"Beyond the Diagnosis: Reframing the Dementia Conversation."

In this powerful and informative episode, we sit down with Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter leaders Keesha Ward, Director of Development, and Erica Eikren, Program Manager, to explore dementia beyond the diagnosis. This conversation highlights why understanding brain health is essential and why early awareness can change lives. We unpack the early warning signs of dementia that often go unnoticed, and discuss how stigma continues to silence important conversations around cognitive decline. The discussion also takes a deeper look at who is most at risk and why. We explore how race, access to healthcare, stress, trauma, and chronic health conditions all influence dementia outcomes — and why addressing dementia through a health equity lens is critical for meaningful change.Listeners will also learn about prevention — including how movement, nutrition, sleep, and mental health all contribute to brain health — and why prevention conversations should start long before older adulthood.This episode is both educational and empowering — reminding us that awareness reduces stigma, community support improves quality of life, and early action can make a lasting difference.Thank you, Keesha Ward and Erica Eikren, for joining the show and sharing your expertise and valuable insights.