Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 97 - The Stigma Surrounding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

In this episode of Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards opens with a candid and emotional reflection on how stigma impacts not only those living with the disease but also the caregivers who support them. While Alzheimer’s itself is not contagious, the reactions it provokes, awkwardness, distance, silence, and misunderstanding, can create a profound sense of isolation. This episode dives deep into the emotional and social consequences of stigma. From the looks and assumptions people make to the lack of understanding at critical moments, stigma can shape how individuals are treated and whether they feel safe seeking help. Drawing on both lived experience and broader conversations happening in the Alzheimer’s community, Jeff brings honesty, clarity, and urgency to the discussion, without sugarcoating the reality. In addition, the episode explores: Why combating stigma is essential  Five actionable ways to overcome it  The physical and emotional symptoms of stress caused by stigma  Practical tips to manage that stress  Support resources available to caregivers and families  As always, the show reinforces its Five Tenets of caregiving, practical, real-world principles designed to help caregivers survive and sustain themselves through one of life’s most challenging roles. This is a raw, honest, and necessary conversation about how stigma silently shapes the Alzheimer’s journey, and why it’s time to confront it head-on. #CaregiverSupport #AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverLife #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverResources #DementiaSupport #CaregiverCommunity Available on ThePodcastPlayground.com, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, and GUTPUNCHED.COM