education, she is committed to empowering both patients and providers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

https://drmoniquenugent.com/

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders. 

This episode features Gina and Allie from Care Patrol discussing the complexities of transitioning seniors into retirement communities. They share insights on planning, choosing the right care level, understanding state regulations, and navigating family dynamics to ensure a smooth and suitable move.

Allie Spangler, OTR/L, CSA brings extensive experience and deep passion for helping others. She has supported hundreds of families in navigating care options for their loved ones with confidence and clarity. 

Prior to joining CarePatrol, Allie worked as an occupational therapist across a variety of healthcare settings, primarily serving geriatric patients in acute care, long-term acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Through this experience, she developed a strong ability to guide individuals and families.

Gina Gordon, RN, CSA brings over 30 years of healthcare experience and a deep passion for serving others. Inspired by both her professional background and personal experiences, she opened CarePatrol of Winston-Salem to better support families navigating senior care decisions.

Prior to CarePatrol, Gina built a long and meaningful career in healthcare, gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of care and the importance of advocacy. As the daughter of aging parents, she understands both the rewards and challenges families face and values the opportunity to connect with each client on a personal level.

CarePatrol of Winston-Salem

Allie Spangler, Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

PO Box 20302 Winston-Salem, NC 27120

O: 844-218-2273 | D: 564-565-4562 | F: 336-866-0758

CarePatrol.com | Senior Care Podcast | Facebook | LinkedIn 

Other Resources

North Carolina Assisted Living Regulations - https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/divisions/licensing

Memory Care Best Practices - https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/memory-care

Care Management Resources - https://www.care.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Care Transitions
03:00 Proactive vs Reactive Planning for Care
06:16 Navigating Community Transitions
08:54 Understanding Care Levels and Community Types
12:03 State Requirements for Assisted Living
16:46 Staffing Ratios and Their Importance
18:37 Leadership and Stability in Care Communities
25:22 Advice for Sandwich Generation Caregivers
31:55 Choosing the Right Agency for Care

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. 
Email: [email protected]
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.