Dementia Decoded

Discover how to safeguard your cognitive function and potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, and lifelong learning, you can give your brain the tune-up it deserves.

Fuel your mind with a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains. Regular physical activity boosts blood flow and promotes the growth of new brain cells. Keep your mind sharp by engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, learning a new language, or playing games.

Additionally, managing your blood pressure and glucose levels is crucial for brain health. By incorporating these lifestyle choices into your daily routine, you can not only reduce your risk of Alzheimer's but also enhance your overall well-being.

Find the book here!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Brain's Fountain of Youth: Innovative Paths to Dementia Prevention

Dementia Brain Protection: Health for Life

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

From Caregiver to Care Receiver: Embracing the Journey

Caregiver burnout is a real concern, but what happens when the roles reverse? This episode explores the emotional journey of caregivers who transition into care recipients themselves. Discover how accepting this shift can lead to:

Join us as we explore the power of embracing change in caregiving and the valuable insights gained from role reversal.

Christopher MacLellan started The Whole Care Network after his experience as family caregiver balancing care and career. With 10 years of experience as the director of an information and referral service hotline, he grew a passion for advocacy in caregiving. He saw firsthand the difficulty in finding trusted information and resources to sustain a healthy and productive lifestyle at home and work. For Chris, the focus of The Whole Care Network is bringing information to family caregivers through shared stories and easy-to-consume media organized within 4 Pillars of Care. 

Christopher became a care recipient several years ago, and it may not be a surprise to learn that he struggled with accepting care after his time being a care provider.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Discover Anxiety, Health & Care Stress Reduction Techniques

Caregiver Support: Personalized Text Message Connections

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Baby doll therapy, often associated with women and motherhood, offers unexpected benefits for individuals with dementia. This innovative approach has proven effective in engaging patients, improving their verbal communication, and providing comfort during challenging times.

Contrary to popular belief, baby doll therapy is not exclusive to women or those who have had children. Men, too, can find solace and connection through this unique form of therapy. By fostering a sense of nurturing and responsibility, baby dolls can help individuals with dementia feel more grounded and engaged.

If you're considering incorporating baby doll therapy into your care routine, it's essential to approach it with sensitivity and understanding. Observe your loved one's reactions and adjust the therapy as needed. Remember, the goal is to create a positive and meaningful experience that promotes well-being.

Check out the Grandbaby Project

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Happy Hearts: Music Therapy for Dementia Care

The Power of Neurofeedback Therapy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Relationship Challenges & Caregiving.

Feeling Strained in Your Caregiving Role? Rebuild a Stronger Relationship!

Caring for a loved one with a challenging personality can be emotionally draining. This episode offers practical strategies to navigate these complexities and build a more positive caregiving dynamic. Learn how to:

We'll share the inspiring story of a daughter who transformed her caregiving experience by shifting her perspective and prioritizing self-care. Discover how you too can create a healthier relationship dynamic and navigate the challenges of caregiving with greater confidence.

Sherri Yarborough is caring for her 93 year old mother. She also started Praxis Senior Caregiving Solutions. She realized that to survive caring for her Mom, she was going to have to rectify their past relationship struggles. This episode, she shares how she made that happen.. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her education as a policy analyst was an invaluable tool for managing the interpersonal changes to the relationship with her mother. 

Dr. Yarbrough's decade long experience as a family care-giver has taught Dr. Yarbrough the importance of including herself and her needs in the care journey with her mother. Dr. Yarbrough’s ability to view a circumstance from multiple perspectives became the genesis for her Praxis for Care. The Praxis for Care is a strategy that helps family care-givers identify what they need in order to meet the needs of a loved one. The Praxis for Care is the foundation for her motto: care-giving is what you do for your loved one; giving-care is what you do for both of you. She created her business to give family care-givers a resource for navigating the demands of caring for a loved one. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care

Accepting Care - A Caregivers Perspective

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. But imagine a world where stress melts away, and moments of tranquility are within reach. Discover relaxation techniques tailored for caregivers, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and guided imagery. Learn how these practices can nurture your mind and body, and help you find peace even in the most challenging times. Join us as we explore the science behind relaxation and discover how to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine, even when time is precious.

Our Guest: Mary Crescenzo

As public speaker and arts consultant for dementia-friendly conferences, universities, and community organizations, she is a pioneer in the field of community arts and an advocate for creating awareness of the benefits of art for all ages, specializing in those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, older adults and those with special needs populated in diverse settings and communities.  As a master teaching artist for decades focusing on an intergenerational approach, her current focus is speaking and consulting on arts and social engagement for older adults, with a laser focus on those with Alzheimer’s/dementia.

Mary's website

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Alzheimer’s Caregivers-Sending You Encouragement Today

Yoga for Busy Caregivers

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Facing a Difficult Choice: Death with Dignity and Dementia

Death with dignity, also known as medical aid in dying, offers terminally ill individuals the right to control their end-of-life decisions. But what happens when dementia enters the equation? This episode tackles the complex ethical and legal challenges surrounding death with dignity for individuals with dementia.

We'll explore:

Discover practical strategies to facilitate open communication with loved ones about end-of-life wishes. Join us as we delve into the medical, legal, and ethical complexities surrounding death with dignity and dementia.

D. Liebhart is a nurse and writer. She writes (and sometimes lives) stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, where they learn that life is rarely predictable and answers to life’s most complex questions are almost never black and white.

House on Fire, her debut novel, was long-listed for the 2022 Petrichor Prize. Her essay Thalassophobia (a true account of a very out-of-the-ordinary honeymoon) won the 2021 Linda Julian Creative Nonfiction Prize from Emrys Journal and is now available on her website.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What Is Death Positivity?

The Heart of Caring - Dementia & Hospice

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Discover the power of fun and engaging activities for individuals living with dementia. Learn how these activities can improve mood, stimulate cognitive function, and foster meaningful connections. Explore a variety of ideas, from simple crafts to outdoor adventures, and find the perfect activities to match your loved one's interests. Learn tips for making these experiences fun and enjoyable for both you and your loved one.

Fun and engaging activities are an essential tool for caregivers. Our loved ones need the stimulation. Fun, suitable, engaging activities will provide them with enjoyment, challenges, a way to pass the time constructively, helping keep them happy. If you find the right activity, you may discover a way to give them a sense of purpose. We all need to feel useful, or we can become very unpleasant.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Make Grandma Smile – Engagement & Activities

Activities for Every Dementia Stage

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Offering something everyone on the Alzheimer's path needs, knowledge, is one of the benefits of adding an Alzheimer's cruise to your vacation list.  This one-of-a-kind cruise is a unique experience for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's and their care partners. Cruising together you'll gain valuable knowledge, important friendships, and happy memories.

In this podcast episode, I talk to Lisa Marie Chirco, the woman behind this cruise. With an extensive background in event planning as well as a history of caregiving.  Lisa put together a must take a cruise. For example, people newly diagnosed with Alzheimers have lots of questions. In addition, their care partner has questions and concerns unique to themselves.

On the inaugural cruise, attendees had daily opportunities to learn.  Many of the topics covered will make their journey together as easy as possible. During morning sessions on board, the topics covered included financial planning, safety, caregiving techniques and more.

Learning in a small group environment fosters a sense of camaraderie where friendships can blossom. As a result, you leave the cruise with the knowledge that you can handle what's coming. In addition, you'll have a group of people on the same journey to lean on when needed.

Give this episode a listen. I'm certain when you're done, you'll be adding this cruise to your must-do list.

Book Your Cruise Today 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support

Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

Or learn more at Our Website

Caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment is demanding and can take a toll on your own mental health. It's essential to prioritize your well-being. Creyos is a new tool designed to help protect your mental health by providing a clear picture of your stress levels and coping mechanisms. By understanding your own needs, you can better support both yourself and your loved one. Early identification of caregiver stress allows for timely intervention and support, ensuring you're equipped to handle the challenges ahead.

Creyos was officially founded in 2015 when world-renowned neuroscientist, Professor Adrian Owen met Marc Lipton, a business leader with a proven track record of driving success and innovation, with a personal passion for advancing healthcare’s approach to cognitive care. 

Prof. Owen and Marc were excited about the opportunity to use Prof. Owen’s research and digitized cognitive tasks to transform how clinicians and researchers measured brain health. 

Together, they assembled an experienced team of scientists, product designers and software architects to build the Creyos platform, helping to deliver scientifically-validated brain health insights to the healthcare community in a modern and accessible way.

Our Guest: Prof. Adrian Owen

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Beat Burnout - 52 Weeks of Self Care

Caring for the Caregivers: A Self-Care Revolution

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

The Savvy Caregiver Program is a training program for caregivers like you. Caregiving is a role far different from being a spouse or child.  Those terms describe relationships. Assisting and guiding someone who is living with a chronic illness is the definition of caregiving. It is work.

The caregiving role has a “job description”. Putting together the tasks, the helping, the cleaning up, watching, worrying, everything make up the caregivers job description. Hiring someone to do what you do isn't truly possible. With enough money you can hire people to do many of your caregiving tasks. However, the caregiver role is more than one person can handle.

Caregiving is a job most of us never expected to have and are untrained to do properly. Lacking proper training leads to stress, frustration and sometimes injuries. Taking care of a person living with a demanding illness like Alzheimer's is specialized work. Doing this work successfully requires special skills and knowledge,  You also need an outlet and attitude that helps you look after yourself.

Being unprepared for the role of caregiver is common. Lacking awareness of available training or even the need for training is also common. Many family caregivers tackle their role as a caregiver in a way similar to raising children. Unfortunately, this method leads to a lot of stress, frustration and tears. Consider the situation you've found yourself in. Caregiving is likely very different from any other role you have experienced. Seeing, recognizing and understanding that difference are important first steps in appreciating the work you have undertaken as a caregiver.

Most importantly, the Savvy Caregiver Program teaches you how to be a great caregiver. I attended the accelerated version (3 weeks vs 6) this past May. Learning how to be a better care partner to my Mom was a blessing. Taking this training earlier on the disease would have been a huge benefit to my Dad. Between his chronic illnesses and caring for Mom, he had too much on his plate.

Firstly, you'll learn about providing contented involvement.  In other words, successful caregiving comes down to helping the person be as comfortable & involved & happy as possible. Keeping in mind that a person living with a demanding disorder can still:

zero in on a task or activitystay with it for some timehave a pleasant time doing it

Keeping the person involved and content may help lessen confusion and reduce the chances of distress and difficult behaviors. Determining contented involvement takes practice. For instance, think of Goldilocks trying to find a balance between too much and too little. That is to say, a just right amount.

As a result of taking the training program I learned new ways to approach caring for Mom as she declines further.  Learning that we, as caregivers, are more in charge than we thought was huge.  While we can't control the disease, we can control our reactions. For example. reacting in calm, more understanding ways helps our loved one stay calm. Anyone dealing with someone with Alzheimer's knows that being calm can be a challenge.

Changing our behavior, reactions will change the outcomes of many of our interactions. That's the benefit of becoming a Savvy Caregiver. As a result, our journey as caregivers can be a lot easier.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

RELATED EPISODES:

What Is Death Positivity?

The Heart of Caring - Dementia & Hospice

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com