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.  

We talk with Stephanie Brown, LMSW, a hospice and palliative care expert, to explore the delicate and compassionate world of dementia care. She helps us untangle the differences between home health care, palliative care and hospice care, and unpack the philosophies guiding these services. She sheds light on holistic approaches to dementia care, emphasizing the importance of addressing the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of both patients and their families. Learn how to navigate these critical stages with empathy and understanding. 

We welcome back to the podcast Dr. Jeremy Pruzin, a cognitive behavioral neurologist, to explore the modifiable lifestyle factors that can significantly reduce your risk of dementia. From exercise and nutrition to sleep hygiene and mental stimulation, he shares practical, evidence-based strategies to boost cognitive health and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Whether you're looking to improve brain function, slow cognitive decline, or take preventive steps to lower dementia risk, this episode is packed with actionable tips for a healthier brain.  

We’re joined by Cyndy Luzinski, an advanced practice nurse and the executive director of Dementia Together, for an enlightening conversation about dementia care. Cyndy introduces us to the SPECAL Method, a groundbreaking approach to dementia care that focuses on person-centered care and views dementia as a simple disability, rather than a complex and intimidating condition. We explore the concept of the SPECAL Photograph Album, a tool designed to enhance understanding, as well as the Three Golden Rules of dementia care, and how caregivers can positively improve their attitudes to provide better, more compassionate care. This episode emphasizes the importance of empathy in dementia care, where feelings take precedence over facts, offering insight into how this shift in perspective can transform both caregiving and the quality of life for those living with dementia. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Martin, an experienced adult geriatric nurse practitioner, to discuss how to be the best advocate for your loved one with dementia and ensure they receive the best care possible. She shares invaluable advice on how to prepare for emergency situations and why it’s essential to start planning immediately after a dementia diagnosis. 

We dive into practical strategies for building a strong care team, reducing the risk of falls, and offering essential tips for family members to ensure their loved one receives proper care during hospitalizations. With Sarah's expert guidance, you’ll gain the tools to navigate the challenges of dementia care and help your loved one maintain a higher quality of life. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Ashton, senior director of Banner Research's Fluid Biomarker Program, to dive deep into the cutting-edge world of Alzheimer's biomarker research. We explore how advancements in diagnosing Alzheimer's without directly touching the brain are revolutionizing the field. Dr. Ashton breaks down the significance of clinical symptom analysis paired with innovative biological testing methods—ushering in a new era of Alzheimer's diagnosis. Breakthrough blood tests are creating new opportunities for earlier Alzheimer's detection, expanding beyond research to everyday clinical practices. We also discuss how these innovations are accelerating the recruitment process for clinical trials, speeding up the development of new treatments. 

We connected withJim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer's, to discuss his personal journey as a care partner for his wife, Geri, who has Alzheimer's disease. Jim opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and the deep emotional bond that sustains him and Geri as they cope with the complexities of a new life with Alzheimer's. He shares his powerful advocacy for reducing stigma, emphasizing the importance of telling their story, and finding ways to create a "new normal" as a couple. Jim also speaks passionately about the critical need for community support, the role of clinical trials in advancing research, and the importance of participating in efforts to find a cure. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, love, and the power of collective action.