Dementia Decoded

Dementia care feels heavy when we only see the loss. This episode explores how to find joy and connection through art and creativity. Discover how a simple paintbrush can sidestep the fear often associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Learn the vital shift from being a task-driven caregiver to becoming a present care partner. We discuss the beauty of living in the moment with your loved one. The conversation highlights how sensory experiences like music, touch, and even cookies can spark a revival.

We dive into the concept of enduring personhood. This idea reminds us that the need for love and laughter never leaves. You will hear about the 80/20 rule for navigating difficult conversations. We also cover how to handle repetitive questions with curiosity instead of frustration. Stop focusing on the to-do list and start looking for the hum of connection. This journey is about learning a new way to communicate. It is about honoring the person who is still very much there. Tune in to transform your caregiving journey today.

Marilyn Raichle is a dedicated advocate, author, and the founder of The Art of Alzheimer’s, an organization dedicated to celebrating the creativity and "enduring personhood" of those living with dementia. Having grown up in a family heavily impacted by Alzheimer’s, Marilyn spent nine years as a "care partner" for her mother, Jean. During that time, she discovered that while the disease is scary, art is joyous—and that a paintbrush can serve as a powerful bridge to connection.

She is the author of the book Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey, which pairs her mother’s vibrant artwork with stories of discovery and hope. Marilyn also oversees the Maude’s 2-Awards, which provides significant annual grants to individuals and organizations pioneering innovative, non-clinical improvements in dementia care. With a background in the performing arts and a deep belief in the power of "living in the moment," Marilyn continues to challenge the stigma of dementia by highlighting the humor, love, and humanity that remains.

As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

• Substack: The Caregiver's Guide — Subscribe for weekly insights and deeper dives into dementia care.
• Website: DementiaDecoded.org — Explore the Dementia Decoded Lab and podcast archives.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.

Navigating the weight of a family secret often feels like a lonely, uphill climb through layers of silence. When neurological disease enters a home, family stigma can become a heavy barrier to the support we actually need. This episode explores the high cost of keeping those hushed conversations private. We decode how secrecy creates a sense of tortured hope for the next generation.

The discussion dives into the public side-eye and how misplaced judgment impacts a caregiver's mental health. You will hear about the specific symptoms of Huntington’s Disease and how it differs from Alzheimer’s. We also highlight the power of the village, like coaches or neighbors who provide stability. Understanding these nuances is the first step toward moving from concealment to advocacy.

Discover why breaking the silence is the only way to heal the family unit. We examine the transition from being a secret-keeper to becoming a vocal advocate for brain health. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt forced to hide the truth about a loved one's condition.

• The long-term psychological impact of growing up with a family secret.
• Navigating public stigma and misread behaviors in neurological disease.
• The reality of genetic risk and the concept of tortured hope.
• How external support systems create a safety net for caregiving families.
• Moving from the "big C" of concealment toward active advocacy.

Lori Jones is the author of Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve, a powerful account of her life growing up in the shadow of Huntington’s Disease. As a "gene-negative" member of a "gene-positive" family, she has spent decades navigating the complex emotional landscape of genetic risk, family secrecy, and the transition into advocacy.

Today, Lori is a dedicated voice in the neurological disease community, working to break the silence that often isolates caregiving families. Through her writing and speaking, she highlights the vital importance of community support and the resilience required to move from the burden of secrecy toward a life of purpose and resolve.

As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

• Substack: The Caregiver's Guide — Subscribe for weekly insights and deeper dives into dementia care.
• Website: DementiaDecoded.org — Explore the Dementia Decoded Lab and podcast archives.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.

The Gateway to the Brain: Is Your Mouth Leaking Toxins?

Can failed root canals and dental toxins actually trigger Alzheimer’s? We’re discussing how your oral microbiome acts as a direct gateway to your brain health. Most of us view dental care as just "teeth and gums," but on today’s episode, we’re looking at the mouth as the direct gateway to the brain.

