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Episode 50: Four Years of Surviving Alzheimer’s and What’s Next

" HOW DID I GET HERE ?"

In the 50th episode of the Surviving Alzheimer’s podcast, recorded August 9, 2026, the host marks four years since launching the show, noting 50 episodes, over 33,000 downloads, and strong listener feedback. He explains a recent slowdown in releases (only six episodes in 2025 and three so far in 2026), partly due to Shanna’s slow progression and the emotional difficulty of revisiting past journal entries. During that time, he continued leading a Surviving Alzheimer’s support group, attending another group, and providing one-on-one coaching. To reach more people, he plans to add an indexed, topic-based episode catalog to survalz.com, offer webinar-style classes for caregivers, and produce more frequent, likely shorter, educational episodes that share coaching guidance for common caregiving situations.

00:00 50 Episodes Milestone

02:03 Why Episodes Slowed

03:39 Support Groups and Coaching

04:27 Making Episodes Easier to Find

06:39 Webinars and Group Teaching

07:47 Shorter Coaching Style Episodes

09:07 New Educational Direction

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Visiting a Loved One in Memory Care: Emotions, Adjustments, and Finding Joy

Ken  shares what he has learned from five years of visiting his wife, Shana, in memory care, focusing on the emotions and common circumstances families face. He describes stages from the difficult move-in period—emotional shock, learning to live apart, guilt, shifting from full-time caregiver to advocate, and figuring out visit frequency—to finding a sustainable rhythm and shortening visits as Shanna tires more easily. He discusses getting involved with staff, residents, and activities, adjusting holidays and outings as Shanna’s tolerance declines, and creating meaningful traditions like their anniversary dinner and storytelling with music. Ken emphasizes accepting constant change, letting go of expectations and what’s out of control, adapting to Shana’s physical decline, and choosing interpretations that preserve joy in small moments.

• 00:00 Visiting Memory Care Fears 
• 00:27 Episode Setup and Purpose
• 02:19 Stage One Move In Shock
• 07:50 Guilt and Visit Anxiety
• 10:10 Building Support and Community
• 11:49 Months Six to Twelve Rhythm
• 15:19 Boredom to Finding Joy
• 19:41 Holidays and Traditions
• 22:48 Why Visits Still Matter
• 24:15 Later Years New Limitations
• 28:25 Preparing for the End
• 30:47 Lessons and Final Story

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Checking In After a Break: Grief, Support, and Shanna’s Ongoing Alzheimer’s Journey

Host Ken Cardita returns to the Surviving Alzheimer’s Podcast after several months away to explain his absence and share personal updates from his 13-year caregiving journey with his wife, Shanna. 

He describes ongoing grief and sadness over the past few months, beginning with Shanna’s roommate passing away shortly before Thanksgiving and continuing through the holidays and into New Year’s after the death of a longtime friend’s wife who had dementia. 

Ken shares that Shanna’s condition shows increasing neurological symptoms,greater fatigue, and a slower recognition of him.

 Ken also updates listeners on his ongoing Surviving Alzheimer’s support group (third Monday nights at 7:00 PM Mountain Standard Time in Arizona) and his one-on-one coaching with people early in their caregiving journey, emphasizing lessons about thoughts, mood, and what can and can’t be controlled. 

He reflects that even coaches need support, recommits to self-care and finding joy, and shares plans to shape the podcast in 2026 by incorporating more coaching training and posting more frequently, while encouraging caregivers to take care of themselves, be patient, and share the podcast with others.

00:00 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer’s Podcast (Ken & Shanna’s journey)
00:43 It’s Been a Few Months: Why I’ve Been Away
01:20 Holiday Grief Begins: Shanna’s Roommate Passes
03:17 New Year Heaviness: Losing a Friend & Remembering the Early Days
04:33 Bright Spots: Support Group + 1-on-1 Coaching Updates
06:32 Taking Stock in 2026: Shanna’s Decline & New Neurological Symptoms
08:29 Medication Changes, New Room, and a Sweet New Routine Together
10:51 Speaking From the Heart: Self-Care, Finding Joy, and Podcast Plans for 2026

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Understanding Suffering in Alzheimer's Disease: A Caregiver's Perspective

In episode 47 of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardina delves into the topic of suffering, specifically examining whether or not his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's, is suffering. Drawing from a poignant conversation with his daughter, Ken explores both emotional and mental aspects of suffering in the context of Alzheimer's caregiving. He provides detailed insights into the various stages of Shanna's journey, their shift to memory care, and the differences in her well-being in two different facilities. Ken offers practical advice for caregivers on managing their own and their loved ones' emotional well-being, discussing concepts like fact vs. interpretation, the impact of belief systems, and the significance of positive responses to repeated questions. The episode also features a listener comment from Flo Garinger, highlighting the podcast's ongoing impact.

