Dementia Untangled

Dementia is the most significant health issue for aging adults with down syndrome. Professor of Medicine and Director of University of Pittsburgh Adult Down Syndrome Center, Dr. Peter Bulova, helps us untangle the common brain concerns between down syndrome and dementia, how amyloid factors in, and someone with intellectual disabilities may be at higher risk for receiving a delayed diagnosis of dementia. He speaks to how his research findings can ideally be useful to people with dementia, outside of the down syndrome population. 

Everyone uses compensatory strategies in their daily lives, whether it’s recognized as that or not, to help us perform tasks in an alternative manner or by using adaptive aids so that we can be more independent. Dr. Christi Belden, a Neuropsychologist at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, helps us untangle some of the top strategies to use if you are experiencing memory or thinking difficulties. She shares some of the most effective tips, tricks, and tools that we can use in daily life to make life flow for ourselves and our loved ones. 

The dementia journey often brings up the topic of advocacy - whether it’s for family support, financial support, or sometimes just to get a diagnosis. Our guest, Nicole Bell, the author of What Lurks in the Woods and an entrepreneur in medical devices, shares her family’s story of receiving a dementia diagnosis for her husband, and continuing to search for answers. Her honest portrayal of her caregiving journey is inspiring and educational, and her storytelling abilities will draw you into her unique experience. 

Quality rest isn’t always easy to make a priority, especially when you are experiencing stress, loss, or overexertion. We talk with Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti, a sleep and stroke neurologist at Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, about the importance of good sleep and the benefit for your brain. She highlights the importance of leveraging simple things on our own that can help reduce the risk of dementia as diagnosis rates continue to climb. At the top of her list: quality and quantity of sleep. 

Dementia caregivers often have complicated feelings around grief and loss throughout the dementia journey. We talk with Mary-Frances O’Connor, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss, about emotions and changes that come with grief. She talks us through the scientific process of understanding how our brains process grief and why we experience it, what can trigger painful emotions and sensitivities, and why it’s important for us to acknowledge our expression of it. 

Each season we dive deeper into the dementia journey to untangle new perspectives, connections, and explanations for caregivers and the community. Season six blew away our expectations with passionate and informative conversations you won’t want to miss. Heather, Janice, and Amber talk about some of the moments that really resonated with them, and what chats inspired them to take action.

The number of people diagnosed with dementia is far outpacing the number of specialists in the field. With more than 10 million new diagnoses each year, experts are getting creative on how to provide the best level of care to patients and their families. This week’s guest is Carrie Langford, a Licensed Master Social Worker at Banner Sun Health Research Institute. She shares the creative approach she and her team have taken through Dementia Care Partners. The program strategically partners with primary care offices to provide those patients living with dementia resources, education, and skills training to family caregivers. By leveraging Health Coaches, the program can leave the clinical care to the physician but help with day-to-day concerns and provide support strategies at home, which have shown to reduce some caregiving burden and cost of health care.

The idea of marijuana being used for medical purposes has a storied past. As it becomes legal in more states, the stigma around it is being reduced and more are considering the applications to medical conditions. In this episode, Dr. Danielle Cabral, a double board-certified neurologist and psychiatrist at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, answers all our questions about marijuana. She even untangles possible benefits for those with dementia by reducing agitation and addressing other related issues.

Time and time again, we’ve heard how much of an impact music can have on our brains, so we’re talking to Dr. Michael Thaut, a professor in the faculty of music and the faculty of medicine at University of Toronto, to learn more about improving our brain plasticity and cognitive performance by listening to our favorite music. Dr. Thaut untangles the science behind this method and shares with us his experience as a professional musician and how it crossed with his passion for brain processes that are connected to music to help people with dementia and their quality of life. We learn how music-based interventions can retrain some brain function and support neurodevelopmental brain function.

Creating a safe environment for someone with dementia is a top priority, especially when your loved one wishes to stay in their own home while they can. Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, the Director of Education and Social Services at Alzheimer’s Foundation of America helps us identify simple, helpful ways to make your home more dementia-friendly. She shares some key elements to be mindful of that make it easier for someone living with dementia to stay safe and comfortable as their cognition declines.