I’m joined by Dr. Nammy Patel, a functional and holistic dentist, to discuss a pillar of brain health that most doctors never even mention: the oral-systemic connection. We dive into the shocking reality of how bacteria can sneak past your brain’s defenses and why Dr. Patel says your brain literally needs to "poop" every single night to stay healthy.

In this episode, we decode:

• The "Brain Poop": Understanding the glymphatic system and how to clear out daily toxins.
• Hidden Infections: How failed root canals and crowns could be driving chronic inflammation.
• The Oral Microbiome: The specific bacteria found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
• Radical Ownership: Simple, zero-cost strategies you can start tonight (like mouth taping and nasal breathing) to protect your cognitive future.

Whether you are a caregiver looking for answers or someone determined to be the generation that stops dementia in its tracks, this conversation is a must-listen.

Connect with Dr. Nammy Patel: [Link to Website] [Book/Resources]

Resources Mentioned:

• ReCODE (The Bredesen Protocol)
• Breath by James Nestor

As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

• Substack: The Caregiver's Guide — Subscribe for weekly insights and deeper dives into dementia care.
• Website: DementiaDecoded.org — Explore the Dementia Decoded Lab and podcast archives.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.

If you’ve been stretching your lower back for months with zero relief, you’re likely looking at the symptom, not the source. In this episode of Dementia Decoded, I sit down with movement expert Eileen Kopp to discuss why your ankles are the literal foundation of your entire body's alignment. If the foundation is "cracked," the roof (your back, hips, and even your neck) is guaranteed to slide.

[What’s Inside] We dive into the mechanics of how we age and why we often lose mobility simply because we’ve stopped moving in all three planes of motion. Eileen shares her "5-Minute Foundation" approach—a simple, daily routine to "grease the wheels" of your joints and stop the chain reaction of chronic pain.

Key Highlights:

• The Ankle-Back Connection: Why a stiff heel bone is often the culprit behind lower back agony.
• The "Elbow" Mystery: The bizarre true story of how Eileen fixed a client’s chronic elbow pain by adjusting her feet.
• 3-Plane Motion: Why standard "up and down" movement isn't enough to keep you mobile as you age.
• The 5-Minute Fix: How to implement a foundational movement practice that fits into even the busiest caregiver's schedule.

[Timestamps]

• 00:00 – Intro: The "Rusty Knee" phenomenon.
• 02:45 – Why the site of the pain is rarely the source of the problem.
• 06:15 – The Ankle-Back Connection & The Foundation Metaphor.
• 10:30 – How fixing an ankle cured chronic elbow pain.
• 13:45 – Explaining 3-Plane Motion and why it matters for longevity.
• 19:20 – Closing: Simple steps to start your 5-Minute Foundation today.

[About Our Guest] Eileen Koppstofis is a specialist in lifelong wellbeing. She helps people navigate the "aging culprits" that steal mobility, using biomechanics to resolve pain and keep people moving confidently through all stages of life.

Join the "Dementia Decoded" Inner CircleAs we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Connect with Dementia Decoded

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

• Substack: The Caregiver's Guide — Subscribe for weekly insights and deeper dives into dementia care.
• Website: DementiaDecoded.org — Explore the Dementia Decoded Lab and podcast archives.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.

What if the final stage of life was treated not as a medical failure, but as a profound opportunity for peace? Culturally, we often avoid discussing death until a crisis occurs, which unfortunately leaves families feeling lost and overwhelmed. Shifting our perspective toward quality of life allows us to honor a loved one’s journey with dignity. This proactive approach helps reduce fear while ensuring comfort remains the primary focus. Consequently, families can transition from managing clinical chaos to simply being present. By embracing the reality of the process, we can find beauty and grace in the final chapters.

In this episode, I am joined by Vivian Cate, a hospice nurse with over a decade of clinical experience. Together, we explore how to support a dying loved one by navigating the complexities of hospice and caregiving. We discuss why bringing professional support on board early changes the entire atmosphere of the home. Furthermore, we examine practical ways to maintain emotional presence and connection during the most challenging days. Vivian shares wisdom from her book, Journey to Eternity, to help us all find a more positive reflection on the end of life.

