The Memory Whisperer

How can Music assist in the “awakening and healing” of individuals with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias?  How is music effective in the care of individuals with these conditions?  Join Dana with today’s guest, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, the Executive Director/Co-Founder for the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in Mount Vernon, New York, who answers these questions and more.  Gain a greater understanding of the power of music and how caregivers can integrate music into their daily routines with their affected loved ones.  Dr. Tomaino also discusses how music is connected to our emotions and our lived experiences and that these connections stay with us throughout our lives.

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer podcast is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from audio editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our flute music. Graphics by Xdesign. 

 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Start the New Year by listening to Dana’s interview with Country Music artist, Jay Allen, who was formerly one of the top contestants on THE VOICE, Season 22.  An Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champion, Jay has brought more awareness about the disease through his advocacy and music talent. His 2018 hit, “Blank Stares,”  is a powerful tribute to his mother and went viral, reaching over five million views on Facebook.  Dana’s thoughtful conversation in this episode includes Jay’s poignant memories of his late mom who was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 51 and her inspiration in his music today.  Jay lends his voice and his tender experiences with his mom to help others navigate through the disease journey.  One of his top recommendations for caregivers is “You have to absolutely take one day at a time.”

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer podcast is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from audio editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our flute music. Graphics by Xdesign. 

 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How close are we to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease? What are some effective medications that might slow the progression of this disease? Amy French, who manages programs and education at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee joins Dana to answer some of the most common questions about the disease. Dana and Amy discuss the latest developments in dementia care, the importance of clinical trials, and why Amy felt moved to be an Alzheimer’s Association Research Champion. (contact Amy at [email protected]  for latest developments in the newest drugs for Alzheimer's disease, including updates on the CMS decision for reimbursement)

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer podcast is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from audio editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our flute music. Graphics by Xdesign. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic figure skater and Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champion Mariah Bell joins Dana to talk about her late grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and what she and her family learned as they helped care for her during her final years. Mariah shares her favorite memories of her grandma, how she still feels her presence in her day-to-day life, and why it’s so important for young people to use their platforms for positive change: “Everybody has a voice.”

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer podcast is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from audio editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our flute music. Graphics by Xdesign. 

 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robyn Moore, an Alzheimer's champion and Australia's most in-demand speaker, joins Dana’s podcast in a thoughtful and lively conversation today, giving insights and perspectives of her own caregiving experiences, and also discussing the appropriate balance of humor and compassion in caring for those living with dementia and their families and caregivers. Robyn emphasizes “savoring the precious seconds of life,” and listeners will instantly appreciate Robyn’s refreshing sense of humor, authentic Australian style, motivational wisdom, and her limitless amount of caring and compassion.  Discover Robyn’s replacement term of “caregiver” to “promise keeper” and be enlightened by the power of her words.

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer podcast is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from audio editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our flute music. Graphics by Xdesign. 

 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Registered Nurse, professor, and faith leader Dr. Fayron Epps joins Dana for a wide-ranging conversation about Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the African-American community, and how faith-based programs can provide resources for families and care partners facing the disease. Dana and Dr. Epps discuss the stigma surrounding an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her faith-based psychoeducation programs ‘Alter,’ ‘Dementia-Friendly Online Worship,’ and ‘Caregiving while Black,’ and the larger implications of her research into dementia in marginalized communities.

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources.

The Memory Whisperer is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our theme music.  Logo graphics by Xdesign.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Care partner, husband, and father, Bo Bienvenu joins Dana for a moving conversation about his experiences caring for his wife Maddie. Dana and Bo discuss the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the U.S., and how that’s resulted in a growing number of male care partners. Bo opens up about how he cares for himself during the process, how Maddie’s journey has helped to deepen his faith, and what Alzheimer’s taught him about the difference between selflessness and service.

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources.

The Memory Whisperer is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our theme music.  Logo graphics by Xdesign.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerontologist, professor, and advocate Dr. Chris Johnson joins Dana for a thoughtful conversation about his acclaimed research into Alzheimer’s disease as a “trip back in time.” Dr. Johnson shares learning to conceptualize Alzheimer’s disease can help care partners better understand and cope with erratic cognitive changes. Dana and Dr. Johnson also discuss the importance of meeting a patient at the age they feel and learning to validate their experiences as they travel back in time.

For more information about this concept, contact Chris Johnson, PhD at [email protected]. Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources.

The Memory Whisperer is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver. Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our theme music.  Logo graphics by Xdesign.

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T.V. personality and entrepreneur Leeza Gibbons (Entertainment Tonight, Leeza) joins the podcast! Leeza opens up about her own journey as a caretaker for her mother Jean, and shares how that experience inspired her to create the Leeza Gibbons Care Connection. Dana and Leeza introduce listeners to the WOW factor in caregiving and discuss the meaningful lives you and your loved ones can have even after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver.

Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our theme music and to Xdesign for branding and graphics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony and Emmy award-winning actress Christine Ebersole (Bob Hearts Abishola, Grey Gardens) joins Dana for the first episode of The Memory Whisperer! Dana and Christine discuss Christine’s experience caring for her mother after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and share their tips for interacting with friends and loved ones battling the disease. Christine reflects on the stronger sense of patience she gained caring for her mom and shares how she learned to love two mothers: the one who raised her and the one she cared for later in life. 

Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at [email protected] or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources. 

The Memory Whisperer is written and produced by Dana Territo, with help from editor Blake Langlinais. Additional production support from Ryan Martz and Julia Weaver.

Special Thanks to Michael Andrews, a person with dementia, and Innovations in Dementia, CIC for our theme music and to Xdesign for branding and graphics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.