Episode Title: When My Father “Woke Up” From His Dementia — A Conversation with Dan Cohen

In this episode of Dementia Caregiver’s Corner, host Juliah speaks with Dan Cohen, entrepreneur, author of The Awakenings in Real Life, and host of the Awakenings In Real Life Podcast.

Dan shares the deeply personal story of caring for his father through dementia and the extraordinary moment when his father experienced what Dan describes as an “awakening.”

Unlike the brief moments of lucidity sometimes reported in dementia, Dan’s father seemed fully present and aware for nearly two days — an experience that profoundly changed how Dan understands memory, identity, and the human spirit at the end of life.

Together, they explore dementia not from a clinical perspective, but through the lived experience of family caregiving.

The conversation touches on caregiver exhaustion, missed moments, family dynamics, and the possibility of meaning and connection even in the most difficult stages of the disease.

Dan also discusses the inspiration behind his book and podcast, where he shares stories of people who have experienced life-changing awakenings through illness, trauma, loss, and other transformative events.

This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of dementia, moments of presence, joy, and connection can still emerge.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Even when memory and communication change, many people living with dementia still experience moments of awareness, joy, and connection.

Exhaustion and stress are common in dementia caregiving, and missing certain moments is not a failure — it simply reflects how demanding caregiving can be.

Simple experiences — familiar places, favourite songs, foods, or shared memories — can still bring comfort and joy to someone living with dementia.

Let me take this moment to thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode.

If you enjoyed our conversation with Dan Cohen, or if you’re passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.

Until next time, thank you for listening. Take care, and bye for now—Tara!

Can Alzheimer’s Be Mistaken for Witchcraft in Africa? Berrie Holtzhausen’s Lived Experience

Repost: In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Berrie Holtzhausen from Namibia, Africa. Berrie is the Founder and CEO of Alzheimer Dementia Namibia (ADN) and the visionary behind the Dementia Care Farm, a place of safety for people living with dementia, especially those wrongly accused of witchcraft.

Berrie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020 and has since become a dedicated advocate for people living with dementia (PLWD). In this episode, he shares his personal experiences, the challenges of stigma, and his innovative approach to prolonging life with dementia.

Key Topics Discussed:

Berrie’s personal updates on living with dementia and how he manages changes in memory and focus.

His concept of DNA for prolonging life with dementia – a philosophy emphasizing inclusion and quality of life.

The importance of cultural awareness in dementia care—understanding backgrounds, emotions, and communication styles.

His ongoing work on a dementia-friendly village—an initiative to educate families and traditional leaders on dementia to combat stigma and harmful beliefs.

Key Takeaways:

Do not disconnect me from life." A dementia diagnosis does not mean immediate incapacity—staying engaged is crucial.

Stigma isolates people. Many friends walk away due to misconceptions about dementia, making social support even more essential.

Senses play a vital role. While memory fades, sensory experiences (smell, touch, hearing) can help PLWD navigate their world.

Education can change communities. By involving traditional leaders, Berrie’s dementia-friendly village aims to shift harmful narratives and improve dementia care.

Resourced Mentioned

Berrie`s 1st Episode

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/breaking-stigma-building-community-berrie-holtzhausens/id1710778347?i=1000649023519

Episode Title: Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together

When we get Alzheimer’s, walk away.” Those were the words Marilyn Raichle’s mother once shared with her, long before both of Marilyn’s parents were diagnosed.

In this moving episode, Marilyn shares how introducing her mother to painting transformed their Alzheimer’s journey from fear and resistance to creativity, connection, and joy. What began as a simple art class led to international recognition, an Emmy Award–winning documentary, and the founding of The Art of Alzheimer’s.

We explore the power of language—“living with” vs “suffering from” dementia—care partner vs caregiver, the ethics of sharing a loved one’s story, and how creativity can preserve dignity and identity

3 clear main takeaways from this episode:

Creativity Can Unlock Connection

Even after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marilyn’s mother discovered a new voice through painting. Art became a bridge, restoring confidence, preserving identity, and deepening their mother–daughter bond.

The difference between “living with” vs “suffering from” dementia and “care partner” vs “caregiver” matters. Words influence how we see people with dementia and how they see themselves.

By sharing her mother’s artwork with the world, Marilyn helped shift perceptions of dementia from decline alone to creativity and possibility. Her work reminds us that raising awareness can honour, not diminish, a loved one’s legacy.

