Bob's Last Marathon

Lena talks about some of the common issues that come up from well-meaning friends, and ways to handle them.

Lena recalls the moment she realized that taking care of herself was essential to caring well for Bob, and how she learned that giving our very best to our loved ones doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and pleasure.

This episode features Katie Brandt, Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. Katie’s late husband, Mike, was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 29. Katie tells us about a heartbreaking decision she had to make, and the isolation, uncertainties, and rewards of being a caregiver for both her husband and their young son.

Lena talks about denial—an insidious and potentially dangerous problem that many Alzheimer’s caregivers face.

Lena recalls how her life as a caregiver did a 180 when she met Dr. Steven E. Arnold, a leading Alzheimer’s expert, now at Massachusetts General Hospital—and discovered the five key elements of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ten-minute podcasts to help families and friends navigate the unknown in caring for people with dementia. Each episode features firsthand stories from people with personal experience caring for their loved ones, and experts in specialized fields. Topics organized by four categories: planning, living well, community, and challenges. Transcripts and other resources on www.bobsmarathon.com. Debut January 13, 2021.