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

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GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS Episode 56 OR Just the Facts, Ma'am, Just the Facts"

In this episode, host Jeff Edwards delves into the latest statistical insights from the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 “Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” report. The discussion focuses on the escalating prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, its impact on the aging population, and the profound effects on caregivers.

Key Topics Covered: Prevalence and Mortality: Economic Impact: Caregiver Challenges, Demographic Disparities: 

Read the full 2025 Facts and Figures report

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of Alzheimer's disease in the United States, emphasizing the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for both individuals affected and their caregivers.

As always, Jeff revisits his four golden rules for caregiving, offering grounded advice and practical strategies to help listeners stay resilient and supported in their roles.

#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

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

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS EPISODE 55
Or: One of the Craziest and Scariest Stories About Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

In this gripping episode of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards dives into what might be one of the most shocking and eye-opening Alzheimer’s stories yet. From a chilling tale of a delayed diagnosis to surprising research, Episode 55 is packed with must-know information for caregivers and families navigating the Alzheimer’s journey.

Jeff covers recent headlines from the Alzheimer’s Association and WebMD, including tips on managing daily care routines and a fascinating new “smell test” that may detect dementia in its early stages. Perhaps most startling: a report revealing that many patients aren’t even aware they’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—a fact that stuns even seasoned caregivers.

As always, Jeff revisits his four golden rules for caregiving, offering grounded advice and practical strategies to help listeners stay resilient and supported in their roles. Plus, he shares a heartfelt Mother’s Day shoutout to all the caregiving moms out there—you deserve it.

Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or just beginning your journey, this episode is a compelling reminder that you're not alone—and that help, knowledge, and support are out there.

#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

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 latest informaion

“You’re Middle-Aged and Think You Might Have Alzheimer’s…Wait, What?”
In this candid and eye-opening episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards explores a surprising and often unspoken topic—early signs of Alzheimer’s appearing in middle age. With his usual blend of honesty, heart, and a dash of musical nostalgia (including a nod to the Bee Gees' “First of May”), Jeff kicks off May by revisiting the show’s growing list of essential caregiver rules—introducing a new one about creating a “Help Signal” to ease loved ones into accepting outside assistance.

Listeners are also treated to an insightful conversation with Tara Jean-Baptiste, RN, Director of Care Management at Heart, Body & Mind Home Care. Tara brings deep expertise and compassion as she discusses the future of caregiving, person-centered care, and the importance of supporting caregivers through education and community. Featuring a newly named harmonica player, “The Jammer,” this episode is both informative and soulful—offering real talk, real tools, and real support for those on the caregiving journey.

#GUTPUNCHED    #ALZHEIMERS  #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

In Gutpunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards dives deep into the world of caregiving, offering practical advice, emotional support, and a candid look at the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. In this episode, Jeff revisits crucial caregiving principles and shares insights that can make a difference in navigating the tough journey of dementia care.

He starts by revisiting some of the fundamental rules caregivers need to follow:

Prioritize your own well-being — if you don't take care of yourself, who will take care of your loved one?

Recognize that you can't do it alone; support is essential. Connect with caregiving groups or your network of friends and family.

Create a practical list of people who’ve offered help and list tasks you can’t manage yourself due to the overwhelming nature of caregiving. Then, use that list to get things done efficiently, tackling the top priorities first.

A special tip: Create a "Help Signal" to ease your loved one’s anxiety when outside help comes in. It could be a specific phrase or cue that your loved one can recognize, helping them feel more comfortable even if the helper is unfamiliar.

The episode also touches on three key topics:

How increasing daytime sleepiness may be an early sign of dementia.

A new blood test that can diagnose and track Alzheimer’s disease.

Four valuable suggestions for caregivers at any stage of the journey.

With humor, heart, and a dose of reality, Jeff Edwards offers caregivers practical tools and emotional validation while helping them maintain their own mental and physical health. Whether you're in the early stages of caregiving or in the thick of it, this episode is full of helpful tips and reassuring advice for anyone supporting a loved one through Alzheimer’s.

In this moving and deeply personal episode of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards brings us into the heart of caregiving with former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber, who lovingly cared for his wife Elaine for nearly two decades following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Their story, captured in his powerful memoir My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, is part love story, part survival guide — and wholly unforgettable.

Jeff opens the episode with warmth and honesty, offering listeners timely reflections and new caregiver "rules" — practical, compassionate tools for navigating the emotional and logistical weight of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Rule #4 is especially poignant: Create a Help Signal, a gentle yet empowering strategy to give those with memory loss a sense of safety and choice when receiving care.

Then, Marty shares the raw, often painful journey of loving both versions of his wife — the woman he married, and the woman Alzheimer’s slowly reshaped. With grace, humor, and remarkable humility, he reflects on the heartbreak of being forgotten and the quiet joys that still managed to bloom through the fog of the disease. At 85, Marty doesn’t just talk about caregiving — he lived it, and he shares hard-won wisdom that challenges, heals, and uplifts.

Jeff doesn't hold back when he says this conversation touched him in ways few others have. It’s more than a podcast episode — it’s a reminder that even amid loss, there can be meaning, connection, and yes… even joy.

Visit MyTwoElaines.com to learn more about Marty’s book, and keep an eye out for it on GUTPUNCHED.COM soon.

This one’s for the caregivers — past, present, and future. You are not alone.

