In Episode 66, host Jeff Edwards reflects on a week that was “mixed, but mostly positive” — a theme echoed in the episode’s encouraging developments in Alzheimer’s research and caregiving support. Jeff shares personal insights from a busy week, including a promising meeting that may bring exciting news for the podcast’s Hispanic audience, and another eye-opening caregiver support meeting.

While a planned segment featuring “A Different Kind of Caregiver” wasn’t ready in time for this episode, Jeff promises its arrival in the next installment. In the meantime, Episode 66 delivers a compelling lineup of new studies and stories:

🎶 Music and Brain Health: A new study suggests that playing a musical instrument may slow brain aging.

💊 Hope on the Horizon: A cancer drug combination shows potential to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms.

⚠️ Medication Alert: A common chronic pain medication is now being linked to dementia.

As always, Jeff revisits the core GutPunched Tenets, offering practical, heartfelt advice for caregivers — from self-care reminders to strategies for building a reliable support network and creating a help signal for loved ones.

This episode also highlights vital resources like:

The Dubin Center (dubincenter.com)

Alzheimer’s Support Network (alzsupport.org)

The Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Navigation Service – Call 855-271-2662 for free, personalized support

And the newly formed GUTPUNCHED Facebook Group

Jeff closes the episode with gratitude for the community helping to grow the podcast, and a heartfelt reminder: There is help and hope out there—you just need to know where to look. That’s why we’re here.

📧 Reach out: [email protected] or [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: gutpunched.com

Welcome to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, Episode 65! 

Ever wondered what happens when Alzheimer’s, an author, a poet, dementia, a musician, and a nurse all walk into a room together? No, it’s not the setup for a bad joke—it’s the perfect mix for today’s podcast!

Our guest today is Mr. Bob Shea from Elder Entertainment, a creative dynamo with a heart for Alzheimer's awareness. Bob, who wears many hats (author, poet, musician, nurse), joins host Jeff Edwards to share his unique perspective on Alzheimer's care and the healing power of creativity. 

Plus, don’t miss the latest Alzheimer’s research! We wrap up with an article about a promising Diabetes Blood Test that could predict Alzheimer’s decline. Talk about medical breakthroughs Science is awesome and sometimes, even a little mind-blowing.

As always, we start by revisiting the GutPunched Tenets—the rules we live by, because let’s face it, caregiving can be tough, and you’ve gotta be on top of your game to survive it:

Take care of yourself—if you break down, who’s there for your loved one?

You can’t do this alone—find a good support network.

Make a list of people who’ve offered help. Write down what needs doing and go through the list until it’s all handled.

Create a “help signal”—something that tells your loved one it's okay to get the help they need.

Then we get a little poetic with a reading from Bob’s book, Peekaboo: I See Miracles—Musings of Musical Memories and Alzheimer’s Disease. A hauntingly beautiful first stanza of his poem “In Here” sets the stage for a conversation that’s as deep as it is creative.

After the interview, Jeff and Bob share their thoughts on the magic that happens when creativity meets caregiving, a reminder that even in the toughest times, there’s always room for something meaningful and maybe even a little joyful.

Whether you’re a caregiver or just curious, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and a touch of humor. So grab your coffee (or your harmonica) and tune in!

Listen now! 🎙️ [gutpunched.com/] #Alzheimers #Caregivers #GutPunchedPodcast #ElderCare #AlzheimersAwareness #NewEpisode

In this episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards serves up some much-needed wisdom—and a side of humor—as he navigates the challenges caregivers face during long, hot summers with no holiday respite in sight. Can’t escape the heat, but you can take a moment to laugh and reflect with Jeff’s signature wit.

As always, Jeff goes over the "Tennents" (yes, he means tenets) that guide this podcast, offering light yet essential advice for anyone in the caregiving trenches:

 of your loved one?

You can’t do it alone—find support through groups, friends, and family.

Make a list—and use it! A list of people willing to help + tasks that need doing = one less stress for you.

Create a help signal—find a cue or phrase that lets your loved one know it's okay to accept help.

In this episode, Jeff also sits down with Cynthia Perthuis, a Senior Care expert from Senior Care Authority, New York & Florida. Together, they tackle the big, elephant-sized decision of moving your loved one into an assisted living community. Cynthia breaks it down for us: the where, the when, and most importantly, the how. Moving someone to a new care facility can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and approach, it’s more manageable than it seems.

So, grab your list, find your support, and tune in for some much-needed tips on how to eat that metaphorical elephant—one bite at a time.

It’s insightful. It’s practical. And yes, it’s still GutPunched, so you know we’re keeping it light along the way!

#CaregiverLife #Alzheimers #SeniorCare #GutPunchedPodcast #ElderCare #SelfCare #AlzheimersSupport

Thank you for listening to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers - Episode 64 How to Eat an Elephant! The Where, The When, The How.

🎧 🎧 New episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers! 🧠✨

 On this week’s episode #63, Host Jeff Edwards talks about a Breakthrough: Brain Sugar Discovery that could change Alzheimer’s! Plus, tips on Reducing Inflammation to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.

And of course, the 4 tenets for Caregivers:

Take care of YOU

Ask for help (you can’t do it alone!)

Make a list and get stuff DONE

Create a “Help Signal” for your loved one

Next week, Jeff chats with Cynthia Purthuis from Senior Care Authority—don’t miss it!

Listen now! 🎧

#Alzheimers #Caregiving #BrainHealth #SelfCare #GutPunchedPodcast

Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers

This week, Jeff explores the often-blurry line between the beginning and early middle stages of Alzheimer’s—and what that means for you, the caregiver.

🎙️ GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers – Ep. 62
🧠 Beginning Stages vs. Early Middle Stages of Alzheimer’s
👤 Host: Jeff Edwards | 🎧 Guest: Morgan Van Dyke

💬 Joined by fan-favorite guest Morgan Van Dyke (Ep. 51), they break down:
✔️ Key similarities & differences between the stages
✔️ Subtle changes in behavior & care needs
✔️ Real-world strategies to adapt your caregiving

Plus, a reminder of our four caregiver tenets:
1️⃣ Take care of yourself
2️⃣ Don’t go it alone – ask for help
3️⃣ Use your support lists
4️⃣ Create a “Help Signal” 🆘

💡 This episode is filled with honesty, hope, and small victories—including a positive update from Jeff’s Men’s Caregivers Group 🙌

🎆 As we head into July 4th, a reminder: caregiving doesn’t take holidays. Even 10 minutes of peace is a win.

🎧 Listen now—your caregiver's heart will thank you.
#Alzheimers #CaregiverSupport #GutPunchedPodcast #DementiaCare #HopeInTheHard

New Episode available on The Podcast Playground, PodBean, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Check  GUTPUNCHED.COM for the latest information

Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

The Nose Knows: Smell test for Dementia; Dieting Can Be Helpful in Middle age to lower dementia risk, & Hurricane Season Preparedness for Dementia Caregivers

In this episode, host Jeff Edwards brings a powerful mix of information and compassion to caregivers facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s. 

This week’s episode dives into three key topics:

The Nose Knows: How a simple smell test may help detect early dementia.

Food for Thought: The impact of improving your diet in middle age to help lower dementia risk.

Storm Season Preparedness: Hurricane readiness tips specifically tailored for dementia caregivers—practical, essential, and potentially lifesaving.

As always, Jeff reminds listeners of the four foundational rules of caregiving—prioritizing self-care, asking for help, using your support lists, and creating a reliable help signal to ease transitions for your loved one.

Whether you're deep in the caregiving trenches or preparing for the road ahead, this episode delivers practical insights, a touch of humor, and heartfelt encouragement to keep going.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening 60th episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards reflects on milestones, both personal and universal. It’s Father’s Day weekend, June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and we’ve hit 60 episodes of this powerful journey.

Jeff kicks things off with a sobering yet timely question: Is there a connection between fathers who have Alzheimer’s and your own risk of developing it? Then Jeff sets the stage for an incredibly meaningful and sincere conversation with Dr. Ed Shaw about Keeping Love Alive As Memories Fade.

Dr. Shaw is not only a former caregiver but also a four-time author, national speaker, part-time counselor, and leader of caregiver support groups. Most importantly, he speaks from experience, with clarity, compassion, and purpose. In this episode, he shares insights from his book, Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade, introducing the Five Love Languages and how they can be adapted to deepen connection with loved ones who are living with dementia.

This interview is more than informational; it’s deeply moving. Dr. Shaw’s personal stories and professional wisdom give caregivers a new lens to see their roles, and their relationships, with renewed empathy and hope.

As always, Jeff reminds us of the four grounding rules that GutPunched listeners have come to rely on:

Take care of yourself.

You can't do this alone—get help.

Make a list, and use it.

Create a help signal for your loved one.

This isn’t just another podcast episode—it’s a reminder of why caregiving matters, and how love, even in the face of memory loss, can still be nurtured and expressed.

Listen in. Take notes. And above all, know you’re not alone. GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS.  GUTPUNCHED.COM

Thank you for listening to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers – Episode 60

Fathers & Alzheimer’s: Is There a Connection?” And Keeping Love Alive As Memories Fade, Featuring  Author  Dr. Ed Shaw

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version, one formatted for social media, or a podcast.

Host Jeff Edwards brings a quick-hit, high-impact episode this week on GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers. After deciding to shorten a few upcoming episodes for a bit of recharging time, Jeff still delivers valuable insights for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s.

In this episode, Jeff spotlights the Alzheimer’s Association’s new app, My ALZ Journey—a powerful, user-friendly mobile resource designed specifically to support individuals living with early-stage dementia. Learn how this app can provide practical help and support anytime, anywhere.

Then, Jeff turns to one of his favorite topics: the healing power of music. Discover how music can help soothe depression in dementia patients, offering emotional relief and connection when words may fail.

As always, Jeff reminds listeners of the core principles of caregiving:

Take care of yourself first.

Don’t go it alone—seek support.

Make and use your help lists.

Create a “help signal” for your loved one.

Whether you’re a seasoned caregiver or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with accessible tools and heartfelt encouragement.

In this quick-hit episode, host Jeff Edwards shifts focus to a crucial topic many caregivers face daily: caregiver stress. As June kicks off, Jeff uses this episode to provide listeners with a compact but powerful discussion on recognizing the emotional and physical strain caregiving can create—and more importantly, how to manage it.

Drawing from resources by the Alzheimer’s Association, Jeff outlines the 10 common signs of caregiver stress, such as anxiety, exhaustion, and withdrawal, while also offering 6 actionable strategies to reduce stress and stay healthier, both mentally and physically. He reminds listeners of the core “GutPunched Rules,” a foundational set of principles for caregivers:

Take care of yourself first.

Don’t try to do it alone—seek support.

Use your network of help.

Establish a “help signal” with your loved one.

This episode serves as a much-needed check-in for caregivers who may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of where to turn. Jeff also invites caregivers to share their personal stories—whether victories or hardships—for a future segment titled GutPunched: Stories from the Frontlines of Caregiving.

Resources Mentioned:
For more caregiver tools and support, visit: alz.org/Caregiverstress
To share your caregiving story, contact: [email protected]

On this Memorial Day weekend edition of GUTPUNCHED: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards brings you powerful updates and essential truths for those navigating the realities of Alzheimer’s disease. From scientific advances to personal resilience, this episode dives into critical topics every caregiver and family member should know.

Jeff covers groundbreaking news: the FDA has approved the first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s — a potential game changer for early diagnosis and intervention. We also explore recent research linking prolonged sitting to brain shrinkage and how zinc supplements may offer hope in slowing Alzheimer’s progression.

Plus, we break down key insights from the Alzheimer’s Association’s newly released 2025 Facts and Figures report — offering a clearer view of the growing impact of this disease on families and our healthcare system.

As always, Jeff reminds us of the “Caregiver’s Rules” — hard-won lessons that help you survive the emotional and physical strain of caregiving:

Prioritize your own well-being,

Don’t isolate yourself,

Use your network and ask for help,

And create a simple, effective way for your loved one to signal when they’re ready to accept assistance.

Whether you’re deep in the trenches of caregiving or just beginning the journey, this episode is packed with real talk, useful strategies, and the latest Alzheimer’s science to keep you informed and supported.

Listen in, lean on us, and don’t forget: you’re not alone.

New Episode is available on The Podcast Playground, PODBEAN, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Check GUTPUNCHED.COM  for the latest information

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS EPISODE 57