As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

"I didn't even know these contracts were negotiable."

When Jen moved her Mom into memory care, she did what most of us do: she treated the stack of paperwork like a standard formality. In the middle of a family crisis, we often sign on the dotted line just to get our loved ones settled, not realizing the massive implications for their rights, their safety, and our own financial health.

To help us move from "just signing" to actually advocating, Jen is joined by Uri Nve, an expert in elder justice. Following up on his critical episode regarding elder abuse, Uri returns to pull back the curtain on the "standard" care home contract.

In this episode, we decode:

We often make these choices during the hardest days of our lives. This conversation is designed to give you the tools to protect your family before the first box is even unpacked.

Uri H. Niv is a trial attorney specializing in elder abuse cases, advocating for victims and their families. His extensive legal background includes working at a large law firm, as well as serving as a prosecutor for violent felony cases. This diverse experience allows him to fiercely champion the rights of those affected by elder abuse. Uri is deeply committed to community service, actively working to combat homelessness in Los Angeles. He is dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.

Contact Uri Here

GET THE CHECKLIST: Don't go into the meeting empty-handed. We’ve turned the insights from this episode into a Contract Negotiation Checklist available now on our Substack. ???? [Link to Substack Custom Page]

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.

What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.

With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.

Join us here!

Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:

Do you ever feel lost in the thick, gray fog of dementia caregiving? Navigating this journey requires unique survival strategies to find hope. First, we explore the reality of the A-Zone and how it impacts your daily life. Because the exhaustion is real, you need practical survival strategies to protect your own mental health.

We discuss how to identify pink cloud moments of joy amidst the heartbreak. Although the path is difficult, humor can be a powerful tool for resilience. Furthermore, we dive into managing complex family dynamics during a long-term illness. Consequently, you will learn how to shift your mindset when love feels like it is not enough.

In addition, we highlight how to lean into the present moment rather than fighting the past. Since every day brings new challenges, these survival strategies offer a lifeline for the weary heart. Finally, we provide actionable advice to help you move from mere existence to meaningful connection. Listen now to discover how to thrive while caring for your loved one with dementia.

Peggy Sweeney-McDonald is a Southern storyteller, author, actress, and podcast host whose work blends heart, humor, and hope. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Peggy spent 36 years building a career in Los Angeles as an actress and event producer before a family crisis called her home.

In 2016, Peggy and her husband left California to return to Louisiana to walk beside her mother through a journey with Alzheimer's disease. This deeply personal experience became the inspiration for her popular podcast, Life in the A-Zone, which reached listeners in over 30 countries.

Expanding on the stories shared in her podcast, Peggy authored the memoir Life in the A-Zone: How I Embraced the Journey with My Mother's Alzheimer's One Pink Cloud Moment at a Time. She is also the creator of the Pink Cloud Moments™ brand, which includes specialized journals designed to help caregivers find light, grace, and gratitude in life's most challenging seasons.

In addition to her advocacy work, Peggy is a seasoned stage performer and the author of the coffee-table book Meanwhile, Back at Café Du Monde… Life Stories About Food. She continues to live in Baton Rouge, where she remains a passionate champion for the power of storytelling to heal and connect.

Connect with Peggy:

Many individuals find themselves caught in the Sandwich Generation, balancing the demands of raising children while caring for aging parents. This unique position creates significant emotional and physical strain. Consequently, learning to navigate these dual responsibilities is essential for maintaining your well-being. This episode explores the complex realities of being part of the Sandwich Generation and offers practical strategies for survival.

During the conversation, we delve into the importance of open communication with employers. Since many caregivers fear professional repercussions, transparency can actually lead to much-needed flexibility. Additionally, we discuss how to safely integrate different generations to foster meaningful family connections. However, prioritizing self-care remains the most critical factor for long-term success. Whether through outdoor activities or creative outlets, finding personal time is vital.