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#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

Welcome back to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, where we don’t sugarcoat the challenges of caregiving—but we do walk through them together.

In this episode, host Jeff Edwards starts with a check-in: Are you remembering the caregiver rules? Are you making those lists, seeking support, and taking care of you? Because, as always, Rule #1 stands strong—you can’t care for someone else if you’re not caring for yourself first.

Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or just joining in, Jeff revisits the three simple but vital guidelines that keep caregivers grounded, connected, and sane:

Take care of yourself—because your well-being is essential to your loved one’s.

Don’t go it alone—support groups, friends, and family are your lifeline.

Make a list—and use it. You’ll be surprised what happens when you ask for help.

Then we move into something hopeful: an exploration of how stem cell treatment may offer new promise in improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. It’s a developing field—but one that’s worth paying attention to.

We also hear from Morgan Van Dyke of Assisting Hands, who shares a wealth of practical caregiving insights—especially helpful for those navigating the early stages of Alzheimer’s. From small adjustments to bigger-picture planning, Morgan’s advice is something every caregiver will want to jot down.

So take a breath. Grab something to write with. And let’s dive in—because information is power, and you don’t have to face this journey alone.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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Gut Punched: Alzheimers and Caregivers

In this milestone 50th episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards dives into two important topics that have a significant impact on those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

The episode starts with a discussion on shingles- not the kind that affects your roof, but the viral infection that can be much more dangerous than most people realize. Jeff explains how shingles can increase the risk of dementia, making the shingles vaccine an important tool for reducing that risk. It's an eye-opening segment for caregivers and anyone concerned about their health. 

The second half of the episode focuses on the emotional and psychological toll that the progression of Alzheimer's can have on caregivers. Jeff discusses how each stage of Alzheimer's brings new challenges, both for the person with the disease and for the caregiver. As the disease progresses, it can trigger different emotions, forcing caregivers to adapt constantly and plan for the changes ahead. This segment provides practical advice for those navigating this difficult journey. 

Jeff also takes a moment to remind caregivers of the fundamental rules they should follow: 

1. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to care for others. 

2. Seek help from caregiver groups, family, and friends. 

3. Make a list of people who have offered help and create a list of tasks you 

can delegate to ease the overwhelming burden of caregiving. 

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone in the caregiving community, offering both practical tips and emotional support as caregivers face the ever-evolving challenges of Alzheimer's disease. 

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

In this light-hearted yet informative episode of GutPnched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes a look at some surprising, sometimes quirky studies about Alzheimer’s, all while reminding caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.

Jeff kicks things off with a playful nod to the approaching April Fools' Day and dives into some offbeat Alzheimer ’s-related research: Did you know that chewing on wood could improve your memory? Sounds like an April Fools’ prank, but according to a new study, it might be true. The episode also explores brain-boosting foods, highlighting the best nuts and seeds to support cognitive health. Plus, Jeff discusses a promising finding that just 35 minutes of weekly exercise can reduce the risk of dementia.

But beyond the fun facts, Jeff offers some crucial advice to caregivers:

Take care of yourself

Ask for help – You can’t do it alone.

Make a list of what needs to be done and stick to it.

As the episode unfolds, Jeff also raises an important point about the flood of sometimes dubious information circulating on social media about Alzheimer’s and caregiving. He emphasizes the importance of checking sources and exercising caution when encountering advice that sounds too good to be true (like some magic cure involving belly rubs and one-legged standing).

So, whether you’re here for some laughs or looking for real, practical tips, Episode 49 of GutPunched delivers both, with a dose of humor and a reminder to keep your critical thinking sharp.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

In this milestone episode, GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers celebrates its first year of navigating the often difficult, sometimes isolating, but always necessary conversations around Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Host Jeff Edwards reflects on the journey that began in March 2024 with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a steep learning curve. What started with a bit of trial and error has blossomed into a platform that’s growing steadily, reaching more listeners each week and touching more lives across the country.

But as Jeff so humbly points out, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from a network of kind-hearted individuals, organizations, and guests. From the Alzheimer’s Association to The Dubin Center, and of course, the caregivers themselves, each has played a crucial role in making the podcast a beacon of hope and resource for those living with Alzheimer’s and caring for loved ones.

Throughout this episode, Jeff takes a moment to thank those who’ve contributed to the growth of GutPunched—from the behind-the-scenes support to the guests who graciously shared their stories and expertise. The podcast has never been about “mass appeal” or trendy topics—it’s about something deeper, a cause that affects millions. It's about reaching those who are often invisible, providing them with the tools, support, and knowledge they so desperately need.

The episode also reflects on the themes covered in past episodes, all centered around the central mission: to ease the caregiver's journey. Whether discussing practical resources, emotional support, or the raw realities of caregiving, GutPunched has been a trusted companion for many. Jeff also revisits a fan-favorite from earlier episodes—a poignant and powerful poem about Alzheimer's, offering a moment of reflection as the podcast continues its mission to not only inform but also to connect.

As the podcast reaches this significant one-year mark, Jeff’s gratitude is clear. It's a year of growth, learning, and most importantly, giving back. The heartfelt message of this episode is one of appreciation—for listeners, for supporters, and for the caregivers who carry the heaviest burden. The journey continues, but as always, it’s a collective effort, and Jeff is honored to be a part of it.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS

Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers