Dementia Decoded

Parkinson's disease advocacy is vital in the fight for a cure. Without public awareness and ongoing funding, research progress can stall. Advocacy efforts raise money for crucial research, educate the public about the disease, and create a sense of urgency. Every conversation about Parkinson's disease brings us closer to a future without this debilitating condition.

Our Guest: Dr. George Ackerman

Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease. 

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. We started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.

Today https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes. 

I am on a mission, and nothing will ever stop me until there is a PD Cure.... nothing. Join me, share and we are a family in this mission toward a cure, always! https://www.togetherforsharon.com/about-us/#mission

Author, A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate. To order your copy click  https://a.co/d/gqUwKJX  

Also available in kindle/eBook and Hardcover at https://www.togetherforsharon.com/my-book/

Together For Sharon Website

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Dementia: Signs, Symptoms & Stories of Lewy Body

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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:

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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.

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

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Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Please enjoy our last travel related rebroadcast. We hope you've been enjoying these older episodes!

Travel with Dementia: Creating Unforgettable Moments, One Journey at a Time

Traveling with a loved one with dementia can feel daunting. But what if it could be more? This episode explores the transformative power of travel for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Discover how travel can:

We'll delve into practical tips for planning dementia-friendly trips, from choosing destinations to managing challenges along the way. Learn how travel can become a powerful tool to create precious memories and enrich the lives of both you and your loved one.

Lizette Cloete, an Occupational Therapist and a daughter on this unique journey with you. She has just returned from an Elite Cruises & Vacation where she was part of the support staff for caregivers. With over 30 years as an Occupational Therapist, Lizette has been the “navigator” in many caregiving journeys, guiding 1000’s families through their often turbulent journey into calmer skies while dementia caregiving. Today she's telling you how to make vacation memories a reality.

Think Different Dementia Website

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Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support

Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel

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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.

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

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Contact Jen at [email protected]

Or learn more at Our Website

Your questions answered & finding local support. After a dementia diagnosis, finding local support is crucial. This could include adult day care programs, which provide social activities and supervision in a safe setting. In-home care services can offer assistance with daily tasks and personal care. For families who need more intensive support, residential care facilities provide full-time care. No matter the chosen path, understanding dementia basics like communication strategies and safety precautions is essential for navigating this journey.

Our Guest: Valarie Drown

When it comes to caregiving, Valarie Drown MS, NCC, LMHC is an expert. Drown currently serves as the project director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative (ADCSI), which provides free support services to those caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in northern New York. She is also the caregiver for both her mother with Alzheimer’s disease and son who at age six was diagnosed with mental and physical developmental disabilities.

Drown is passionate about the work she does and knows firsthand the challenges of caregiving. To Drown, everyone has a different way of navigating memory care and there is no right or wrong path. She has found it critically important to make sure caregivers know they need to take time for themselves.

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Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care

Accepting Care - A Caregivers Perspective

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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

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of Blue Hydrangeas. We're sharing past episodes that are about travel, or feel like travel. You'll definitely feel like you're in Cape Cod when you read the book after hearing from the author.

Blue Hydrangeas is a heartwarming novel that tackles the difficult realities of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's. It delves into the emotional journey of a partner who must re-evaluate what "everything" means in the face of this disease.Through beautifully crafted characters, the story reminds us that while life may not unfold as we originally planned,getting creative and rethinking our paths can lead to unexpected moments of joy, connection, and even personal growth.Join us as we explore the power of resilience and the profound ways love can blossom anew, even amidst the challenges of Alzheimer's.

Learn more about Blue Hydrangeas here!

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Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support

Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel

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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.

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Contact Jen at [email protected]

Or learn more at Our Website!

This is a rebroadcast of the Humanity Unlocked podcast. I thought that you would enjoy hearing more of my story through the lens of a family just starting on this journey. Humanity Unlocked is a new, independent podcast and it's important to support independent creators like myself.

In this episode we are discussing the topic of Alzheimers disease, and what life look might look like after a loved one receives this diagnosis. My guest today is Jennifer Fink. Jennifer is the host of the podcast Fading Memories. A show focused on sharing advice, wisdom, and hope, for caregivers and by caregivers, of loved ones who are living with Alzheimers. Her real world experience with this subject goes back decades, and today she joins us to share everything she's learned about being a caregiver to a person with Alzheimers disease.

Let's meet Jennifer! She's a champion for Alzheimer's patients, offering support and advice to caregivers online and in our community. My mom's here too. Her sister's diagnosis last year hit home – it's a disease that can bring a wave of emotions we might not be ready for. When our strong parents need our help, it can be easy to forget the person they are. Today, let's raise awareness and learn to see the person beyond Alzheimer's.

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My Journey With Family Alzheimer’s & Memory Loss

Visiting With Mom (Jen’s Journey)

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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

Please enjoy this "trippin" rebroadcast about a reluctant caregiver and her dementia decision.

What do you do when your spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Do you run for the hills or plan a 10,000-mile trip? Thankfully, today's guest planned the trip, blogged about it, and turned her experiences into two books!

Alzheimer's Trippin' with George is a brutally honest journal of one spouse and reluctant caregiver who "ran for the hills." Of course, she took her husband George along. What challenges did Susan encounter? How can she enjoy the present - a journey across the U.S.A - while worrying about the future? How do she and George deal with his increasing dementia symptoms?

The biggest question is, after 40 years together, can they remain married and loving through it all? Travel along with George and Susan. You will learn, laugh, and maybe shed a tear as you go "Alzheimer's Trippin' with George.

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Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support

Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel

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

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

Imagine a style of yoga that fosters deep acceptance and empowers individuals, regardless of their limitations. This practice combines gentle movement and mindfulness to help people with dementia reconnect with their sense of self and find purpose in the present moment. Through touch and movement, participants experience a sense of well-being and cultivate a strong foundation for living well with dementia. This episode explores the unique benefits of this approach and how it can enrich the lives of those living with cognitive decline.

Our Guest: Stacie Wyatt

As a yoga teacher with over 14 years experience, Stacies passion lies in sharing yoga with everyone, especially those with disabilities. Through Embracing Spirit Yoga, she combines gentle movement and mindfulness to create a supportive space for individuals with dementia to reconnect with themselves and experience joy in the present moment.

Embracing Spirit Yoga Website

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Alzheimer’s Caregivers-Sending You Encouragement Today

Yoga for Busy Caregivers

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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

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of an episode based in Peru. We're sharing Travel related episodes for your enjoyment this summer.

How can getting eldercare for someone with Alzheimer's be better in Peru? To begin with, the cost of living is so much lower in Peru than in the United States. Instead of $600 a day, Barabra Drakes father lived like a king on $600 a month.

If you're listening to this episode, you may be facing terrifying options for a loved one. The cost of care in countries like America, Canada & the United Kingdom can be prohibitively expensive. Many families are faced with choices that are unacceptable but they don't have better options.

It is possible to retire outside the United States. It takes careful research and planning but it may be an option worth considering. Barbar's blog can help you start your research correctly and maybe you too will have a Peruvian Alzheimer's Adventure with your loved one.

What type of caregiving adventure have you been on? We're always looking for guests with interesting stories, helpful advice, anything that might help. Are you a potential guest or know someone who could be? Contact us at fadingmemoriespodcast.com with ideas, suggestions or if you just want to say hi!

Learn more about our guest, Barbara Drake

La Vida Con Deby: The not-so-secret life of an American woman in Buenos Aires. Tango, late nights, and a whole new identity.

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Alzheimer's Trippin' With George – Another Adventure Story

Dementia & Travel: Experiences & Memories

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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

Navigating the healthcare system as a woman can be an uphill battle, with symptoms frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or attributed to psychological causes. In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn how to advocate for yourself and receive the quality care you deserve despite the systemic gender biases that persist in medicine.

Discover why women face higher rates of misdiagnosis and unexplained symptoms, and gain invaluable strategies for effectively communicating your concerns to healthcare providers. From understanding your rights as a patient to asking the right questions, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to overcome marginalization and ensure your voice is heard. Prepare to feel empowered to take control of your healthcare journey as you learn to navigate a system that has historically sidelined women's needs. Gain the confidence to demand the comprehensive, unbiased treatment you deserve.

In this episode, listeners will gain invaluable insights from writer and researcher Susan Salenger, author of "Sidelined," who joins us to share her findings and advice.

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Health Care Advocacy Tips & Advice

Discover Anxiety, Health & Care Stress Reduction Techniques

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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

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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

Enriching Memory Care: Meaningful Mind Stimulation for Wellbeing. Memory care is a specialized type of elder care tailored for the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other types of memory issues. Deterioration of memory for those affected can often be distressing, one crucial aspect that healthcare providers and families must not overlook is the importance of engaging in activities that promote brain health.

Despite the misconception that mental engagement is futile for those in memory care settings, it's essential to recognize that mental stimulation goes beyond retaining new information. Instead, the goal is meaningful engagement to stimulate the mind. It is imperative that we employ creative strategies not only for brain health but also for overall well-being and quality of life.

Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Crystal Culler of the Virtual Brain Health Center as we journey through the vast and often unexplored terrain of brain health, particularly in relation to memory care. Drawing from her personal experience with dementia in her family, Dr. Culler shares her wisdom on mental stimulation, the importance of engagement, and the surprising benefits of everyday activities like enjoying a day at the park. Additionally, we discuss the various aspects of memory care, from creating rewarding experiences to facilitating movements and adjusting care strategies.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Culler and I share our unique experiences and insights on different family dynamics and relationships that can influence care strategies. We discuss navigating the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones with dementia. Imagine a world where traditional exercise routines are replaced with engaging activities that promote physical health, spark joy, and stimulate the mind. That's exactly what we're aiming for!

(0:00:01) - Journey to Brain Health in Memory Care

(0:10:39) - Activities and Movement for Seniors

(0:21:43) - Memory Care and Storytelling

(0:26:52) - Brain Health and Memory Care

(0:34:22) - Brain Health and Wellness Programs

(0:44:40) - Shifting Perspective on Challenging Days

(0:48:33) - Promoting Brain Health for Caregivers

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Revealing Aging's Secrets: The Quest for a Healthier Tomorrow

Brain Rejuvenation: Stem Cell Therapy and Alzheimer's Disease

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

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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! Additionally, you can locate us on social media through the following links.

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LinkedIn 

Facebook