00:00 A Heartfelt Conversation with My Daughter
01:08 Introduction to the Podcast
01:53 Defining Suffering
02:28 Listener Comment and Feedback
03:32 Understanding Suffering in Alzheimer's
08:05 Reflecting on Shanna's Diagnosis
21:24 The Role of Memory Care Facilities
29:18 Dealing with Repeated Questions
30:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Overcoming Guilt and Cherishing Moments: A Caregiver's Summer Reflections

Ken  shares heartfelt experiences from his summer, including celebrating his 45th wedding anniversary with his wife Shanna, who is battling Alzheimer's, Shanna's 65th birthday with her family, and a long overdue extended family vacation. Ken reflects on the emotional journey of transitioning from full-time caregiving to balancing family life, overcoming survivor's guilt, and finding joy amid challenges. He emphasizes the importance of addressing caregiver guilt, seeking support, and staying connected with family. Ken also shares how becoming a life coach has allowed him to help others navigate similar struggles, urging listeners to find the balance between responsibilities and self-care.

00:00 Episode Overview

01:16 Celebrating 45 Years of Marriage

09:23 Shanna's 65th Birthday Celebration

11:12 Family Vacation to Mission Beach

18:12 Planning a Cruise Vacation

20:52 Reflections and Moving Forward

22:42 Encouragement for Caregivers

24:54 Conclusion and Podcast Mission

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Changes - Turn and Face the Strange

In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken reflects on nine years of retirement and his experiences as the primary caregiver for his wife, Shanna, who has Alzheimer's disease. Ken shares the challenges they faced after his retirement in 2016, including moving to a new house and adjusting to Shanna's cognitive decline. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, the importance of compassion, and how he learned to meet Shanna's needs without relying on logic and reasoning. Ken also emphasizes the healing power of time, faith, and community support. This episode aims to provide insight and encouragement for caregivers navigating their own journeys.

00:00 Reflecting on Nine Years of Retirement
00:47 Introduction to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
01:27 Early Caregiving Challenges and Retirement
04:16 Downsizing and Moving Challenges
06:49 Adjusting to New Realities
10:07 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
17:30 Embracing Emotions and Finding Peace
20:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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EP 44 Advocating for Your Loved One 

 Ken shares his story of advocating for his wife Shanna, who has been living with Alzheimer's disease. Ken details the timeline of when he took over her medical and financial decisions, highlighting important moments like setting up power of attorney, adjusting to challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating complex medical situations. He recounts specific instances of Shanna's health issues, such as her struggle with a tight quadricep and  restless leg syndrome, and how these were managed through medication adjustments and homeopathic solutions. The episode underscores the importance of being proactive, working closely with medical professionals, and trusting one's instincts in managing the care of a loved one with dementia.

00:00 Introduction: Advocating for a Loved One with Dementia

01:12 Ken's Personal Journey: Legal Preparations and Early Challenges

02:23 Navigating Medical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

04:34 The Mystery of Shanna's Leaning and Muscle Issues

09:11 Discovering Restless Leg Syndrome and Medication Adjustments

13:36 The Importance of Advocacy and Personalized Care

15:58 Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

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EP 43 Wondering Aloud - Lessons from Loss

Ken discusses coping strategies amid the loss of three fellow residents, reassures caregivers on managing personal guilt, and emphasizes the importance of supporting others. He offers practical advice on self-care, finding joy, and using diverse activities to break monotony. The episode aims to educate and inspire caregivers to balance their responsibilities while finding personal relief and fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction: Overwhelmed by Caregiving
01:15 Shanna's Restless Leg Syndrome Update
02:00 Coping with Loss in the Caregiving Community
08:37 Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences
10:09 Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care
14:18 Practical Tips for Caregivers
15:58 Conclusion: Finding Relief and Support

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Returning After a Break: Holiday Lessons and New Directions for 2025

In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardina returns after a three-month break to provide updates on his personal journey with his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's. Ken shares heartfelt moments of appreciation, his holiday experiences, the introduction of a wheelchair due to Shanna's mobility challenges, and their ongoing battle with Restless Leg Syndrome. He also hints at future plans for the podcast, including potential new content and classes tailored for caregivers. It's an episode filled with reflections, lessons learned, and new beginnings aimed at supporting those affected by Alzheimer's.

00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation
00:57 Podcast Update and Future Plans
03:06 Holiday Reflections and Lessons Learned
08:19 Shanna's Health and Mobility Challenges
12:54 Future Directions for the Podcast
15:53 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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The Transformative Power of a Smile in Alzheimer's Care

In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita discusses the profound impact a simple smile can have on individuals with Alzheimer's, drawing from his experiences with his wife, Shanna, and other residents at her care facility. Ken shares touching stories of connecting with non-responsive residents through smiles and the joy it brings to them and their families. He emphasizes the importance of caregivers and loved ones using smiles to comfort and uplift those with dementia, reflecting on his personal journey to becoming a habitual smiler despite his New York upbringing. Ken encourages listeners to embrace the power of a smile to foster love and happiness in their caregiving roles.

00:00 The Power of a Smile
01:15 Reflecting on the Journey
02:37 Smiles in the Late Stages of Dementia
04:15 Connecting with Residents
06:51 Cherished Memories and Loss
12:04 Shanna's Radiant Smile
13:06 The Impact of Smiling
13:49 Personal Transformation Through Smiling
15:04 Invitation to Smile and Conclusion

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