Dementia Decoded

Dementia Decoded

By Jennifer Fink | Caregiving Strategist & Host of Dementia Decoded Dementia is confusing. We make it mSociety & CultureHealth & FitnessMental HealthPersonal JournalsKids & Family
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Dementia Decoded episodes

  • INmuneBio's Cutting-Edge Approach to Treating Alzheimer's & Dementia

    David Moss, Founder of InMuneBio

    A brief history of Alzheimer's Disease:

    • 1906: Discovery of brain disease → later named Alzheimer's disease in 1910
  • 1976: Neurologist Robert Katzman identifies Alzheimer's as the most common cause of dementia and a public health challenge
  • 1983: Researchers George Glenner and Cai'ne Wong identify beta-amyloid, a key component of Alzheimer's brain plaques
  • 1986: Discovery of tau protein as a key component of tangles in Alzheimer's disease
  • 1987: First clinical trial and detection of the first inherited Alzheimer's gene
  • The 1990s: Establishment of a nationwide medical network for clinical research, the discovery of the first risk factor gene, and FDA approval of the first Alzheimer's drug
  • 2012: Launch of the first major clinical trial
  • 2013: Discovery of a new genetic risk factor
  • 2015: Higher-than-expected deaths from Alzheimer's
  • 2019: Initial signs of progress
  • 2021: FDA approves the first drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease after 115 years since the disease's discovery.
  • This history could be more encouraging, but thankfully, it's only part of the research picture. With me today is David Moss from InMuneBio, a research company looking at firing up the immune cells in our brains to help fight Alzheimer's. 

    InmuneBio has completed a stage one clinical trial with good results, which excites me to share their story with you.

    Learn more about INmunebio Here

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    1 hr 2 min
  • 280- Can Technology & Innovation Improve The Future Of Aging in Place?

    Ryan Herd, Caregiver turned creator.

    As the population ages, the caregiver role has become increasingly common among Americans. Caring for an older family member can be challenging and demanding. Fortunately, there is a solution that can alleviate some of the stress and time constraints associated with caregiving.

    In this episode, Ryan Herd shares his journey that led to the creation of Caregiver Smart Solutions. As a caregiver, Ryan recognized the need for assistance in monitoring a loved one unobtrusively. His innovation empowers both caregivers and their loved ones by enabling the maintenance of independence and providing peace of mind.

    With the help of Caregiver Smart Solutions, your loved one can continue living comfortably at home for as long as possible, freeing up your time and energy to focus on other essential aspects of your life.

    Tune in to discover how Ryan Herd's innovative approach to caregiving can enhance the quality of life for you and your loved ones, fostering a more dynamic and fulfilling caregiving experience.

    Learn more about Caregiver Smart Solutions

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    54 min
  • BONUS - Forever Words: Expressing Love to Later Generations

    In the blink of an eye, Kera's world shattered. The joy of welcoming her newborn clashed with the devastating loss of her mother. At that moment, she craved her mother's wisdom more than ever. And thus, Legacy Letters emerged as a beautiful conduit for maternal guidance beyond the boundaries of time.

    We make memories, take photographs, and tell stories always to remember life's most beautiful moments... But what if we could capture our thoughts, advice, and words of encouragement too?

    How much could you have benefited from this while grieving a loved one? How therapeutic would it be to know your words will still reach those you love most long after you leave?

    The circle of life will touch us all... Leave your legacy. Leave love for those who remain.

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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

    37 min
  • 279 - Love, Dignity & Dementia: Navigating The Challenges of Caregiving Together

    Get ready for an enlightening conversation because this week's guest, Terri Pease, brings a fresh perspective to caregiving. While many people describe caregiving as a journey, Terri challenges this notion and questions whether it genuinely captures the essence of the experience.

    Instead, she draws an intriguing parallel, likening caregiving to wandering in a vast forest, where the path and destination remain unknown.

    .

    In our discussion, we delve into the realities of caregiving, particularly the profound losses accompanying diagnoses like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Rather than focusing solely on these hardships, Terri advocates for a different approach emphasizing the importance of sharing the caregiving load. By openly addressing fears, nurturing hopes, and understanding each person's desires within a sustainable caregiving relationship, we can alleviate many challenges caregivers face and those grappling with progressive diseases.

    Terri's expertise in caregiving extends far beyond the ordinary. In a remarkable display of commitment, she consciously decided to marry her husband after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Drawing from her extensive background in social services and healthcare industries, Terri has dedicated her professional life to supporting individuals navigating highly stressful circumstances. Her book, "Life, Dignity & Parkinson's," is a valuable resource, offering a practical workbook to assist anyone coping with a life-limiting disease.

    To learn more about Terri and her invaluable insights, visit her website at https://www.terripease.com. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as Terri sheds light on the transformative power of caregiving and the immense strength found within oneself.

