Dementia Discussions

Today Barbara talks to Beth Harris about caring for her mother, Gail. Gail was first diagnosed two years ago with a Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), then with Alzheimer’s two months ago. Beth says it was hard to accept her mother’s diagnosis at first, because she remained lucid and sharp. They discuss the “common themes” of Alzheimer’s -- getting lost, forgetting things, having trouble processing information -- yet how each case is unique, making it impossible for caregivers to know what to expect. They also talk about some creative ways that Beth convinces her mother to do things, and why, in certain situations, it’s ok to lie. 

Today Barbara is joined by Carole Lieber-Wilkins whose mother, Fran, has suffered from dementia for the past 12 years. Carole talks about Fran’s illness, which began when trauma from 9/11 caused a psychotic break. They discuss Fran’s journey since then, from assisted living to moving in with Carole and her husband to finally landing in a full-time care unit when she couldn’t be left alone. Carole tells Barbara about the day she moved her mother into full-time care -- “it was one of the hardest days of my life” -- and how she wishes she could have taken care of her but realizes she did the right thing.

When Suzy Rosenberg’s husband, Paul, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia at 86, Suzy didn’t know of anyone else with dementia. She joins Barbara to discuss her caregiving journey; how she felt so alone at first, and how she was able to find resources and support. They talk about Suzy’s life now -- two years later -- and the ups and downs of having Paul around all the time. They also discuss Suzy’s concerns for the future; what she wishes she’d done differently, and what she worries about the most.   

Today Barbara talks to Adam, whose 82-year-old father was recently diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Adam describes his father’s actions leading up to the diagnosis, such as forgetting where he was and not recognizing his wife. Adam talks about how swiftly his father’s mental state declined once he’d been diagnosed, and how quickly he needed to be hospitalized and then placed in assisted living. He and Barbara discuss the complexities of becoming a caretaker, and how helpful it is to have a plan in place.  

For more information on Lewy body dementia, click here.

Today Barbara talks to Anna Ivara, whose son George, age 61, suffers from Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Anna explains how FTD hit the language centers in George’s brain, rendering him unable to speak or make any facial expressions. They discuss the differences between FTD and Alzheimer’s, and how Anna found resources and support. 

To learn more about FTD, visit The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or watch the  60 Minutes special 

Today Barbara welcomes Dotti McLean. Dotti’s husband, Brian, was an international expert in environmental policy who loved to build furniture, paint, and play the boogie woogie on the piano. After retiring 10 years ago, Dotti says, “things started to change.” She tells Barbara about the early signs, when Brian was having trouble following conversations, losing his train of thought, and forgetting basic things. They discuss the progression of his cognitive decline, and how Dotti struggled to keep up, learning the hard way that Brian didn’t react well to many prescribed medications and supplements.

Today Barbara is joined by Bryan Wing whose wife, Patricia, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 56. Bryan describes Patricia’s progression, from the early signs when she’d move things around in the kitchen (items that belonged in the refrigerator appeared in the cabinets, etc.) to when she had her first seizure in 2013. They discuss the challenges Bryan and his family experienced to get an accurate diagnosis, and the time when Patricia was prescribed the wrong medication and turned into a completely different person. 

Visit ALZ.org for more information on younger-onset Alzheimer’s

Today Barbara welcomes Deb Kurtz, whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. They discuss how the disease gradually changed Deb’s relationship with her mother -- the “slow role reversal” as she realized her mother couldn’t take care of herself. Deb remembers how overwhelming it was at first, trying to care for her mother and stay on top of the disease. They talk about Deb’s approach, and how she coped with her mother’s anger and resentment: “You learn how not to press or fight ... then you figure things out and handle it by yourself.” 

Follow or reach out to Deb:
@alookbackbook
[email protected]

Today Barbara welcomes Yael Wyte, program director at the Alzheimer’s Association (CA, Southland Chapter). They discuss the association’s mission, and the exciting brain studies and research happening all around the world. They also discuss the association’s deep resources -- and how “going virtual” actually inspired new opportunities for collaborations and programs. To learn more, please visit ALZ.org or call 1-800-272-3900.

Today Barbara is joined by Roz Wolpert. Roz describes her husband Jay -- a talented and successful screenwriter and Hollywood producer -- as deeply feeling and exceptionally articulate; a “big man” both in stature and personality. They talk about the early years, before the official Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and how difficult it was for Jay to accept what was happening. They also discuss the stigma around dementia, and how caregivers can support and “work around” their loved one’s feelings of anger, frustration, and shame.