Resources Mentioned

Marilyn Raichle’s book, Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey, is available on Amazon.

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/can-love-and-loss-be-captured-on-film-kimberley/id1710778347?i=1000734014141

Thank you so much, dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our conversation with Marilyn, or if you’re passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.

Take Charge of Your Brain Health: Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Teryn Clarke (USA)

Repost: Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke, a leading expert in preventive medicine and healthy aging, as we explore the power of lifestyle changes to improve long-term health outcomes. In this episode, we dive into the science-backed strategies that can help you live a longer, healthier life—starting today.

Dr. Clarke shares practical advice on three key areas:

Diet: How small tweaks to your eating habits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Exercise: The types and amounts of physical activity that deliver the most benefits as we age.

Alcohol: Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption and how moderation can play a role in maintaining health.

But that’s not all—Dr. Clarke also offers invaluable insights into managing dementia with empathy and compassion. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or working in healthcare, you’ll learn actionable tips to support individuals living with dementia while preserving their dignity and quality of life.

Tune in to discover how the choices you make today can shape your future—and how you can help others along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health and make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

Enjoyed this episode? Remember to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit!

Dementia Caregivers` Corner Podcast streams from the following platforms, and more…

Connect with Dr Teryn Clarke

https://www.clarkeneurology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/brainhealthactionplan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teryn-clarke-b166a314a/

And find her book here

https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Health-Action-Plan-Science-Backed-ebook/dp/B0D79KXD7Y?ref_=ast_author_mpb

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementiacaregiverscorners-podcast/id1710778347

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Episode Title: Dementia Caregiving: The One Question That Helped a Mother and Daughter Reconnect with Glenna Hecht

What if one simple question could bring laughter, connection, and joy back into life with dementia?

In this episode of Dementia Caregiver’s Corner, Juliah speaks with Glenna Hecht, two-time author, speaker, and advocate about the powerful game she created with her mother, “How Old Are You Today?” What began as a way to cope with confusion became a daily ritual that preserved identity, sparked humour, and strengthened their bond through every stage of dementia.

Glenna shares honest reflections on recognising the early signs of dementia, navigating guilt and grief as a caregiver, and why humour, repetition, and presence matter more than memory. Together, they explore how caregivers can stay connected, protect their own wellbeing, and find moments of joy, even in the hardest seasons.

A heartfelt, hopeful conversation for anyone caring for, loving, or supporting someone living with dementia.

Key Takeaways

Let me take this time and Thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode! If you enjoyed our conversation with Glenna or you are passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.

Until next time, thank you for listening and bye for now! and take care—! Tara!"

Repost: The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger: 

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

3 Main Points Discussed

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

3 Key Takeaways

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guid

It’s a wrap for 2025.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the guests who graced the Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast in 2025. We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us.

Dementia Care. How Deep is Your Love?

The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

3 Main Points Discussed

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

3 Key Takeaways

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers — available for a limited time only (2 weeks).

Don’t miss our final episode of the year with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, coming this Wednesday!

Episode Title: I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It? 

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Dementia Caregiver’s Corner Podcast, we explore a lesser-known but deeply important aspect of dementia: olfactory impairment also known as the loss of smell.

My guest, Duncan Boak, co-founder and CEO of SmellTaste, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders, shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a head injury. Together, we discuss the critical links between smell loss and dementia, safety concerns, emotional wellbeing, and the vital support networks available to those living with sensory changes.

Duncan also talks about his contribution to the new book A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment, shedding light on how changes in smell and taste impact older adults and people living with dementia.

3 Main Discussion Points

His Personal Journey – Duncan shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a severe head injury and how it shaped his advocacy work.

Smell, Memory & Dementia – Exploring the link between olfactory impairment, taste changes, and dementia, including risks, hallucinations, and daily challenges.

Support & Advocacy – The work of Smell Taste and Duncan’s contribution to a new book highlighting sensory impairments in dementia care.

3 Key Takeaways

Smell is more than a sense – it shapes memory, emotions, safety, and quality of life.

Olfactory impairment is common in dementia but often overlooked, leading to risks like unsafe eating, missed dangers (fires, gas), or hallucinations.

Support is available – TasteSmell provides resources and advocacy for people with smell and taste disorders, including those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Resources Mentioned

https://www.smelltaste.org.uk/team/duncan-boak/

A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment (a Well researched book edited by Professor. Andrea Tales, Professor. Jan Kremláček and Dr. Emma Richards