The Signs We Missed: Early Alzheimer’s, Long-Distance Caregiving & Fighting for a Diagnosis

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia that families often miss? In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Madeline, a long-distance caregiver whose father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019, to talk about the subtle red flags, cultural stigma, advocacy battles, and emotional toll of caregiving. Madeline shares how her father—once the life of the party in Puerto Rico—began isolating, experiencing depression, hallucinations, repetitive shopping behaviors, and personality changes long before an official diagnosis. From navigating long-distance caregiving between Puerto Rico and Seattle, to fighting for earlier neurology appointments, to advocating for proper medication management, this conversation highlights what it really means to become your parent’s caregiver overnight. Together, we discuss: Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s that are often dismissed as depression or aging Long-distance caregiving challenges Sundowning and behavioral changes Hallucinations and dementia-related paranoia How to advocate for faster specialist appointments The emotional whiplash of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis Why dignity and purpose matter in memory care Creative, purpose-driven activities for mid-stage dementia Madeline’s caregiving approach is both practical and beautiful. By giving her father small handyman tasks, music, dancing, and meaningful daily routines, she preserves his dignity and sense of purpose. Her joyful, viral videos show that connection is still possible—even in memory care. Follow Madeline’s journey on Instagram: @andy.maddy.alzHer videos are a powerful reminder that Alzheimer’s is not just loss—it’s also love, adaptation, and advocacy. This episode is for anyone navigating Alzheimer’s, dementia caregiving, memory care placement, caregiver burnout, or the complicated grief of watching a parent change in real time. If you’ve ever wondered, “Was that an early sign?” — this conversation will resonate deeply. 🎧 Subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more caregivers feel less alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices