The Alzheimer's Podcast

Links and show notes at DementiaSherpa.com/Episode99.

Phil Gutis, our Assistant Sherpa, is with us again today. We answer a listener question about anosognosia, a condition in which a person is unaware they have another condition (such as Alzheimer's). Phil ponders if he'd prefer knowing his diagnosis or the bliss of ignorance. And we talk about what we're doing for The Longest Day, which is just around the corner (on June 21st!). 

Transcript & show notes: DementiaSherpa.com/Episode97.

Phil Gutis, Assistant Sherpa, is with us again today. Phil is a former New York Times reporter and current contributor, an Alzheimer's advocate, and a man living with Alzheimer's disease. Phil was diagnosed three years ago at age 54. 

One of our recurring topics is the terminology in Dementia World. One of the words that's commonly used in this world that I really don't like is "journey." After listening to what Phil has to say about it, I've started to think about that differently.

A couple other things you need to know before we jump into the episode: There's a point, around the 24ish minute mark, where we head in a totally different direction than I anticipated. I was a bit shocked when it happened in real-time. 

Second, what you'll hear in this episode is from part of a longer than usual recording session, recorded later in the day than usual.

As a result, you'll notice some changes in Phil's language. There are spots where words don't come as easily or quickly as usual.

A lot of times, we're looking for the grand gesture, the big thing we can do to improve our person's quality of life. Inspired by his own past, Bruce Felt came up with a product that's clever, yet simple and effective. It can create positive impact for your person, you, and the rest of the family. If you're not exactly sure what to do during a visit, tune in to this episode of The Alzheimer's Podcast! All links in the show notes at DementiaSherpa.com/episode91.

Phil Gutis is a former New York Times reporter and current contributor, an Alzheimer's advocate, and a man living with Alzheimer's disease. 

Phil was diagnosed three years ago, at age 54. As you'll hear, he's quite easily able to articulate his thoughts and feelings. And he's generous enough to share them with us in this episode The Alzheimer's Podcast.

Phil talks about the fine line care partners walk between helping and smothering, why solid strategy is crucial for social situations, and a whole lot more. Complete show notes and links at DementiaSherpa.com/episode90.

In this episode, part two of my conversation with Dr Tia Powell, author of the new book Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End. I highly recommend this book to families and professionals alike--it's worth your valuable time.

This part of our conversation focuses on how the HIV/AIDS crisis shaped Dr Powell as a new doctor; how a shift in thinking from disease cure to disease management can impact daily life; and how we as a community can support both family and professional care partners. 

Finally, Dr Powell shares a gut-wrenching decision she and her family were asked to make more than once, and how that played out.

When we're talking about dementia, it's often centered around practical how-to's, physical abilities, or planning for the future. Something that's often missed is the role of spirituality, which I believe is just as important as all the other things we focus on when we're discussing dementia.

And that's why I'm excited to have Dr Sarah Bartel as our guest on the show this week. She's an awarding-winning columnist, co-host of the popular Enduring Love radio show on Sacred Heart Radio, holds a Ph.D. in moral theology, and is co-editor of the new book A Catechism of Marriage and Family Life.

In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, Sarah and I talk about the role of faith communities in dementia; where dignity comes from; the importance of rituals; and Sarah explains what catechism means for the non-Catholics among us.

Even if organized religion has left a bad taste in your mouth, I think you'll enjoy listening in as Sarah brings the Good Stuff and shares it with joy.

Sometimes your family just doesn't get it, and you end up feeling stuck in limbo. In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, we look at some mindset shifts to allow you to move forward and ways to get support even when your family isn't on board. Links in show notes at DementiaSherpa.com/episode84.

In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, I chat with Lisa Marie Chirico, producer of the Creating Circles of Care & Building Bridges of Hope Cruise & Conference. She tells what inspired her to create this event and how Alzheimer's disease impacted her own family. We also discuss the importance of "a snapshot in time" and the benefits of those in the dementia community meeting up face-to-face. Links: https://DementiaSherpa.com/Episode83

Dr Alzheimer discovered what is now known as Alzheimer's disease in 1906. He's best known for this research, although he made other significant contributions in his workplace.

These include the groundbreaking idea of talking to his patients and banning their restraint; requiring staff to treat patients humanely; to interact with them; and to assist them with personal care.

Although he introduced practices to reduce stigma and improve quality of life for those he directly affected, stigma and shame around dementia still exists today.

In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, we'll take a look at the stigma cycle, its direct effect on people living with dementia, and what we can do to get past it 113 years later.

In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, I share part two of my conversation with Bonnie Lais, a member of the the Dementia Sherpa tribe who generously agreed to share her story about care partnering with her husband Don. Bonnie drops more golden nuggets as she reveals the key decision she made that changed everything; offers up a handy acronym to get you through tough spots; shares their hospice experience; and gives great examples of creativity in care solutions.