E195: Living With Dementia, Part 3

Life Under the Willow Tree E 195:Living with Dementia, Part 3 Host: Don Helin Guest: Mary Schreiber This podcast is a "Life Under the Willow Tree" podcast, hosted by Don Healin and featuring Mary Schreiber, a memory care staff person at Willow Valley. The discussion is the third part of a series focusing on dementia, particularly emphasizing the critical role and challenges of caregivers. Schreiber explains that dementia is a broad set of symptoms, not a specific disease, and the pair use the analogy of a "bookcase" to describe how memory loss progresses, with short-term memories (top shelf) fading before long-term memories and emotions (bottom shelf). The podcast outlines several resources available to caregivers, including a Dementia Friends information session, a caregiver support group, and the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline, stressing that taking care of oneself is essential for effective caregiving. They also discuss the importance of respite care and how even small acts of support from friends and neighbors can significantly help those who are caring for a loved one with dementia.