Furthermore, we highlight the value of employee resource groups and community support. Because you are not alone, seeking these connections can provide immense relief. If you are currently in the Sandwich Generation, this episode provides the encouragement and tools you need to thrive. Listen now to discover how to balance your family’s needs without losing yourself in the process.

Paul Wynn is a co-author of The Caregiver's Advocate, Vol. 2, and an award-winning journalist who has spent years championing the voices of patients and families. Having navigated his own intense caregiving journey, Paul now partners with global healthcare organizations to turn empathy into action. From managing FDA-level regulatory strategies to writing for AARP and U.S. News & World Report, Paul bridges the gap between complex medical milestones and the human heart. He is on a mission to ensure no caregiver has to walk the path alone.

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.

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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

"Could your daily habits be the hidden cause of memory loss and cognitive decline?"

Emerging Alzheimer's research suggests that Nitric Oxide acts as a master signaling molecule for brain health, yet common products like antiseptic mouthwash and fluoride may be inhibiting its production. In this episode, I am joined by molecular medicine expert Dr. Nathan S. Bryan to explore the vascular roots of dementia and why some researchers now refer to Alzheimer’s as "Type 3 Diabetes."

We dive into the surprising link between chronic antacid use and brain health, while offering simple lifestyle changes—from nasal breathing to dietary shifts—to help you boost Nitric Oxide naturally and protect your cognitive longevity.

Furthermore, we discuss how common products like antiseptic mouthwash and fluoride may actually inhibit your natural production. We also dive into the surprising link between chronic antacid use and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can help restore these vital levels. For example, nasal breathing and specific dietary shifts can significantly boost your Nitric Oxide naturally. Although these ideas may challenge your current beliefs, being curious is the first step toward prevention. Join us as we investigate the root causes of chronic disease and the science of longevity.

Dr. Nathan S. Bryan is an international leader in molecular medicine and the "billion-dollar scientist" behind the nitric oxide revolution. With over 25 years in the field and 100+ peer-reviewed articles, he was recruited to the University of Texas by a Nobel Laureate to decode the biochemistry of human longevity.

As an entrepreneur and inventor with dozens of patents, Dr. Bryan has moved beyond the lab to build clinical-stage therapies for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and chronic wounds. Today, he serves as the CEO of Bryan Therapeutics, where he continues to bridge the gap between complex biochemistry and life-changing consumer products.

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

Navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult for any family. However, it is especially challenging when you need to explain these changes to a young child. This episode explores how intergenerational storytelling can help bridge the gap between grandparents with memory loss and their grandchildren.

First, we discuss the importance of using age-appropriate language. Because a child often lives in the "here and now," they are uniquely equipped to connect with seniors through simple, joyful activities. Furthermore, we dive into creative ways to foster these bonds, such as gardening, music, and art. These shared experiences reduce social isolation for the senior. Meanwhile, the child learns valuable lessons in empathy and patience.

Additionally, we address the common fears parents face when introducing children to the realities of cognitive decline. Consequently, we highlight practical tips for managing behavioral changes and "moments of clarity." Whether you are a long-distance relative or a primary caregiver, this conversation offers a roadmap for maintaining family connections. Tune in to discover how to turn a difficult journey into an opportunity for intergenerational growth.

Carol Steinberg is a semi-retired writer and editor. After a long career as a freelance journalist, which included contributing to The New York Times, she made a mid-life career change to serve at local and national nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's disease and caregiving. Recently, she authored her first children's book, entitled Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly: A Heartfelt Children's Story About Alzheimer's Disease Plus a Guide to Intergenerational Activities. The children's book draws on Carol's family and professional experience, and pays tribute to her dad, who had Alzheimer’s, and her mom, who was his heroic care partner. The book is available on Amazon, and a portion of each sale benefits the VOA Foundation, a nonprofit led by individuals living with Alzheimer’s and sister organization to Voices of Alzheimer’s.

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