Bob's Last Marathon

Kristopher Hong, music therapist, talks about how he uses music as a tool to facilitate therapeutic processes. Music can benefit people of all ages with a range of physical and mental capabilities. But it’s especially helpful to those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurological conditions.

Lena reflects on the importance of maintaining a social life as Alzheimer’s symptoms progress, and offers practical ways she discovered to navigate the challenges.

Alexandra Morris, a gerontologist and Geriatric Care Manager with 30 years’ experience helping families to cope with dementia and aging in many settings, offers practical advice for having productive conversations with people who suffer from dementia.

Judith Johanson, a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, and wife of Steve, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, shares the heartbreaking experience of coping with behavioral changes symptomatic of disease progression, and how recognizing that these changes were symptoms of his illness helped her navigate through trying times.

Dr. Steven E. Arnold, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Translational Neurology Head and Managing Director of the Interdisciplinary Brain Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, talks about his process for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Steven E. Arnold, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Translational Neurology Head and Managing Director of the Interdisciplinary Brain Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, speaks about lifestyle practices he recommends for Alzheimer’s patients at the time of diagnosis. These recommendations can also benefit the health and well-being of family members by reducing the risk of developing the disease.

Dr. Steven E. Arnold, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Translational Neurology Head and Managing Director of the Interdisciplinary Brain Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, speaks on the current state of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Lena remembers the moment when it became clear that Bob would benefit from a day care program, and shares the factors that led to their choice.

Lorri Bernstein, MSW, Founder of Senior Living Specialists of Philadelphia and Chicago, tells us about steps to consider in moving our loved ones from home to a care community.

Katie Brandt, Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit, shares the emotional challenges of navigating care for both her father and her husband.