More than a Month – Stephenie’s Alzheimer’s Story as a Daughter, Caregiver, and Advocate

In this episode of I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Carolyn sits down with Stephenie Cooke, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Arkansas, for a vulnerable conversation about what it truly means to navigate the caregiver journey—both personally and professionally. Stephenie reflects on her earliest experience caring for her grandmother, a chapter that first introduced her to the realities of Alzheimer’s disease.Now, she faces that journey again—this time with her mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. Stephenie shares what early-stage caregiving looks like from the inside: the uncertainty, the planning, and the importance of finding support early rather than waiting for a crisis. As both a daughter and an advocate, she shines a light on the gap between knowing about Alzheimer’s and living it.In honor of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Stephenie also opens up about a reality many caregivers quietly hold onto: the possibility that dementia may one day be her story, too. She talks candidly about genetic risk and the importance of preparing emotionally, legally, and financially—not just for the person you care for, but for yourself.Listeners will walk away with reminders that:* Alzheimer’s awareness isn’t just about a month—it’s about a lifetime of care, learning, and community.* The caregiver journey evolves at every stage, and no one should walk it alone.* Love, responsibility, and hope can exist at the same time.* Support services—like those offered by Alzheimer’s Arkansas—can be the lifeline caregivers didn’t know they needed.Whether you’re caring for a parent with memory loss, supporting a spouse with dementia, or wondering what the future may hold for your own brain health, this episode offers honesty, validation, and encouragement from someone living every angle of the experience.#caregiving #dementiaawareness #alzheimersdisease #healthy #hopeful #encourager #AlzheimersArkansas