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    59 min
  • 277 - Getting More Your Prescription Costs: Tips from Our Experts

    Are you tired of spending a significant amount of time managing your medication? Have you ever encountered the frustration of prescription errors, such as taking the wrong dose or feeling confused about which medication to take and when?

    I understand firsthand the difficulties of managing medication, particularly when my father entered hospice care and I had to handle his extensive array of drugs. It was nearly inevitable to make mistakes due to the pills looking alike.

    However, there's a dynamic solution that can simplify your life and provide you with peace of mind. I recently spoke with Larry Margolis, the visionary behind PersonalRX.com, an innovative platform offering exceptional medication management services.

    PersonalRX takes medication management to a whole new level with its personalized medication packaging service. They meticulously sort your prescriptions by date and time and deliver them directly to your doorstep in convenient individual packets. By availing of this service, caregivers no longer have to worry about the daunting task of managing and organizing their loved one's medications. Moreover, PersonalRX ensures that medications are taken punctually and in the correct dosage.

    The team at PersonalRX works closely with prescribing doctors, allowing their pharmacists to make necessary updates and adjustments whenever there are medication changes. Additionally, they provide a 24/7 support line to address any medication-related questions or concerns you may have.

    Bid farewell to the frustration and stress associated with medication management and say hello to genuine peace of mind. Choose PersonalRX today and let their team of experienced professionals handle all your medication management needs.

    To learn more about the remarkable services offered by PersonalRx, visit their website at https://personalrx.com.

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    48 min
  • 276 - Navigating MCI - Not The End of The Road, Just A Bend in The Road

    Imagine receiving news that your 55-year-old spouse has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The world as you know it comes to a screeching halt, and you're left wondering what to do next. It's a condition that involves a decline in cognitive function beyond what is considered normal aging, yet not severe enough to disrupt daily life.

    This was the reality for Steve and Gincy Heins, whose lives were forever changed by the diagnosis. But rather than succumbing to despair, they decided to take action and work towards keeping Steve's cognitive abilities stable. They were determined to beat the odds - with one-third of MCI patients showing improvement, one-third remaining steady, and the last third likely developing Alzheimer's.

    Gincy was raising their son then, and Steve was an Imagineer with Disney - a job requiring immense creativity and mental agility. They never imagined Alzheimer's would affect them at such a young age. However, they refused to let the diagnosis defeat them. (Here that story here.)

    This week, we delve into the incredible story of Steve and Gincy Heins, who have spent the past 13 years doing everything they can to maintain Steve's cognitive stability. From lifestyle changes to mental stimulation, they have implemented various strategies that have profoundly impacted their lives.

    Theirs is a story of resilience, determination, and love - a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. So join us as we explore their journey, and discover the secrets to keeping your mind healthy and sharp at any age.

    Find Gincy & her multiple books here!

    Now to pay some bills!

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

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    1 hr 6 min
  • 275 - Beyond Words: The Emotional Impact of Writing Poetry while Caregiving

    Caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's face a range of challenges, including emotional stress, physical exhaustion, and financial strain. One way that caregivers can cope with these challenges is by engaging in creative expression. Using poetry as a form of bite-sized journaling can be an effective way for caregivers to process their experiences and emotions.

    Joining me this week is Margaret Stawoway. Margaret is the editor of the compilation book, "Storms of the Inland Sea: Poems of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving " She's here to talk about how caregivers can use poetry as bite-sized journaling and gain all the same benefits of the longer-form writing.

    Writing and creative expression have been shown to have therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being. Poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression, as it allows caregivers to capture complex emotions and experiences in a condensed and impactful way. Poetry journaling can also help caregivers make sense of their experiences and find meaning in their caregiving journey.

    Bite-sized journaling involves writing brief, focused exercises that can be done quickly and easily. Caregivers can use poetry prompts to help them get started with their writing. Examples of poetry prompts that caregivers can use include:

    • "Describe a moment of joy you experienced today"
  • "Write about a difficult decision you had to make"
  • "Write a letter to your loved one with Alzheimer's"
  • To get started with poetry journaling, caregivers can set aside a specific time and place for writing, use free-form writing techniques, and not worry about grammar or structure.

    Please enjoy this poem from the book.

    The Bath

    The tub fills inch by inch,as I kneel beside it, trail my fingers

    in the bright braid of water. Mom perches on the toilet seat,

    entranced by the ritual, until she realizes the baths for her.

    Oh no, she says, drawing her three layers of shirts to her chest,

    crossing her arms and legs. Oh no, I couldn’t, she repeats,

    brow furrowing, that look I now recognize like an approaching squall.

    I abandon reason, the hygiene argument, promise a Hershey's bar, if she will just,

    please, take off her clothes. Oh no, she repeats, her voice rising.

    Meanwhile, the water is cooling. I strip off my clothes, step into it,

    let the warm water take me completely, slipping down until

    only my face shines up, a moon mask. Mom stays with me, interested now

    in this turn of events. I sit up.

    Will you wash my back, Mom?

    So much gone, but let this still be there. She bends over

    to dip the washcloth in the still warm water, squeezes it,

    lets it dribble down my back, leans over to rub the butter pat

    of soap, swiping each armpit, then rinses off the suds with long

    practiced strokes. I turn around to thank her, catch her smiling,

    lips pursed, humming,still a mother with a daughter

    whose back needs washing. --Holly J. Hughes

    Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    1 hr 1 min
  • 274 - A MIND Neurologist Explains The Latest Alzheimer's Treatments

    Joining me this week is the esteemed Dr. Jonathan Fellows, a dynamic neurologist hailing from the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders. With his finger on the pulse of medical advancements, Dr. Fellows is here to enlighten us on the cutting-edge treatments available for the relentless Alzheimer's disease.

    At the forefront of groundbreaking medical care, the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) stands as a beacon of hope for adult patients and their families grappling with neurological conditions. MIND's unwavering commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and improving quality of life sets it apart as one of the nation's leading private neurological facilities. Through the utilization of state-of-the-art neuro-diagnostic technology, neuro-imaging, infusion services, and an unwavering dedication to medical education and research, MIND provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services.

    Dr. Fellows, a true pioneer in his field, is actively employing the power of both Aducanamab and Lecanemab in his practice, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for his patients. In our captivating conversation, we delve into the intricacies of these groundbreaking options, exploring their potential to combat the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, Dr. Fellows imparts invaluable wisdom on how each and every one of us can contribute to the prevention and slowdown of various forms of dementia. Rest assured, his expertise and compassionate approach ensure that he effortlessly bridges the gap between medical intricacies and our collective understanding.

    Learn More About MIND & Alzheimer's Treatments

    Now to pay some bills.

    Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)

    ---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---

    ​Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.

    Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    52 min
  • 273 -The End in Mind: Empowering Conversations on Life, Legacy, and Meaning

    Join us this week for an exhilarating exploration of a profound question that lies at the core of our existence: Can acknowledging the inevitability of death leads us to a state of profound happiness and fulfillment? Prepare to be captivated as we welcome Barbara Becker, an extraordinary author of "Heartwood - The Art of Living With The End In Mind," to delve into the depths of this provocative concept.

    Barbara, an interfaith minister and an eternal seeker, invites us to embrace the extraordinary notion of living with the end in mind.. Through her mesmerizing storytelling, where the boundaries between life and death blur, she guides us on a transformative journey that will ignite our curiosity and challenge our perspectives. Brace yourself for a cascade of remarkable experiences as Barbara reveals how shifting our understanding of grief and nurturing our innate sense of wonder can unlock untold treasures in our lives.

    Prepare to be inspired as we are joined by the remarkable Barbara Becker, a trailblazer who encourages us to live with an unwavering focus on the ultimate destination. In her groundbreaking book, "Heartwood - The Art of Living With The End In Mind," Barbara dares us to confront the question that lies at the heart of our existence: Can we truly lead fulfilling lives, even in the face of our inevitable mortality?

    With the keen insight of an interfaith minister, the boundless love of a mother, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Barbara weaves a tapestry of captivating stories that reveal the intricate dance between life and death. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking episode that will challenge your preconceptions and invite you to embrace the extraordinary.

    Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey that will transform your understanding of grief and offer a fresh perspective on the challenges of caregiving. Barbara's wisdom will empower you to navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience while unlocking the secret to cultivating a profound sense of happiness. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to embrace the fullness of life as we uncover the hidden treasures that lie within our awareness of mortality.

    Learn more about Barbara & order the book here!

    Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)

    ---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---

    ​Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.

    Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    57 min
  • 272 - The Future of Adaptive Clothing with Joe & Bella

    On the show this week is Jimmy Zollo of Joe And Bella. Joe & Bella is the first contemporary adaptive-apparel brand for older adults. They make stylish, comfortable clothes that innovatively balance form and function, making dressing easier, stress-free, and more dignified.  

    Joe & Bella is a "passion project" of a single-family whose all-too-common experience of caring and advocating for aging parents has led them to innovate and create the finest adaptive clothing for older adults. Though Joe & Bella's beginnings are humble and relatively recent, their promise to improve the lives of older adults, their caregivers, and their families have catapulted their growth.

    Jimmy and I discuss why adaptive clothing becomes more necessary as our population ages. Additionally, we discuss why living with age-related changes does not mean wearing clothes that don't look or feel like you. What we wear is a part of our identity. 

    You'll enjoy this conversation. It'll make you think and, more importantly, look at clothing differently.

    Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)

    ---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---

    ​Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.

    Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.

    Relevate from NeuroReserve

    Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

    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.

    Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

    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]

    52 min

About Dementia Decoded

From the publisher's feed

Stop guessing and start leading. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s shouldn't feel like a constant state of crisis. In Dementia Decoded, host Jennifer Fink transforms her two decades of caregiving experience into a masterclass for the working family caregiver.

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