Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support
793 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsFading Memories is a podcast for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. It provides insights and guidance on how to communicate effectively, manage stress, and cope with grief and loss. The lessons are relevant to anyone caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. By prioritizing the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones, the podcast's messages of empathy and self-care have the potential to benefit everyone facing these challenges.
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Episodes
Dementia Risks Unique to the Transgender Community
September 07, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 37 MBRebecca 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 is uncertain. Discrimination, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care may exacerbate stress, ...
Kids as Alzheimer’s Caregivers
August 31, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBMany 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 roles in dementia, education and open communication are key. Encourage empathy by explaining the condition in an age-appropriate manner. Foster understanding of behavioral changes...
Granny Needs My Help – Kids as Alzheimer’s Caregivers
August 31, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBHelping Kids be effective caregivers helps everyone. 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. Adult caregivers struggle with how Alzheimer's affects their loved ones. A person who used to be warm and friendly can suddenly become angry and unreasonable. It...
181 - Granny Needs My Help – Kids as Alzheimer’s Caregivers
August 31, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBHelping Kids be effective caregivers helps everyone. 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. Adult caregivers struggle with how Alzheimer's affects their loved ones. A person who used to be warm and friendly can suddenly become angry and unreasonable. It...
Neuro Hour #3 – Does Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer’s?
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBDoes Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer's? Does exercise prevent Alzheimer's? It can. When you combine the results of 11 studies, it shows that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent. For Alzheimer's disease, the risk was reduced by 45 percent. Your next question is probably, how does exercise help prevent Alzheimer's? Exercise stimulates the brain in a way that helps maintain neural connections. Regular aerobic exercise can also help t...
Exercise Really Prevents Alzheimer's?
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBDoes 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 amyloid plaques, key factors in Alzheimer's development. Engaging in aerobic activities, strength training, and even simple daily movements can con...
Does Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer’s? Neuro Hour #3
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBDoes Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer's? Does exercise prevent Alzheimer's? It can. When you combine the results of 11 studies, it shows that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent. For Alzheimer's disease, the risk was reduced by 45 percent. Your next question is probably, how does exercise help prevent Alzheimer's? Exercise stimulates the brain in a way that helps maintain neural connections. Regular aerobic exercise can also help th...
180 - Neuro Hour #3 – Does Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer’s?
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBDoes Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer's? Does exercise prevent Alzheimer's? It can. When you combine the results of 11 studies, it shows that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent. For Alzheimer's disease, the risk was reduced by 45 percent. Your next question is probably, how does exercise help prevent Alzheimer's? Exercise stimulates the brain in a way that helps maintain neural connections. Regular aerobic exercise can also help t...
Are We Closer to a Cure?
August 17, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBHow 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, Columbia Medicine) More than thirty years later, we're still looking for a cure, a treatment, or even prevention. Much of the research is still focusing on amyloid an...
179 - Are We Closer to a Cure?
August 17, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBHow 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, Columbia Medicine) More than thirty years later, we're still looking for a cure, a treatment, or even prevention. Much of the research is still focusing on amyloid an...
Are We Close to a Cure?
August 17, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBHow 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, Columbia Medicine) More than thirty years later, we're still looking for a cure, a treatment, or even prevention. Much of the research is still focusing on amyloid an...
A Millennial Caregivers Tool w/Lucinda Koza
August 10, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBiAlly is a Millennial Caregiver 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 home and become 24/7 caregivers overnight. Loneliness and depression are common. Almost all caregivers feel isolated, but this is worse for the y...
178 - A Millennial Caregivers Tool w/Lucinda Koza
August 10, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBiAlly is a Millennial Caregiver 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 home and become 24/7 caregivers overnight. Loneliness and depression are common. Almost all caregivers feel isolated, but this is worse for the y...
A Millennial Caregiver Tool w/Lucinda Koza
August 10, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBiAlly 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 home and become 24/7 caregivers overnight. Loneliness and depression are common. Almost all caregivers feel isolated, but this is worse for the ...
Caregiver Guilt – Before, During & After
August 03, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBCaregiver 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 needy adult, especially if that person is our parent, can quickly suck us in. One day we're living our lives, doing all the things most working-age adults do, and then suddenly, ou...
177 - Caregiver Guilt – Before, During & After
August 03, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBCaregiver 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 needy adult, especially if that person is our parent, can quickly suck us in. One day we're living our lives, doing all the things most working-age adults do, and then suddenly, ou...
