Bob's Last Marathon

Judith Johanson, MADRC Longitudinal Cohort Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, describes her experience with her husband Steve, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, in two types of clinical trials. She talked about how Steve wanted to contribute to research far beyond his time on earth.

Rachel Wiley, Occupational Therapist, explains how dementia-related behaviors can be better understood by considering the person with dementia, the caregiver, and the environment in a given situation, and how this analysis can point to mitigation strategies.

Jennifer Fargo Lathrop, Spiritual Care Provider from the outpatient palliative care program of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, describes palliative and hospice care, and her role as a spiritual care provider for people with dementia.

Alexandra Morris, gerontologist and Geriatric Care Manager, offers practical and compassionate strategies for coping with a common issue challenging Alzheimer’s caregivers: repetitive behavior.

Lena talks about the importance of daily structure, and outlines the routines she devised to give Bob the care he needed, and give them both a sense of stability in the face of this unpredictable disease.

Lena talks about key roles of the caregiver team, people she came to consider family, that she gathered over time to help care for Bob as his disease progressed.

Dr. Dawn Mechanic-Hamilton, Director of Cognitive Fitness Programs and Neuropsychological Services at the Penn Memory Center, describes the concept of cognitive fitness and some key tools used to support brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Lena recalls slivers of light when the Bob she knew and loved surfaced through his dementia, and contemplates the importance of savoring and nurturing our loved one’s essence.

Lena reflects on the role of family in the care of a loved one with dementia, and how their true value goes deeper than the day-to-day chores.

Alexandra Morris, gerontologist and Geriatric Care Manager, talks about how connecting with your loved one’s emotional truths, sometimes over the facts, can be a kind and compassionate way of managing daily life challenges.