Laura Vaillancourt, a licensed mental health counselor and geriatric mental health specialist, helps us explore the complex world of transitional stress for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. She shares her expertise on how our perception shapes our reality, emphasizing that "everything depends on how we make sense of what is happening to us." She guides us through practical strategies for reframing challenging situations, helping both caregivers and their loved ones find new perspectives during difficult transitions. She provides actionable insights on how caregivers can use their presence, tone, and physical demeanor to create calmer, more positive interactions.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Bob Ehlers, a courageous advocate from the neurocognitive disability community, who shares his transformative journey following his diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Rather than retreating into silence, Bob has chosen to amplify his voice and inspire others facing similar challenges. 

Bob opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to seek medical help, offering honest insights into the early signs and symptoms that prompted his decision to get evaluated. He walks us through the emotional complexity of receiving his MCI diagnosis — from initial fears and uncertainty to finding unexpected empowerment in having answers. 

Dr. Stuart Ghertner, a retired psychologist, shares his story about how his professional expertise took on profound personal meaning when he became the primary caregiver for his beloved wife, Pam. He explores his unique dual perspective—both as a trained mental health professional and as a devoted husband navigating the complex emotional landscape of caregiving. 

Stuart discusses how his clinical training helped him recognize subtle changes in Pam's behavior and cognitive function, ultimately leading him to seek a diagnosis. He candidly explores his journey of building a comprehensive support network and identifying the right healthcare partners, accessing community resources, and creating meaningful daily experiences that honored Pam's dignity and maximized their quality time together. 

Our conversation with Susan Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), explores frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a lesser known but devastating form of dementia that primarily affects behavior and executive function rather than memory. 

Susan helps us understand the distinctive signs of FTD, including personality changes, social inappropriateness, and diminished decision-making abilities that often appear in patients’ 40s and 50s — decades earlier than typical Alzheimer's onset. She clearly explains the critical differences between FTD and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing why an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment, family support, and planning. 

We sit down with Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica, a compassionate minister, spiritual director, and pioneering dementia educator who brings a unique perspective to understanding Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Angelica challenges conventional narratives about dementia by exploring the unexpected gifts that can emerge from the caregiving journey. 

Our conversation delves into the profound concept of "the grace of diminishments" and examines the critical distinction between cure and healing. Dr. Angelica shares insights from her extensive work with the dementia community, highlighting the remarkable strength and resilience she's witnessed among both caregivers and those living with cognitive decline. 

There's nothing more powerful than storytelling, so we asked Marcy Silva, her mother’s daughter and a caregiver, to share her experience of caring for her mother who lives with dementia. Marcy opens up about the unique challenges of caregiving in a rural tribal community, including how she incorporates cultural practices and beliefs into her routine. 

As a natural storyteller, Marcy takes us through her emotional journey from first noticing changes in her mother's behavior to becoming her primary advocate. She discusses how cultural traditions have supported her experience, while offering practical advice on balancing family responsibilities with caregiving duties, finding support networks, and advocating effectively within healthcare systems. Her resilience and wisdom offer hope and guidance to anyone who is walking a similar path.  

In this special Season 11 Revisited episode of Dementia Untangled, we sit down with our editor and producer, Amber Ayers, to reflect on the powerful conversations and insights shared throughout the season. Together, we explore the themes, stories, and expertise our guests brought to the table—and how these experiences have shaped our own perspectives both professionally and personally. 

From innovative care approaches to deeply human stories of resilience, we untangle what resonated most and how we continue to carry these lessons forward in our work and lives. Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation full of heartfelt moments, laughter, and renewed appreciation for the journey through dementia education and support. 

Helping us explore a transformative approach to dementia care grounded in creativity, empathy, and presence, is Dr. Anne Basting, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the visionary founder of TimeSlips. She shares her groundbreaking work using creative care techniques that help professional and family caregivers build meaningful connections with people living with dementia. We dive into the power of "beautiful questions," improvisation, and storytelling as tools to engage memory loss with curiosity rather than correction. We learn how shifting from memory-based questions to open-ended prompts can spark joy, connection, and dignity in dementia care. 

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Chopp—renowned author, former university president, activist, and theologian—who is now navigating life with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Chopp shares how she continues to nurture her spirit on the dementia journey, using spiritual practices, theological insight, and a deep commitment to living with presence and purpose. 

Together, we untangle how to find your story and reframe your identity after a dementia diagnosis, ways to stay spiritually grounded while facing memory loss and emotional shifts and practicing awe, mindfulness, and presence in everyday life. Her perspective is both honest and uplifting—a reminder that while memory may fade, the soul remains deeply alive. 

Understanding the convergence and divergence of Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, so we talked to Dr. Crystal M. Glover, an applied social psychologist and mixed methodologist, to untangle this complicated topic. We learn how it affects different communities in different ways, and what that reveals about the broader landscape of health and aging. 

We dive deep into the individual determinants of health—from genetics and environment to socioeconomic status—and how these factors influence the aging process. Dr. Glover shares invaluable guidance on what all people can do to facilitate healthy aging, with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and cultural understanding. Listeners will also learn about the most impactful social, physical, and cognitive activities that promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.