Let's Talk About It w/Frederick Knuckles

Frederick Knuckles of the Alzheimer’s Association hosts Let’s Talk About It, sharing resources on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain health. Listeners can get support at alz.org or 1-800-272-3900. Walk Manager Polly joined to promote the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 18 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (7:30 AM). She encouraged registration at act.alz.org/Cleveland or 216-342-5571, noting the event’s community support, Promise Garden ceremony, and upcoming walks in Mahoning Valley and Akron.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It on WOVU and welcomes Nicaela Brooks, DEI Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, to discuss Alzheimer’s and caregiving. They highlight the need for early detection, addressing stigma, and supporting caregivers — especially in African American and Hispanic communities. Listeners can visit alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900. Nicaela provides free education and dementia care coaching across 16 Northeast Ohio counties and can be reached at 234-804-8232. November is Caregiver Appreciation Month, and the Association is hosting free luncheons:Nov. 8 – Akron (contact Nicaela at 234-804-8232)Nov. 15 – Lorain (call 216-342-5607)They encourage caregivers to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout.

Frederick Knuckles of WOVU Studios speaks with Cameron Harris, Public Policy Manager at the Alzheimer’s Association, about the 2025 Facts and Figures Report. They discuss rising Alzheimer’s rates—7.2 million nationwide and 11.3% of Ohio seniors—and the $384 billion cost of care. Cameron highlights caregiver challenges, the Credit for Caring Act offering up to $5,000 in tax relief, and House Bill 8 to expand biomarker testing. He urges advocacy for continued funding, respite care, and better diagnostic tools.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, sharing resources for caregivers and those living with dementia. Guest India Robinson, Supervisor of Community Health at University Hospitals, discusses the UH Community Wellness Center at Glendale and its grassroots approach to serving Glenville residents. She highlights programs like Tai Chi, financial literacy, and health screenings, emphasizing community trust and inclusion.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, encouraging brain-healthy habits and promoting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Guest Jessica Friedman, a care consultant, explains dementia care coaching and caregiver support services. She urges caregivers to reach out at 216-342-6888 or the caregiver relief line at 216-206-8389 for respite help, and to use the 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900. Frederick closes by inviting line dance leaders to join the “Purple Out” awareness event.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It on WOVU 95.9 FM, promoting brain health and Alzheimer’s awareness. He urges listeners to visit alz.org, call 216-342-5607, or the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for support. Guest Melissa Sheldon, chapter executive, shares highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, including research on lifestyle changes that improve brain health. She emphasizes the benefits of exercise, a Mediterranean diet, social engagement, and combining medication with healthy habits to slow cognitive decline.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, focusing on brain health and equitable access to care. He urges listeners to visit alz.org or call 216-342-5607 for support. Guest Dr. C.J. Matthews of Mount Sinai Friendship United Baptist Church discusses We Are One Community, a faith-based initiative linking churches with mental health, housing, and job readiness resources. He also introduces Mentally Mingle, which empowers faith institutions to address mental health stigma. Both emphasize collaboration between faith and professional support to strengthen communities.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, focusing on brain health and dementia awareness. He encourages listeners to visit alz.org and call 1-800-272-3900 for support, while promoting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Guest Yvanka Hall, founder of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, discusses her organization’s efforts to address health disparities through education, advocacy, and community initiatives. She highlights programs tackling flooding, domestic violence, and health inequities, emphasizing empowerment and engagement.

Frederick Knuckles hosts Let’s Talk About It, a show by the Alzheimer’s Association promoting brain health and caregiver resources. He highlights upcoming Alzheimer’s walks and features Alan Neville of Entitech and John Moorhead of MAC to discuss The Right Dose—a free Senior Overdose Prevention Summit on September 23rd. The event offers education, resources, naloxone kits, and medication counseling to help prevent accidental overdoses among seniors. John also shares MAC’s work in cultural competency and mental health. Listeners are encouraged to attend and support the Alzheimer’s Association.

This episode of Let's Talk About It with Frederick Knuckles spotlights resources for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Guest Carrie Lombardo of Playhouse Square discusses a special luncheon and panel on September 16th inspired by The Notebook musical, supported by KeyBank and featuring cast members and Alzheimer’s Association representatives. The event highlights storytelling, art, and caregiver engagement. Listeners are encouraged to RSVP and explore Alzheimer’s Association resources, including their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Frederick Knuckles the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland’s weekly show, promoting awareness, education, and upcoming walks in Elyria, Akron, and Cleveland. Guest Skip Slonek, founder of Sloanick Retirement Solutions, discusses estate planning and protecting assets from probate, lawsuits, and nursing homes. Inspired by personal experiences with Alzheimer’s, Skip highlights his firm’s support of the Association, offering free consultations and his book Finishing Strong. Frederick urges organizations to join the cause and reminds listeners to contact the Alzheimer’s 24/7 hotline (1-800-272-3900) or him directly (216-342-5607).

Radio host Fred Knuckles presents "Let's Talk About It," featuring Rosita Moore and Dr. Herb Caldwell's documentary, My Mama Jo, Open Help, which highlights caregiving challenges and resources. Returning by popular demand, the film will screen July 12 at Mount Haven Baptist Church with a reception and Q&A. Caregivers are encouraged to attend this free event, with registration at MamaJoeProject.com/Cleveland or 216-342-5607.

Host Frederick Knuckles and social worker Lexi Ritt highlight the Alzheimer’s Association’s free support services and invite the community to a volunteer event on August 6 at the Music Box Supper Club. Frederick encourages African-American groups to get involved, and those interested can contact Lexi at 216-273-4228.

On "Let's Talk About It," Frederick Knuckles speaks with nurse researcher Dr. Shanae Rhodes about the high rates of dementia in the African-American community and the importance of prevention, research participation, and representation. They highlight the faith-based program ALTER, which helps churches become dementia-friendly through education, worship, and support. The episode emphasizes trust, community care, and partnerships like ALTER and the Alzheimer's Association in the fight against dementia.

Frederick Knuckles highlights the vital role of caregivers supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia and provides key resources to help them manage the challenges of caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 hotline (1-800-272-3900) and local support (216-342-5607), emphasizing caregiver self-care, education, and connection to support groups. Caregivers, often family or friends without formal training, handle tasks like transportation, medications, and finances while navigating emotional stress and isolation. More information is available at ALZ.org.

In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles engages with Research Specialist Lydia Beard to discuss the critical importance of building trust in clinical research within African American communities. Lydia shares her personal journey into the field and addresses the historical factors, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, that have contributed to skepticism and resistance toward medical research among African Americans.Drawing from her extensive experience, Lydia emphasizes the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches and community engagement to overcome these barriers. She highlights ongoing efforts to increase participation in clinical trials and underscores the role of education and transparency in fostering trust. This conversation offers valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in making clinical research more inclusive and equitable.

In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles speaks with Dr. Rajeet Shrestha, psychiatrist at University Hospitals, about the importance of brain health across every stage of life. Dr. Shrestha shares his personal journey into the field of psychiatry and his commitment to treating the whole person. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Dr. Herb Caldwell, professor at Logan University and founder of The Mama Joe Project — a powerful initiative focused on improving health outcomes and honoring the legacy of caregivers in the community.Dr. Caldwell shares how The Mama Joe Project uses storytelling, research, and education to address chronic disease, caregiving stress, and systemic health disparities.

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Diane and Tom Detelich, the 2025 recipients of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter Champion Award. Diane and Tom share their personal connections to Alzheimer’s—Diane’s grandmother and Tom’s mother both faced the disease—and how these experiences have fueled their unwavering commitment to the cause.Joined by Executive Director Melissa Zapanta Shelton, the conversation delves into the Detelichs’ advocacy efforts, their support for research in health equity, and the significance of the upcoming A Celebration of Hope gala. This episode highlights the power of personal dedication in driving community impact and advancing the mission to end Alzheimer’s.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles welcomes Deborah Cloud — a registered nurse, longtime volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter, and leader of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, the largest African American caregiver support group of its kind in Ohio.After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s in 2000, Deborah turned her grief into action, dedicating herself to supporting families and pushing for a cure. She shares the power of community in caregiving, and how faith, education, and advocacy can make a lasting impact. Deborah also offers insight into the resources available through her support group and the Alzheimer’s Association.

In this special episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Pastor Heidi Barham, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hospice of the Western Reserve, to discuss the significance of National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed annually on April 16. Pastor Barham brings her extensive experience in hospice care and her commitment to community engagement to shed light on the importance of advance care planning.Together, they explore how proactive conversations about healthcare preferences can empower individuals and families, reduce stress during critical moments, and ensure that care aligns with personal values. Pastor Barham emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches to end-of-life discussions, particularly within diverse communities, and shares resources to facilitate these essential conversations.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Erica McBee, a dedicated registered nurse and leader based in Cleveland. As the Chair of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Health and Fitness Committee, Erica is passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and the community.Together, they discuss the critical role of community partnerships in addressing health disparities, especially in underserved populations. Erica shares her insights on the importance of outreach, education, and providing accessible resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Discover how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change and support for caregivers and families navigating these challenging conditions.

Host Frederick Knuckles welcomes Siobhan Aaron, nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, for an important conversation about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and the realities families face during serious illness and end-of-life care. Drawing from her extensive experience in palliative and hospice care, Siobhan shares how she witnessed the urgent need for better support for caregivers, particularly in communities impacted by health disparities.Together, they explore the intersection of chronic disease, health equity, and caregiving — and offer practical advice for families navigating some of the most difficult moments of the Alzheimer’s journey. A powerful episode about compassion, advocacy, and meeting families where they are.

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Gina Davis, President and CEO of Fairhill Partners, along with team members Wendy Chaney and Carla Lanier, for a discussion on aging with dignity, support for caregivers, and the importance of community-based solutions.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Beverly Berry, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association, for an important conversation about health disparities, representation, and why communities of color are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by African American and Hispanic families, barriers to care and diagnosis, and the critical work being done to make resources more accessible and culturally responsive.

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles takes time to break down the staggering impact of Alzheimer’s disease right here in Ohio — and why understanding the numbers matters for all of us.Did you know nearly 1 million Ohioans are directly affected by Alzheimer’s? That includes over 220,000 people living with the disease — and the 2 to 3 caregivers who support each of them every single day. The numbers are even more alarming for communities of color, with African Americans being twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans 1.5 times more likely, to develop Alzheimer’s compared to white counterparts.Frederick also shares helpful resources from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, including support groups, education programs, their 24/7 Helpline, and upcoming events designed to help families get the information and support they need.Knowledge is power — and no one has to face Alzheimer’s alone.

On this special call-in edition of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles opens up the phone lines to hear directly from you — our listeners. Caregivers, family members, and those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia called in with their most pressing questions — and we brought in expert guidance and resources to help answer them.