Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Support

Exhausted from caring for someone with dementia? You're not alone. This episode, More Caring for the Caregiver dives deep into practical self-care strategies specifically for dementia caregivers. Learn how to prioritize your own well-being,manage stress, and avoid burnout.  We'll explore tips for finding pockets of time for yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering a support network. Discover how caring for yourself can actually […]

Self care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. […]

Theresa Willbanks talks to me about how we can create sustainable caregiving. Creating sustainable caregiving will be something more of us will have to know as our population ages. Caring for another person, especially a parent, can feel like navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we determine when it's no longer safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? When do we step in to help manage finances and or medications? How do we get our loved ones to stop driving and continue to allow them their independence? These questions demonstrate concern for our parent's safety and can be juxtaposed against our parent's fiercely held desire for independence. In addition to being emotionally charged, the answers have enormous ramifications for us as family caregivers. Caregiving is sustainable when you are realistic. Know your options, have a plan, and are willing to adjust that plan as many times as needed. In this episode, I talk to Theresa Willbanks about these issues and how she managed them. If you want to learn more about Theresa, her book, and the services she offers to caregivers, please follow this link to her website. https://www.sustainablecaregiving.com

Understanding the shifts in your loved one as their memory fades can be challenging yet crucial for providing support. Keep communication open, listen attentively, and validate their feelings. Educate yourself about memory loss and its progression. Be patient, compassionate, and adapt activities to their abilities. Seek professional guidance and consider support groups for caregivers. Embrace […]

Caring for a caregiving spouse involves understanding their needs and offering unwavering support. Encouraging open communication, sharing responsibilities, and providing emotional reassurance are vital. Creating a supportive environment by organizing respite care, offering assistance with daily tasks, and prioritizing self-care for the caregiver are essential. Additionally, expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for their dedication fosters […]

Practicing mindfulness can significantly alleviate caregiver frustrations. Start by acknowledging your emotions without judgment, allowing yourself to respond rather than react impulsively. Stay present in the moment, focusing on your breath or surroundings when stress arises. Cultivate self-compassion, understanding that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Take regular breaks to recharge and engage in activities that […]

Conversations to Remember. Have you ever had a conversation that lasted a long time but didn’t feel as if it did? Perhaps a chat with a loved one that made you feel seen, heard, special – alive? Conversations can be mood elevators as well as help maintain good cognitive health. We’ve all lived through a […]

Activities for Dementia Engagement. Discovering warm and meaningful activities to share happy moments with your loved one living with dementia is now easier with our dementia activity subscription box service. Engage in reminiscence therapy with nostalgic items, stimulate creativity with art supplies, or enjoy calming sensory activities. Each box is curated to provide joy and […]

Show me the money is about having essential conversations with your parents about their finances. Talking to your parents about their financial matters isn’t easy territory; you need to know what to say & what not to say. My guest, Cameron Huddleston is an award-winning, financial journalist. Despite her comfort with financial conversations and her […]

Heart and Soul: Pandemic Loss and Creating a Caregiving Podcast. Welcome to episode #216.  I, Jen, can’t believe I’ve been podcasting for four years. I still feel like a newbie. This episode is a little bit of my story, including what it was like losing my Mom during the pandemic. I also talk about what […]

Could there truly be a cause & cure for aging?  Could aging have a cure? Besides dying young? As a naturally curious person, I was intrigued by this possibility. I was even more intrigued when I realized I’d be talking about someone who is a nuclear physicist AND a biblical scholar. Aging: Cause and Cure […]

What Beneficiary& Trustees Needs to Know. Family caregivers need to understand the legal requirements when they are also a beneficiary. Contrary to common belief, both trust administration and probate entail a comparable process when dealing with a loved one's passing. While trust administration is conducted privately, probate unfolds publicly in court, often incurring higher costs. […]

