What Caregivers Want Doctors To Know

The void between medical expertise and lived caregiving experience takes center stage in this powerful season finale. Join us as we recap the Alter Dementia Summit 2025!This episode captures the vibrant energy of a gathering that feels simultaneously like a homecoming, family reunion, and professional conference. At its heart is a critical message from caregivers to the medical community: slow down and recognize us as the experts we've become. Through moving testimonials, attendees express what they wish doctors understood – the need for comprehensive resources, guidance on medication management, and most importantly, to be treated as valued partners in care rather than passive recipients of medical directives.The summit showcases remarkable work happening at the intersection of faith and healthcare, with Edward Smith sharing how his church in Fort Worth partners with Alter to support congregation members caring for loved ones with dementia. We meet Jessica, whose social media presence has created vital community for countless caregivers, and Dr. Kalisha Barnes Johnson, whose NIH-funded research specifically focuses on Black adult daughters caring for parents with dementia.Perhaps the most powerful revelation comes from Dr. Fayron Epps, whose vision has expanded from serving 24 churches to supporting 112 faith communities across five years. For anyone walking the caregiving journey, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional resonance. Subscribe now and join this vital conversation about transforming dementia care through authentic partnership and visit alterdementia.com for more information about the Alter Dementia program.Host: J SmilesProducer: Mia Hall Editor: Annelise Udoye Support the show"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingupTEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!Be sure to leave us a review!