The Forgetting: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's

Greg talks about some of his health issues, not because he wants a “pity party,” but so people will know just how much damage dementia does to the body as well as the brain. David and Greg talk about something that makes Greg happy – movies. Greg notes that talking about things that interest a person with dementia is a good strategy to get them to interact. Also, Executive Producer Sean Corcoran makes an announcement about the podcast’s future.

David asks Greg to record the podcast without notes or prompts, but this creates tremendous anxiety for Greg. He says that these records are becoming more difficult, as he has less “cognitive reserve” to draw upon. That also is one of the reasons Greg is isolating from friends; he often doesn’t know what to say and becomes filled with anxiety. Also, Greg has another problem on an airplane as it become more difficult to control his rage.

Lauren Miller Rogen is an actor and screenwriter who, along with her husband the comedic actor Seth Rogen, is active in the Alzheimer’s community, fundraising and dedicating their philanthropic efforts to fighting Alzheimer’s disease and supporting others who do the same. Lauren speaks candidly with Greg and David about caring for her mother, who died in 2020 from early-onset Alzheimer’s. Greg and Lauren share stories about their moms and how they coped with the dementia.

A doctor responds to Greg’s sense humor by teasing that he may need to be institutionalized. David and Greg talk about their writing process. The co-hosts talk about their moms, both of whom died after developing dementia. Greg’s mother taught him how to live with Alzheimer’s, Greg says. Like his Mom, Greg says he sometimes hallucinates, seeing people who aren’t there. And he remembers what his mom would say when she saw things.

Greg and David host musician and actress Mandy Moore, who reveals herself to be a Greg O’Brien superfan, telling Greg, “I love this podcast.” Moore has listened to every episode, she says, as she portrays her role Rebecca Pearson on the NBC show, “This is Us.” The character develops dementia as she ages from her mid-20s to mid-to-late-80s, during the six seasons of the show. Moore also is a strong voice in the Alzheimer’s community, working with the organization Us Against Alzheimer’s to share information about how women are impacted by dementia what people can do to protect their brains.

Greg gives his thoughts on what his family tells him – he is a different person than he was years ago. His personality has changed, he says, and he is isolating himself more and more. Greg recently lost his sister to cancer, and she left him with an inspiring message. Greg’s loss of filter is evident during an interaction with nurses at the hospital.

The Forgetting podcast: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s

Greg and David swing from serious to jocular as they check in on each other during the pandemic. The two friends talk about people’s need for certainty in their lives. Dementia creates a lot of uncertainty, and the pandemic and the country’s politics have made it worse. Greg tells a story about trying to make his doctor laugh. And David gives some practical advice about nutrition and sleep. Greg also tells a touching story about a friend who fought Alzheimer’s-dementia, without even knowing it.

This episode was recorded November 24, 2020.

The Forgetting podcast: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s

David Shenk and Greg O’Brien talk about the challenges that come with dealing with Greg’s dementia during the pandemic. Movies – including the classic Jaws – have helped Greg during some tough times, but he still grows weary from the challenges of daily life while dealing with the disease. Greg gets some advice from a clergy member who also has dementia. And, it seems Greg still owes David one hundred bucks.

This episode was recorded Sept. 24, 2020

The Forgetting: Inside The Mind of Alzheimer’s

Greg O’Brien and David Shenk take to Zoom to record their latest podcast installment because the pandemic prevents them from getting together. Greg talks about the challenges that come with social distancing and quarantining, making every day feel like Groundhog Day. David reveals he almost wrote a book about the movie Groundhog Day. Meanwhile, Greg has a reveal of his own regarding a well-known actress and musician who will make a special appearance on a future installment.

This episode was recorded Sept. 3, 2020

The Forgetting: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s

The world is getting a sense of the isolation, frustration and fear that Alzheimer patients and the people who care for them live with every day. David and Greg discuss how everyone’s lives have changed during this pandemic. Their hope is that people can develop a better understanding and empathy for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia from this shared experience.

This episode was recorded March 27, 2020 and was previously released as a podcast Special Edition.