Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving

In this insightful interview, Sue Lloyd-Davies discusses her book Pinkie’s Turnabout (Fitzroy, February 2026), inspired by her own experiences caring for a loved one with dementia and her work with children in caregiving situations. The conversation explores the emotional journey of caregiving, the importance of understanding dementia, and how families can foster open conversations about these challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pinky's Turnabout
00:54 Inspiration Behind the Book
03:20 Challenges of Caregiving
06:41 Advice for Young Caregivers
09:34 Navigating Grief and Emotions
12:58 The Role of Pets in Caregiving
15:36 Using the Book for Family Conversations

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Lloyd-Davies lives and writes in an old cottage in quirky Gulfport, Florida, where fuzzy cat, Arlo, loafs beside her keyboard and occasionally types an extra space or two into her stories. Caring for her mother, whose life — filled with friends, quilting and church — drifted into dementia, inspired her novel about Pinkie. 

When she’s not writing, Sue can be found under the oaks handing out hazelnuts to rescue squirrel Owen or careening around the community center in a line dance. Visit her at Suelloyddavies.com, where you can purchase a copy of the book (available wherever books are sold). 

PRAISE FOR PINKIE’S TURNABOUT

“Drawing on personal experience, Lloyd-Davies confronts the hardships of caring for a loved one with dementia in this brutally tender debut. It’s a surprise-packed narrative that counterbalances nuanced examinations of complicated relationships and hard-earned life lessons against Jack’s delightfully snarky quips.” Ages 9–12. (Feb.)
—Publishers Weekly – STARRED Review

“Pinkie’s Turnabout is a layered story and an appealing pick for middle grade readers. An entertaining, heartfelt story and a great pick for classroom reading and discussion, all ages will find value in its themes of love and forgiveness, becoming self-aware, not judging by appearance, and the unmasking of subtle prejudices that often go unrecognized. Conflicts and troubles abound for Pinkie at every turn, but love and forgiveness win out in the end in a way that will make your heart grow three sizes. Never preachy, never didactic, the story shows through action and event how to be a better person.”
―Clara Gillow Clark, writing coach and award-winning author of Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie on Her Way

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Email: [email protected]
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In this heartfelt interview, Karen McGovern shares her personal and professional journey caring for loved ones at the end of life, highlighting the importance of compassion, preparation, and presence. Discover insights into end-of-life care, the role of doulas, and how to navigate grief and caregiving with grace.

About Karon Keller McGovern

Karon is a Certified End of Life Doula, Reiki Master and Reverend. Her business Loving Embrace – Transition Service Guiding the Client
and Family through the final Transition after Karon saw a real need to change how end-of-life patients were not receiving the best care with our medical system. 

Contact her by: [email protected] or 214-930-1195. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to End-of-Life Care
05:21 Navigating Dementia and Family Dynamics
10:50 Becoming an End-of-Life Doula

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Dr. Mia explores the groundbreaking Finger Study, a global research project on brain health and Alzheimer's prevention, and the US version, called POINTER study. Discover why lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and cognitive activities can significantly improve brain resilience and delay cognitive decline.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pointer Study
02:44 Understanding the US Pointer Recipe
05:28 The Role of Exercise in Brain Health
08:16 Dietary Impacts on Cognitive Function
10:57 Gut-Brain Connection and Its Implications
14:01 Cognitive Exercises and Health Monitoring
15:51 Empowerment Through Lifestyle Changes

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In this conversation, Dr. Mia and Dr. Catherine Madison discuss the complexities of caregiving for individuals with dementia, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights. They explore the importance of understanding advanced care planning, and the vulnerability of dementia patients to health challenges. The discussion also covers legal considerations for caregivers, tools for initiating end-of-life conversations, and lifestyle changes that can enhance brain health. Dr. Madison emphasizes the need for open dialogue about death and dying, as well as the significance of research in improving dementia care.

Dr. Catherine Madison, a board-certified neurologist and author of Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer’s and Dementia. With over 40 years of experience in clinical neurology, Dr. Madison has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families understand, manage, and live well with cognitive decline.

As the founding medical director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center in San Francisco, she developed a groundbreaking model of care that supports both patients and their loved ones, a holistic approach that has since influenced dementia programs nationwide. She continues this work through her private practice and her role with Jewish Family and Children’s Services (seniors at home), where she educates families on brain health, cognitive aging, and care planning.

Dr. Madison is known for blending clinical expertise with a deeply human touch. Her new book translates the most current research on Alzheimer’s and dementia into clear, compassionate answers for those facing these conditions. She’s an engaging and empathetic guest who can speak on:

• How to recognize the earliest signs of memory loss—and what to do next
• The latest science on Alzheimer’s and other dementias
• How families can plan for care, maintain connection, and protect quality of life
• Practical steps for supporting brain health as we age

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4h7UbN5

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4of9qGv

Book: navigating memory loss

https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/#faqs

https://seniorsathome.jfcs.org/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Memory Loss: Introduction to Dementia Care
02:31 Personal Journey: The Impact of Caregiving
05:16 Understanding Anosognosia: Awareness in Dementia
08:08 Advanced Care Planning: Preparing for the Future
10:55 The Vulnerability of Dementia: Health Challenges
13:43 Legal Considerations: Directives and Estate Planning
16:22 Conversations About End-of-Life: Tools and Techniques
19:07 Lifestyle Changes: Enhancing Brain Health
21:19 Research Insights: The Future of Dementia Care

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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. 

Ever wonder why the news reports on Alzheimer's causes are so confusing and what's the fuss about these amyloid plaques?

This conversation delves into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the shift from traditional diagnosis of exclusion to new definition by underlying pathology. 

Dr. Mia explains the differences between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the role of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, and the complexities of diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's in the context of vascular dementia.

This episode contains visuals, which could be followed along by YouTube video. 

Alzheimer's disease, dementia, amyloid plaques, tau tangles, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, diagnosis, treatment, brain health, memory loss

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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 conversation, Alex Drane and Dr. Mia discuss the challenges and realities of unpaid caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-identification, data, and community support. They explore how caregivers often overlook their own needs while focusing on those they care for, and the necessity of finding respite and grace in their roles. The discussion also touches on the impact of caregiving on mental health, especially during stressful times like the holidays, and the need for a supportive community to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities.

Archangels website: https://www.archangels.me/

Intensity score quiz: https://www.archangels-cii.me/get-started/?utm_source=aacaregiverpage&utm_medium=weblink&utm_campaign=general

About Alexandra Drane

Alexandra is co-founder and CEO of ARCHANGELS — a women-owned, public benefit corporation and omni-channel platform shamelessly hustling to make change happen for the 43% of adults across our nation serving as unpaid caregivers. ARCHANGELS engages and supports caregivers across all 50 states through partnerships with employers, consumer brands, health-plans/systems, communities, and states.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Archangels and Caregiving

02:58
Understanding the Caregiver's Role and Identity

05:44
The Power of Data and Storytelling in Caregiving

08:28
Navigating Intensity and Self-Care as a Caregiver

11:38
The Importance of Respite and Support

14:23
Finding Grace and Permission to Care for Yourself

17:09
Community and Connection Among Caregivers

19:56
The Impact of Holidays on Caregivers

23:08
The Future of Caregiving and Advocacy

26:02
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement for Caregivers

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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 about the common questions that come up in memory clinic such as: 

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Basics
02:54 Differentiating Between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia
06:19 Exploring Types of Dementia
11:01 Stages of Dementia Explained

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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. 

The "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" hosts Allison and Jennifer discuss the GUIDE program with Dr. Mia, an innovative Medicare initiative designed to support caregivers and patients through comprehensive services and respite care. Mia Yang, a geriatrician, shares her expertise and insights on GUIDE (GUiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program.

Self refer: 
[email protected] -NC Triad

[email protected] NC greater Charlotte area

www.MiaYangMD.com

"Mom, You're Grounded Podcast"
https://youtu.be/u_VH0SAWuk4?si=Xepgc__BXNyxZvzn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caregiving Challenges
01:09 Understanding the GUIDE Program
02:11 Mia Yang's Background and Expertise
04:44 Innovative Approaches in Dementia Care
06:39 Respite Care and Financial Support
08:40 Adult Daycare Options and Benefits
10:05 Navigating the GUIDE Program
12:28 Eligibility and Enrollment Process
14:45 Choosing the Right Medicare Plan
18:38 The Evolution of the GUIDE Program
20:23 Geographical Coverage of GUIDE Programs
22:09 Respite Care Options and Limitations
23:56 Success Stories from the GUIDE Program
26:40 Recognizing the Need for Help
29:19 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
32:32 Connecting with the GUIDE Program
35:45 Mia Yang's Podcast and Resources

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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 of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jodi Colada, a director of caregiver outreach, about engaging activities for family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. They discuss the challenges caregivers face in getting their loved ones to participate in activities, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and various creative expressions that can foster connection. Jodi shares practical tips, resources, and tools to help caregivers engage their loved ones meaningfully, emphasizing the value of participation and the joy of shared experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers
00:17 Introduction to Jody Kalata and Her Expertise
00:45 Connecting with the Audience
01:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers
11:13 Creative Expression Through Art and Music
21:06 Practical Tools and Resources for Caregivers

Jodi Kolada is the Director of Caregiver Outreach and Non-Clinical Team Member Education with Well∙Spring Solutions. Jodi has a master’s degree in Gerontological Studies from Miami University of Ohio. She is a certified co-leader of Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  She is a certified instructor of the Dementia Dialogues Program from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She leads the agency’s efforts to successfully provide a combination of evidence-based programs, educational classes, retreats, and monthly support groups to family caregivers. She also presents to faith, civic and community organizations about caregiving issues.

Below are some of Jodi's helpful resources;

SITES
www.nationaldaycalendar.com – online database of holidays and celebrations – can spark great conversation and incudes activity ideas


www.backthenhistory.com – provide an email address to receive a daily message about the history of everyday objects - can spark great conversation and activity ideas


https://dementianc.org/helpsupport/music-memory-at-home/  Music & Memory is an evidence-based program which helps people living with dementia find joy and connection to life through musical favorites.  They help to develop a personalized playlist, and provide a Music & Memory at Home Kit, which includes a digital music player uploaded with the person’s favorite music, headphones, a Bluetooth speaker and written guides. Both the primary caregiver and the program listener (person with a dementia diagnosis in a home setting) must be in NC.


https://www.goldencarers.com/activities - activity ideas & helpful resources

https://mariasplace.com/ - activity ideas

 
Free APPS

Word Search Colorful

Flower Garden

Jigsaw Puzzles Real

My Reef 3D Aquarium

 GAMES

 Shut the Box  -basic math

Rory’s Story Cubes - storytelling

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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 conversation, Dr. Mia discusses her personal experiences with caregiving and grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role as a caregiver, the challenges of caregiver burnout, and the necessity of seeking support. She reflects on her relationship with her mother and the complexities of love and acceptance in the context of caregiving. 

Important Resources from this episode;

Archangels Caregiver Quiz and Resources

https://www.archangels.me/for-caregivers 

ianacare- The Platform For Caregivers

https://ianacare.com/caregivers/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Burnout
02:15 Personal Journey with Caregiving
05:31 Navigating Grief and Caregiving
07:44 Defining a Good Daughter
10:02 Acceptance and Presence in Caregiving
11:06 Navigating Caregiving and Personal Relationships
16:38 Resources for 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.