What The Heck is Being Death Positive?
July 27, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MBBeing death positive has many benefits. It doesn't make us callous. Despite its name, the death positive 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 to “live life to the fullest”. It can encourage us to make our mark in the world. Focusing on our legacies is another positive impact of a natural f...
176 - What The Heck is Being Death Positive?
July 27, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MBBeing death positive has many benefits. It doesn't make us callous. Despite its name, the death positive 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 to “live life to the fullest”. It can encourage us to make our mark in the world. Focusing on our legacies is another positive impact of a natural f...
What Is Death Positivity?
July 27, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MBPracticing 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 to “live life to the fullest”. It can encourage us to make our mark in the world. Focusing on our legacies is another positive impact of a ...
175 - Running All Over The World
July 20, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBRunning 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? That's exactly what today's guest, Tony Copeland-Parker, and his partner, Catherine Popp did back in 2015. Since then, he and his partner Catherine have traveled to 82 different countries. They have run...
Running All Over The World
July 20, 2021 08:00 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBRunning 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 as marathon running, can significantly benefit individuals living with Alzheimer's. Physical exercise like running promotes brain health by increasing b...
Don’t Let Yourself Down – Guide to Burial Insurance
July 13, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MBDon't let yourself down, get the savvy guide to burial insurance. If you are considering burial insurance, then pat yourself on the back. You are thinking ahead — and beyond. For most of us, retirement planning involves deciding how to make our money last until the end of our life. One crucial part of the plan that it is easy to overlook is figuring out how much money will be needed to cover the expenses required to wrap up our affairs after we’re gone. So if you are working on figuring tha...
174 - Don’t Let Yourself Down – Guide to Burial Insurance
July 13, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MBDon't let yourself down, get the savvy guide to burial insurance. If you are considering burial insurance, then pat yourself on the back. You are thinking ahead — and beyond. For most of us, retirement planning involves deciding how to make our money last until the end of our life. One crucial part of the plan that it is easy to overlook is figuring out how much money will be needed to cover the expenses required to wrap up our affairs after we’re gone. So if you are working on figuring tha...
Streaming Happy Things with Joygage
July 06, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBStreaming Happy Things with Joygage Last year (2020), streaming our entertainment became one of our coping tools. Even our social lives essentially became streaming events. When the pandemic restrictions started lifting, many of us were eager to return to live concerts, movies, and seeing loved ones in person. For many parts of our society, streaming much of our lives is still an important coping tool. Family caregivers frequently struggle to find ways to engage and entertain their loved on...
173 - Streaming Happy Things with Joygage
July 06, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBStreaming Happy Things with Joygage Last year (2020), streaming our entertainment became one of our coping tools. Even our social lives essentially became streaming events. When the pandemic restrictions started lifting, many of us were eager to return to live concerts, movies, and seeing loved ones in person. For many parts of our society, streaming much of our lives is still an important coping tool. Family caregivers frequently struggle to find ways to engage and entertain their loved on...
Stream Happy Things with Joygage
July 06, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 77.2 MBStream Happy Things with Joygage. In 2020 being able to stream our entertainment became one of our coping tools. Even our social lives essentially became events to stream. When the pandemic restrictions started lifting, many of us were eager to return to live concerts, movies, and seeing loved ones in person. For many parts of our society, streaming much of our lives is still an important coping tool. Family caregivers frequently struggle to find ways to engage and entertain their loved ones...
Stories for Publication - Sharing Is Caring
June 29, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBEveryone has a story, this episode talks about how to get it ready for publication. Everyone has a story to tell. Back in early fall 2017, I had an experience with my Mom that was funny after it was all over. Retelling the experience online garnered a fair number of comments that I should write a book. I thought the same thing, but I thought it would be a better book if I waited for Mom's Alzheimer's journey to end. Three months later, I had a crazy idea to start a podcast. That's been a si...
172 - Telling Your Story for Publication
June 29, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBEveryone has a story, this episode talks about how to get it ready for publication. Everyone has a story to tell. Back in early fall 2017, I had an experience with my Mom that was funny after it was all over. Retelling the experience online garnered a fair number of comments that I should write a book. I thought the same thing, but I thought it would be a better book if I waited for Mom's Alzheimer's journey to end. Three months later, I had a crazy idea to start a podcast. That's been a si...
Telling Your Story for Publication
June 29, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBEveryone has a story, this episode talks about how to get it ready for publication. Everyone has a story to tell. Back in early fall 2017, I had an experience with my Mom that was funny after it was all over. Retelling the experience online garnered a fair number of comments that I should write a book. I thought the same thing, but I thought it would be a better book if I waited for Mom's Alzheimer's journey to end. Three months later, I had a crazy idea to start a podcast. That's been a si...
Fall Prevention with Dr. Elena
June 22, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MBFalls can be deadly for older adults. Fall prevention is an important part of caregiving. Most of us have probably heard a story about someone who is healthy, vibrant, active even, falling, breaking a hip, and dying within a few weeks. If you haven't tuned in to the episode on Frailty, that explains a lot of the “why” this happens. This week, Dr. Elena is back talking about how we can prevent falls from happening in the first place. There are many good reasons to do what we can to prevent...
171 - Fall Prevention with Dr. Elena
June 22, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MBFalls can be deadly for older adults. Fall prevention is an important part of caregiving. Most of us have probably heard a story about someone who is healthy, vibrant, active even, falling, breaking a hip, and dying within a few weeks. If you haven't tuned in to the episode on Frailty, that explains a lot of the “why” this happens. This week, Dr. Elena is back talking about how we can prevent falls from happening in the first place. There are many good reasons to do what we can to prevent...
Emotional Freedom for Caregivers
June 15, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBEmotional Freedom for Caregivers or EFT is another way of learning coping skills. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), often referred to as tapping, is a powerful self-help method that involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on particular thoughts or emotions. This practice harnesses the body's energy system to promote emotional balance and relieve stress. Widely recognized for its effectiveness, EFT has been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate emotiona...
Becoming More Me With EFT
June 15, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBBecoming more me with EFT is another way of learning coping skills. What is EFT? Your body is more powerful than you can imagine. Filled with life, energy, and a compelling ability for self-healing, you can take control of this power by engaging in a tapping practice. Having been documented extensively, the benefits of tapping (EFT) include the ability to shift our thoughts and mood more quickly than conventional therapies. Tapping is a gentle form of soothing touch. Brain wave studies show...
170 - Becoming More Me With EFT
June 15, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBBecoming more me with EFT is another way of learning coping skills. What is EFT? Your body is more powerful than you can imagine. Filled with life, energy, and a compelling ability for self-healing, you can take control of this power by engaging in a tapping practice. Having been documented extensively, the benefits of tapping (EFT) include the ability to shift our thoughts and mood more quickly than conventional therapies. Tapping is a gentle form of soothing touch. Brain wave studies show...
169 - Learn Positive Coping Skills Today
June 08, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBLearn Positive Coping Skills through an online study. Are you wishing there was a way to learn to be happier, to have more positive coping skills? Listening to this episode might be just what you need! Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease may make you eligible for the LEAF Study. Researchers at Northwestern University and the University of California San Francisco are testing an online positive emotion skill-building program to help caregivers cope with stress. Living through th...
Learn Positive Coping Skills Today
June 08, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBLearn Positive Coping Skills through an online study. Are you wishing there was a way to learn to be happier, to have more positive coping skills? Listening to this episode might be just what you need! Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease may make you eligible for the LEAF Study. Researchers at Northwestern University and the University of California San Francisco are testing an online positive emotion skill-building program to help caregivers cope with stress. Living through th...
How Food Affects Our Brain Health
May 25, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBDoes food affect our brain health? Our brains are always working, always turned on. It manages everything that happens in our lives; our thoughts, movements, reactions, emotions, and the mechanics of staying alive. It's working hard even while we're sleeping. Understandably, because of all this activity, our brains require a constant source of fuel. This fuel comes from the food we drink, and like grades of gasoline, higher quality can make a big difference. High-quality brain fuel comes fr...
168 - How Food Affects Our Brain Health
May 25, 2021 08:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBFood is an important part of our brain health. Does food affect our brain health? Our brains are always working, always turned on. It manages everything that happens in our lives; our thoughts, movements, reactions, emotions, and the mechanics of staying alive. It's working hard even while we're sleeping. Understandably, because of all this activity, our brains require a constant source of fuel. This fuel comes from the food we drink, and like grades of gasoline, higher quality can make a b...
Yoga for Busy Caregivers
May 18, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MBIf you have 5 minuets, you can destress with a quick yoga practice. Yoga practice is probably something you think you don't have time to start. If you have five minutes, my guest can show you ways to help relieve stress, anxiety, and more. As with most of us, my guest, Jo Bregnard, had to learn about caregiver self-care the hard way. Despite a healthy lifestyle, and just three months after her husband suffered a severe burn injury, Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer. While her health issue...
