Memory Miles: Alzheimer’s, Mental Health & The Grief That Starts Before Goodbye

When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the grief doesn’t wait for the end. It begins immediately — and it repeats. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Ethan, founder of the Memory Miles Project, to talk about caregiving, men’s mental health, anticipatory grief, and why “just stay strong” might be the most unhelpful advice caregivers receive. After his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Ethan knew he wanted to raise awareness — but not in a way that felt performative or numbers-driven. Instead of running a marathon, he created something deeply personal: outdoor adventure challenges designed to spark real conversations about dementia, grief, and struggling out loud. Through nighttime hikes in the fog, freezing winter challenges, and open conversations in nature, the Memory Miles Project connects Alzheimer’s awareness with mental health advocacy — creating space for caregivers and families to speak honestly about what this disease really does to the people around the diagnosis. Ethan shares a moving story about regret, masculinity, and not always saying “I love you” — and the healing that came from realizing it was understood anyway. If you are caring for a parent, grandparent, spouse, or loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia… if you are navigating anticipatory grief… if you’ve ever felt like you don’t have time to take care of your own mental health… this conversation will resonate deeply. This episode is for caregivers, adult children, spouses, and anyone living in the long goodbye of dementia. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices