Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers

In this episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes a moment to reflect on the progress made as” the countdown continues”, bringing some lighthearted humor about the unpredictable weather before shifting gears to more important topics.

First, Jeff discusses an intriguing article titled “Nighttime Light Exposure May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk”, highlighting new research that points to how exposure to light during nighttime could potentially increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It’s an eye-opening conversation about the potential impact of our daily routines on brain health.

Next, listeners are treated to Part 2 of a powerful interview with Dr. Adam Perry from HealthSpan Partners. Dr. Perry delves deeper into The GUIDE, a new government program through Medicare and Medicaid designed to provide vital support for caregivers. If you’re a caregiver looking for assistance, this episode is a must-listen for the details you need to take advantage of this valuable resource.

Finally, Jeff updates listeners on the upcoming Walk To End Alzheimer’s events, sharing his own experience from the first walk he participated in with his wife. It was a meaningful event, and they plan to make it an annual tradition. He encourages others to join in the final walks of the season and support the cause.

Tune in for an informative and positive episode packed with insights, updates, and encouragement for caregivers.

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Host, Jeff Edwards.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple and more. Please hit like and subscribe. 

#caregivers   #alzheimer’s   #gutpunched  #alzheimer’s caregiving

This week, join Host Jeff Edwards  First up, he’s tackling a hot-button issue with an eye-opening article about the dangers of “Too Many Meds for Alzheimer’s patients—turns out, less is sometimes more.

Then, we’re joined by Dr. Adam Perry from HealthSpan Partners, who’s going to clear up all the mystery around a new government program called THE GUIDE—no, it’s not your GPS for getting around dementia care (though we wish it were that simple!). This is the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model—a mouthful, we know—but a crucial lifeline for caregivers and families dealing with dementia. Dr. Perry in Part 1 of the interview, will dive into how this program is improving care for people living with dementia and offering much-needed support for caregivers who often feel like they’re in this alone. Take Note: Next Week Part 2 will air. 

Plus, we’ve got updates on Walk for Alzheimer’s locations, so you can lace up your shoes and join the fight for a brighter future!

Tune in—because if you’re a caregiver, or know someone who is, this episode is your roadmap to better care and support.

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Host, Jeff Edwards.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe. 

#caregivers   #alzheimer’s   #gutpunched  #alzheimer’s caregiving

We’ll cover an article about “Too Many Meds Can Harm Alzheimer’s Patients”
We have a fascinating interview with Dr Adam Perry, from HealthSpan Partners, and he’ll explain in depth, something we’ve been touching on the last couple of episodes. It’s a new Government program from Medicare & Medicare called: THE GUIDE. 

If you haven’t heard about it yet… give this a listen, especially if you are a caregiver and you need some help. This might be for you.

The Guide: Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model.  

This program offers enhanced services for dementia care and support for caregivers (a relative or unpaid nonrelative who helps with activities of daily living).

Improve the quality of life for people living with dementia 

Enhance support for caregivers of people living with dementia

Help people living with dementia stay in their homes and communities longer.

And we’ll update you on some of the Walk for Alzheimer's locations in the next few weeks.

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Jeff Edwards.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe. 

#caregivers   #alzheimer’s   #gutpunched  #alzheimer’s caregiving

In this episode Of GutPunched” Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Episode 31 or “Countdown to Election Chaos”, Host Jeff Edwards, looks at the focus is on caregiver stress and burnout, providing insights into their signs, symptoms, and coping strategies. The episode also offers a preview of an upcoming interview with Dr. Adam Perry from Healthspan Partners, who will discuss a new program designed specifically for caregivers and their partners. Additionally, listeners will receive updates on the Walk for Alzheimer's events taking place in the coming weeks.

The episode emphasizes three key rules for caregivers:

Prioritize self-care to ensure you're able to care for your loved one.

Recognize that caregiving is not a solitary journey; seek support from caregiver groups, friends, and family.

Create and utilize lists of people who can assist you and tasks that need to be accomplished to manage overwhelming responsibilities effectively.

This supportive framework aims to empower caregivers in navigating their challenging roles while promoting their well-being.

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Jeff Edwards.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

In this episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers, Episode 30 Or “Are we done with Hurricanes for this year yet?”  host Jeff Edwards explores critical insights into dementia risk and caregiving. First, he reveals three common household products that may increase the risk of developing dementia. Next, Jeff provides an overview of The Guide Program from CMS.gov, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support caregivers and their partners. He delves into the program's model and purpose, setting the stage for a deeper discussion in upcoming weeks. Listeners can look forward to an insightful interview with Dr. Adam Perry from HealthSpan Partners, making this episode a must-listen for anyone affected by Alzheimer's and caregiving challenges.  You’ll also find out where and when some of the Walk To End Alzheimer’s walks will take place.  Tune in for valuable information and practical tips: 

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S & CAREGIVERS, with Jeff Edwards.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

Host Jeff Edwards, with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of resilience, reflects on the chaos brought by the storm—not just outside, but within the world of Alzheimer’s care.

Still involved in cleaning up his property from Hurricane Milton, Jeff takes a quick look, and updates The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Also, he provides information for two new resources: 

A Lab study at Rice University that is seeking primary caregivers to participate in a research study on emotion and coping with strategies for caregivers, and 

The GUIDE Program: A Medicare demonstration program for traditional Medicare Beneficiaries that may provide additional resources and support.

Tune in as he shares tales of cleaning up both literal debris and emotional turmoil, all while offering poignant insights and some much-needed comic relief. Spoiler alert: Mother Nature may have brought the winds, but Jeff's wit is the real force of nature here!

GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers is available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple and more. Please hit like and subscribe. Visit GUTPUNCHED.COM for more information and resources.

In Episode 28, marked by the tumult of Hurricane Milton, host Jeff Edwards brings you an insightful yet challenging installment of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers. Battling flickering lights and computer woes, 

Jeff delves into groundbreaking research that has unveiled two new risk factors for dementia, expanding the understanding of this complex condition beyond the previously identified twelve. Tune in as Jeff also explores upcoming locations across the country for The Alzheimer’s Walk, inviting listeners to unite in the fight against this pervasive disease.

Additionally, we revisit an enlightening conversation with Amy Schenk from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center. Amy shares invaluable advice on how to approach memory impairment testing for loved ones, along with promising updates on advancements in treatment options.

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton, this episode is a testament to resilience and hope in the face of adversity—an essential listen for caregivers and advocates alike. Join Jeff as he navigates through stormy conditions to bring light to a vital cause!

GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers is available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple and more. Please hit like and subscribe. Visit GUTPUNCHED.COM for more information and resources.

Greetings and Welcome
This is GutPunced:Alzheimer’s and Caregiviers Episode Hurricane Milton.
I’m your host Jeff Edwards.
We really won’t have an new episode due to the expected visit from
Hurricane Milton. Our area in Southwest Florida is busy preparing for the
storm , expected to make landfall in a few days. The problem is we don’t
know exactly where.
Might we recommend listening to Episode 27 as we explored Hurricane
Preparation and Safety, specifically with the brain changed person in mind.
We hope to be back with a new episode very soon.
Thak you for listening and Stay safe! God Bless!

"Hurricane Preparedness for Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregivers"In this special episode of GutPunched Alzheimer's & Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards addresses a pressing issue for those living in hurricane-prone areas, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Drawing from his experiences in Southwest Florida, Jeff discusses the ongoing challenges posed by hurricane season and reflects on the lasting impact of Hurricane Ian, which devastated the region just two years ago.

This week, Jeff focuses on the crucial topic of hurricane preparedness for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. He provides practical advice on how to create a safe and supportive environment during severe weather, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and emotional reassurance for those with cognitive impairments.

Listeners will learn how to assemble specialized emergency kits, maintain a calming atmosphere, and develop strategies to help their loved ones feel secure during storms. With the possibility of more storms on the horizon, this episode equips caregivers with the tools they need to navigate the uncertainties of hurricane season with confidence and compassion. Tune in for insights that prioritize safety and well-being for both caregivers and their loved ones.

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In this insightful episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards welcomes back the knowledgeable Amy Schenck, a dedicated volunteer with Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida. With her extensive experience in conducting educational programs and support groups, Amy brings a wealth of information to the table, making this episode a must-listen for caregivers and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s.

Taken from an engaging hour and a half conversation, Amy shares crucial insights on when and why individuals should consider getting a memory screen. She addresses common misconceptions surrounding memory issues and discusses alternative reasons that may lead to cognitive decline. With a focus on practical strategies, Amy provides valuable examples to help caregivers support loved ones who may be hesitant about seeking a memory assessment.

Listeners will appreciate the depth of Amy’s expertise as she offers compassionate guidance on these pressing topics. Due to the richness of the discussion, future episodes will continue to feature highlights from this interview, ensuring that audiences receive the most relevant information tailored to their needs.

Jeff will explain Rule #1 Take Care of Yourself and talk about the upcoming Walk For Alzheimer’s around the country.

Join Jeff and Amy for an enlightening conversation that empowers caregivers and sheds light on GutdPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers is available on The Podcast Playground; and all the the important steps to take when facing memory concerns.

major platforms like Spotify, Pandora Google, I-Heart, Apple and more.

GUT PUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS  EPISODE 25

“There’s a New Leader at The Dubin Center”

In Episode 25 of "GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers," hosted by Jeff Edwards, the conversation delves deeply into the emotional and practical complexities faced by those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Jeff Edwards, with his trademark sincerity, guides the discussion with empathy and insight, providing a platform for caregivers to share their stories and connect with listeners who may be navigating similar challenges. The episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, expert advice, and community resources, aiming to offer comfort and practical support.

 The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of caregivers, while also highlighting the importance of seeking support and understanding in the journey through Alzheimer's.  

Jeff Edwards and his guest, Christine LoConte, the new executive director of the Dubin Center in Fort Myers, Florida talk about her vision and plans for the center. Christine brings a breath of fresh air and a visionary outlook to the center’s future. Jeffs conversation with her reveals exciting new directions and initiatives aimed at enhancing support for those affected by Alzheimer’s. They strive to foster a sense of solidarity and hope, reaffirming that even in the face of daunting challenges, there is a community ready to support and uplift one another.

We’ll also take a moment to spotlight World Alzheimer’s Day, coming up on September 21st. It’s a day to raise awareness and deepen our understanding of this challenging disease.

As always, we emphasize our three core rules on GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers:

Take Care of Yourself: Remember, your well-being is crucial. If you’re not healthy, who will care for your loved one?

Seek Help: Caregiving is not a solo journey. Connect with support groups, friends, and family.

Make a List:: Create a list of people who’ve offered help and another list of tasks you need assistance with. Use these lists to delegate and lighten your load.

So, settle in as we dive into this heartfelt discussion. Christine LoConte’s insights and our focus on World Alzheimer’s Day are sure to inspire and inform. Let’s get started!

Available on the Podcast Playground and all major platforms. Visit the newly designed website: GUTPUNCHED.COM  for more information and resources.