Yoga 4 Busy Caregivers
May 18, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69 MBIf you have 5 minuets, you can destress with a quick yoga practice. Yoga practice is probably something you think you don't have time to start. If you have five minutes, my guest can show you ways to help relieve stress, anxiety, and more. As with most of us, my guest, Jo Bregnard, had to learn about caregiver self-care the hard way. Despite a healthy lifestyle, and just three months after her husband suffered a severe burn injury, Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer. While her health issue...
167 - Yoga 4 Busy Caregivers
May 18, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69 MBIf you have 5 minuets, you can destress with a quick yoga practice. Yoga practice is probably something you think you don't have time to start. If you have five minutes, my guest can show you ways to help relieve stress, anxiety, and more. As with most of us, my guest, Jo Bregnard, had to learn about caregiver self-care the hard way. Despite a healthy lifestyle, and just three months after her husband suffered a severe burn injury, Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer. While her health issue...
Engaging Activities for Every Stage
May 11, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBActivities are an essential tool for caregivers. It all started because of a lack of activities. If it weren't for today's guest, there might never have been a Fading Memories podcast. I searched for ways to engage with my Mom and came up short every time. If I had had the list you're about to hear; it might have been a different story for both of us. Activities are an essential tool for caregivers. Our loved ones need the stimulation. Suitable, engaging activities will provide them with en...
166 - Engaging Activities for Every Stage
May 11, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBActivities are an essential tool for caregivers. It all started because of a lack of activities. If it weren't for today's guest, there might never have been a Fading Memories podcast. I searched for ways to engage with my Mom and came up short every time. If I had had the list you're about to hear; it might have been a different story for both of us. Activities are an essential tool for caregivers. Our loved ones need the stimulation. Suitable, engaging activities will provide them with en...
Activities for Every Dementia Stage
May 11, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBActivities are an essential tool for caregivers. It all started because of a lack of activities. If it weren't for today's guest, there might never have been a Fading Memories podcast. I searched for ways to engage with my Mom and came up short every time. If I had had the list you're about to hear; it might have been a different story for both of us. Activities are an essential tool for caregivers. Our loved ones need the stimulation. Suitable, engaging activities will provide them with en...
Telling Our Caregiver Stories
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBTelling our caregiver stories has many benefits, both for those who listen and for us when we tell them. Learning how others managed their journey as Alzheimer's caregivers, what suggestions they have for self-care, and navigating challenges are essential lessons.
The Impact of Sharing Our Caregiver Stories
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBThe Impact of Sharing Our Caregiver Stories. Telling our caregiver stories benefits both listeners and tellers, offering guidance on Alzheimer's caregiving and self-care strategies. Sharing experiences creates a supportive community, providing strength and comfort in knowing we are not alone. For storytellers, sharing offers emotional release and validation, helping us process our journey and find meaning. Ultimately, storytelling fosters understanding and compassion for everyone involved i...
165 - Telling Our Caregiver Stories
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBTelling our caregiver stories has many benefits, both for those who listen and for us when we tell them. Learning how others managed their journey as Alzheimer's caregivers, what suggestions they have for self-care, and navigating challenges are essential lessons.
Medications & Memory with Dr. Elena
April 27, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBMedications often help maintain health and well-being, studies have repeatedly shown that many older adults suffer from medication problems. As caregivers to an older person, the chances are they are taking a number of prescription medications. Have you ever wondered if they are on the proper medications? Do you worry about how side effects and interactions may contribute to other health problems? These are practical concerns to have. Although medications often help maintain health and wel...
Manage Medication for Memory Health w.Dr. Elena
April 27, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBManage Medication for Memory Health. Discover the essentials of managing medications for older adults in this insightful episode. As a caregiver, understanding the challenges of polypharmacy and potential medication issues is crucial for your loved one's well-being. Learn how to recognize side effects, identify drug interactions, and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals. This episode offers practical strategies to optimize medication usage, ensuring your loved one receives t...
164 - Medications & Memory with Dr. Elena
April 27, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBMedications often help maintain health and well-being, studies have repeatedly shown that many older adults suffer from medication problems. As caregivers to an older person, the chances are they are taking a number of prescription medications. Have you ever wondered if they are on the proper medications? Do you worry about how side effects and interactions may contribute to other health problems? These are practical concerns to have. Although medications often help maintain health and wel...