Better caregiving by Forgetting What’s Lost & Focusing on What’s Left We’re talking about forgetting what’s lost and focusing on what is left. Most caregivers have likely heard the term person-centered care; however, how many of us truly understand what that means? It likely means different things for different people and that’s understandable.  The best definition I have found is this: Person-Centered Dementia Care is a way of providing care focused on knowing the UNIQUE person through respectful close relationships that foster normalcy, choice, purpose, belonging, security and strengths. Family caregivers have more knowledge of their loved ones as compared to paid caregivers, but as they lose abilities, we may feel that we don’t know our person at all. For example, I had been told to simplify the hobbies or activities Mom loved but that never worked. My attempts to do just that actually caused more stress and frustration. Understanding how to care by forgetting what’s lost and focusing on what’s left would have helped both of us tremendously. After hearing this episode with two caregiving trainers, you’re likely to have a better grasp on how focusing on what’s left is an easier way to provide care. Dementia Needs Ae Human Needs with Donna Marentey   Check out our new sponsor!  ​Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn. PicnicHealth (Our Sponsor)         Access all your medical records in one place & opt into research with PicnicHealth Be sure to check out our website for more resources, partners, recipes, and more.  www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  Choose your favorite platform and follow us for more advice, motivation, recipes, and cute dog photos. Facebook    InstagramTwitter Subscribe to our YouTube channel. There you can see me in “action” and watch the bonus videos I share. Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you’d like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at [email protected] Make Your Brain Span Match Your Lifespan with Relevaate NeuroReserve – Helping Our Brainspan Match our Lifespan

Alzheimer's awareness through writing and sharing is crucial in fostering understanding and empathy towards those affected by the disease. Through personal narratives, educational articles, and social media campaigns, individuals can shed light on the challenges faced by Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. By sharing experiences, knowledge, and resources, we can reduce stigma, promote early detection, […]

The Long Goodbye: A Musical Tribute" captures the poignant journey of a caregiver grappling with his father's Alzheimer's through hip-hop. Crafting an entire album becomes a therapeutic outlet, enabling him to navigate the emotional labyrinth of the disease. Each beat and lyric becomes a cathartic expression of love, pain, and memories. Through music, he finds […]

Connections through Art. Participating in art can provide older adults with multiple benefits and enhanced cognitive function. One of the challenges caregivers face is handling frustration when confusion is common. When our loved ones lose control because their memory is failing, they frequently lash out.  Plus, it can be a lot of fun. It’s worth […]

Setting yourself up to be your own best caregiver involves prioritizing self-care practices. Start by establishing healthy routines for sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Cultivate mindfulness through meditation or relaxation techniques to manage stress. Regularly check in with yourself emotionally and seek support when needed. Foster a positive mindset and practice self-compassion. Lastly, engage in activities […]

Dementia Interpreters Are Real? Dementia interpreters serve as vital mediators between caregivers and individuals with dementia, facilitating effective communication and understanding. These specialists adeptly translate complex behaviors and emotions, providing insights into the needs and experiences of the person with dementia. For family caregivers, interpreters offer invaluable support, easing frustrations, improving caregiving strategies, and fostering […]

Archive Memories with AfterCloud. Creating a digital archive for life's important moments and personal reflections is a modern way of preserving memories and leaving a legacy. This digital repository serves as a secure vault for storing cherished memories, heartfelt thoughts, and significant information that holds meaning to you and your loved ones. Consider this: If […]

If you aren’t familiar with a Virtual Dementia Tour, you may think it’s an online resource.  Not quite. We’re all much more familiar with virtual worlds thanks to the pandemic, but Virtual Dementia tours pre-date these times. A Virtual Dementia Tour put us, the caregiver, into the world of someone living with a form of […]

Brain protection with micro-dosing THC? While it’s not well known, there are brain protecting qualities in microodosing THC. I was a teenager during the “just say no to drugs” era.  Internalizing that message makes it hard for me to embrace this idea fully. Using natural remedies has always been my preferred method of care. However, […]

A Journey of Perfect Imperfectness. Are you caregiving and feeling exhausted mentally, physically, or emotionally? How about “all of the above?” Do you feel you should be doing more and aren't sure what “more” looks like? Are you overwhelmed and not sure what to expect next? Embarking on the perfectly imperfect journey of caregiving involves […]

Money & Dementia - Financial Planning. Planning ahead financially when dealing with dementia is crucial for both the individual and their caregivers. Establishing a comprehensive financial plan early on can help alleviate stress and ensure proper care and support as the condition progresses. This includes setting up legal arrangements such as power of attorney, creating […]

Dementia Advocate - Using Cycling To Remove Stigma. People living with dementia play a vital role in advocating for reducing the stigma surrounding the disease. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, they humanize the condition, fostering understanding and empathy within society. Their advocacy promotes acceptance, encourages open conversations, and challenges misconceptions about dementia. Empowering individuals […]

Dentistry for People With Dementia has their own challenges and rewards. Dentistry for people living with dementia presents unique challenges to their care partners. Imagine arranging for a dental house call because Mom's breath is horrible, only to discover she has dentures!  This is just one of many fascinating stories today's guest, Dr. Joy V. […]

Focus on Dementia Skills & Abilities for Better Caregiving. Focusing on the skills and abilities a person with dementia still possesses is paramount for providing holistic and empowering care. By acknowledging their strengths, caregivers can preserve their sense of identity and autonomy, promoting dignity and self-worth. This approach fosters a positive environment that enhances their […]

More Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer’s. Finding quality advice for the advanced stages of Alzheimer's can be challenging. Caring for someone with advanced Alzheimer's disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel – running in circles, trying the same things repeatedly with no effect on your loved one. […]

Dementia Caregiving Advice with Bill Cohen. Dementia Caregiving is something most of us continue to share even after our caregiving is over. Are you looking for dementia caregiving advice? When you think of caregiving, what feelings come to mind? Surely, being overwhelmed, exhausted, hopeless, and lonely are some of the top emotions you're experiencing. If […]

Dementia is likely only one factor in the support a care partner needs. As a care partner, you must learn how to navigate your family situation healthily for everyone involved. A dementia diagnosis is often not the only factor at play in a family situation. Each family brings their unique experiences, roles, values, goals, and expectations of each other. Differing perspectives and opinions are natural and to be expected. Being a care partner involves adapting to your current circumstances. Additionally, changing roles from what you're known before is to be expected. If you are the care partner for a parent, the dynamic between the two of you has changed from them being your caretaker when you were a child to you becoming their caretaker as an adult. Connect with them by using the hashtag #CADES You can find the guide here: English Spanish Contact: Valeria Silva|Research Study Coordinator Perot Foundation Neuroscience Translation Research Center (NTRC) UT Southwestern Medical Center |O’Donnell Brain Institute 214.865.9904 [email protected] 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J4.122, Dallas, TX 75390   Related Episodes Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel Respite Care – Why You Need It & How To Get It Access all your medical records in one place & opt into research with PicnicHealth    PicnicHealth (Our Sponsor) Be sure to check out our website for more resources, partners, recipes, and more.  www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  Choose your favorite platform and follow us for more advice, motivation, recipes, and cute dog photos. Facebook    InstagramTwitter Subscribe to our YouTube channel. There you can see me in "action" and watch the bonus videos I share. Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at [email protected]   NeuroReserve - Helping Our Brainspan Match our Lifespan NeuroReserve - Helping Our Brainspan Match our Lifespan

Health Disparities Cause More Health Issues. How do health disparities affect African American's? This is another conversation with Dr. Howard, this time on the health disparities the African American community faces. He's passionate about teaching the African American community about brain health. He's put together talks and programs in communities of color and the topic […]

More Memory Health Options. Memory Health supplements have undergone clinical trials. They're definitely worth a try. It changes your whole world when a loved one begins to suffer from the effects of memory loss, brain injury, or brain disease. Ed personally experienced this with his mother, who one day had no idea who he was. She […]

The Power of Neurofeedback Therapy. Neurofeedback in the earlier stages could help plateau the disease. Louloua Smadi understands the desperation of loving someone with a life limiting cognitive disease. Her brother, Milo, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at two and a half years of age. Today, he is training to become a professional […]

Find Peace of Mind - Caregiving Coordination. Started in honor of a Grandma with Alzheimer’s & a son with Autism… As if caregiving weren't full of enough responsibilities, coordinating with others adds an entire layer to an already complicated process. I'm sure you've asked yourself if there were an easier way that perhaps you were […]

Storing & Sharing Memories with EchoBox. Echobox is a fun, easy way to store & share memories. Looking for ways of sharing memories with my Mom was the main reason I started this podcast.  I was searching for better ways to connect with my Mom and all the advice I read wasn't working. Having all […]

Healthcare advocacy is vital for caregivers of individuals with dementia. They navigate complex medical systems while providing care, often facing challenges in understanding treatment options, accessing appropriate services, and managing financial burdens. Advocacy ensures caregivers receive necessary support, education, and resources to enhance their loved one's quality of life and their own well-being. It empowers […]

We can do many things to prevent dementia. Some prevention involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition, mental stimulation through activities like reading or puzzles, social engagement, and managing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, staying mentally active with challenging tasks, getting quality sleep, and […]

Telehealth VS in-office visits. How do we determine which doctor appointment is most appropriate? Telehealth appointments offer convenient access to medical care from the comfort of one's home, eliminating the need for travel and reducing potential exposure to contagious illnesses. They facilitate timely consultations with healthcare providers, enabling patients to discuss concerns, receive diagnoses, and […]

Overcome Challenges through Honor & Healing. In overcoming challenges, honoring our loved ones allows for healing to occur. By recognizing and cherishing their impact on our lives, we find strength to navigate difficult times. Embracing their memory fosters resilience and promotes emotional healing, enabling us to move forward with grace and gratitude. Through this process, […]

Medicaid Pay Without Going Broke First. Long-term care is expensive. This episode tells you how to get Medicaid to pay without going broke first. Sickness. Incapacity. Death. These are among the most challenging subjects to contemplate, yet some of the most universal. Most of us don't think about financial planning for long-term care needs, which […]

What Millennial Caregivers Need to Know. In all fairness, the title of this episode should be what all caregivers need to know. This episode, however, is with a millennial caregiver. She had to learn quickly all the forms, legalities, and financial planning that goes hand-in-hand with caregiving. One example of the necessary information we need […]

Dr. Park chats with us on how we can help our brain span match our life span. How do we make our brain span match our life span? Most people are living with undernourished brains. There are many reasons for this. Despite many options, it's common to choose what's quickest, not necessarily the healthiest. I […]

Dr. Snyder of the Alzheimer's Association spoke about long-term cognitive effects from Covid-19 and diversity issues in clinical trials. The long-term cognitive effects of Covid-19, can include difficulties with memory, concentration, and executive function. Research suggests that individuals who experienced severe illness or prolonged symptoms may be more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Inflammation, […]

Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Ph.D guided me through topics on air pollution, education and Transgender risks for Alzheimer's. While research is still emerging, transgender individuals may face unique dementia risks due to factors such as hormone therapy, social stressors, and barriers to healthcare access. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could potentially impact cognitive health, although the extent […]

Many people assume kids can't be caregivers. As an older adult family member progresses in their disease, some of the things they do can be scary for younger kids. Children can become confused when Grandma forgets how old they are or GrandDad asks the same questions all the time. To prepare your kids for caregiving […]

Does exercise prevent Alzheimer's? It can. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease due to its positive effects on brain health. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also lowers inflammation and decreases the buildup of […]

How does the new Alzheimer's treatment drug affect our search for a cure? In the 90s, Alzheimer's researchers were full of optimism that they would find a cure for the disease. Genetic studies all pointed to one culprit—hard clumps of protein, called amyloid, that litter the brains of people with the disease. (Scott Small, MD, […]

iAlly is a Millennial Caregivers Tool About one out of six millennial caregivers care for someone with dementia, with an average age of 27 years. Because these caregivers are at a different life stage than older, spousal caregivers, their needs are widely different. Many young adult caregivers put their careers on hold, move back to their childhood […]

Caregiver guilt was a constant struggle for Lauren while caring for her Mom. Most of the caregivers I've spoken to have some level of guilt. For many of us, the guilt is significant. Why is this? The answer may not be surprising. Caregivers tend to neglect their own emotional needs. Taking care of a significantly […]

Practicing death positivity has many benefits. It doesn't make us callous. Despite its name, the death positivity movement isn't a yellow smiley face–substitute for grief. Instead, it's a way of moving toward neutral acceptance of death. It's embracing values that make us more conscious of our day-to-day living. Having death anxiety can help motivate us […]

Running All Over the World – A Race Against Early-Onset Alzheimer's What do marathon runners do when one needs open-heart surgery and the other is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's? Would you believe, retire from their jobs, sell their home, and become nomads running all over the world? Continuing to engage in activities you love, such […]