When Duty Becomes Privilege: Reframing Caregiving as an Act of Love

Seize the Day: Embracing Life's Moments with Alzheimer's

Perhaps you can’t cure or even prevent Alzheimer’s, but what if you could slow the disease progression? Want to unlock the secrets to living in the moment with Alzheimer's? Get ready to embrace practical advice and actionable insights for a positive journey with Alzheimer's and dementia in this podcast with Danel Gibbs, MD.

He’s a retired neurologist with extensive knowledge in the anatomy of the brain and the disease process of Alzheimer's and dementia. His personal experience living with Alzheimer's provides a unique perspective, enhancing his credibility in discussing practical approaches to managing these conditions. He’s the author of "A Tattoo on My Brain" and "Dispatches from the Land of Alzheimer's," which offer a collection of essays and vignettes that provide valuable insights into the cognitive health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer's or dementia. His writing style, which simplifies complex scientific concepts, ensures that his work is accessible to a wide range of audiences, and his contributions to the understanding and management of Alzheimer's and dementia make him an essential guest on the podcast.

Quotes:

“For those of us on the Alzheimer's journey, it's really important to embrace the moment and not dwell on the frustration of trying to remember the past and plan for the future. Happiness and peace come from focusing on the moment.” - Daniel Gibbs, M.D.

“We don't have to wait for a cure. We can just do things that really make a significant difference, that are available, evidence proven, and don't cost anything. Except maybe a gym membership.” - Daniel Gibbs, M.D.

In this episode, you will:

• Explore real-life experiences of living with Alzheimer's and gain insights on managing the daily challenges.
• Discover the surprising link between sense of smell loss and Alzheimer's disease, and how it may impact early detection.
• Uncover the powerful impact of exercise on slowing the progression of Alzheimer's and enhancing overall well-being.
• Learn about dietary approaches that may help slow down the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.

Resources mentioned:

• Trial Match
• National Institutes on Health - Clinical Trials
• Mind Diet
• Mediterranean Diet

After the Podcast

Buy the Dispatches from the Land of Alzheimer's and A Tattoo on My Brain

Watch the documentary A Tattoo on My Brain

Read Daniel’s AlzAuthors Post

Visit Daniel’s Blog

Listen to Previous Podcasts:

Daniel Gibbs, MD Untangles His Personal Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Writing Through the Fog

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our effortsplease donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

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Laughter, Tears and Connection: Discussing a Novel Born from Alzheimer's Experience

Delight in the surprising journey of Ruth Stevens, from crafting a stage play to penning a heartfelt novel about Alzheimer's. Delve into the unexpected twists and turns as Ruth shares her personal experiences and the emotional impact of her work. Stay tuned for eye-opening insights on turning personal stories into fiction and a sneak peek into her upcoming duology. Get ready to be captivated by Ruth's incredible journey, as she shares the highs and lows of her creative process.

For our March installment of Books & Chit Chat, our monthly Book Club collaboration with Aging & Amazing, we talk with Ruth Stevens, a former public relations professional from New York City and LA, and the author of the debut novel "Stage Seven," inspired, in part, by her personal experience dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's disease and decline. A fiction story acquisitions editor with AlzAuthors and a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and Women's Fiction Writers Association, Ruth brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing humor and tenderness into a difficult topic. Her storytelling abilities, honed through a career in creative writing, advertising campaigns, and numerous articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals, shine through in her work, offering a compelling and relatable portrayal of Alzheimer's and its impact on family dynamics. Like enjoying a performance of her play, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn a lot. Have a listen.

Quote:

“I feel like your play gave me permission to move on with my life”. - Audience member

In this episode, you will:

• Explore real-life Alzheimer's caregiving experiences and gain insights into navigating the challenges with compassion and understanding.
• Discover the art of turning personal stories into compelling fiction, finding inspiration from the heart-wrenching yet beautiful moments of caregiving.
• Uncover the captivating journey within the novel "Stage Seven" by Ruth Stevens, delving into the emotional landscape of Alzheimer's and its impact on families.
• Understand the profound impact of Alzheimer's on family dynamics, gaining new perspectives on how to navigate relationships and support systems during difficult times.

After the Podcast

Buy the Book Stage Seven

Find more about Ruth Stevens at https://ruthfstevens.com/

Listen to Ruth on on the Hilarity for Charity (HFC) and AlzAuthors Summer Book Club

Follow Ruth on Social Media:

Instagram

Facebook

Goodreads

Blog

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our effortsplease donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are aWhole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be onThe Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We've got merch! Shop our Store

The Caregiving Podcaster: Broadcasting Resources from His Unique Vantage Point

When you’re caregiving, it can often feel like you are out there on your own without direction or resources. Sometimes, it can even feel like your healthcare providers aren’t able to meet your needs. If any of this sounds familiar, this episode will be of comfort.

Our special guest is Lance A. Slatton.

Lance A. Slatton, the founder of a prominent home care company in southeastern Michigan, brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. His caregiving journey, rooted in profound connections with his grandparents and later involving the care of his grandmother during her dementia and his father's health crisis, has deeply influenced his perspective on family caregiver support. Drawing from these experiences, Lance established his own home care company, driven by a commitment to improving caregiver well-being and patient care. His unique insights, stemming from real-life situations, position him as a credible and valuable resource for individuals navigating similar caregiving challenges.

Quotes:

Knowing you are not alone is crucial. Seek out others who can understand and relate to what you're going through and educate yourself. - Lance A. Slatton

If you've seen one person with dementia, you've only seen that one person. There are so many different variables and all these situations. - Lance A. Slatton

I wanted to put something out there that is talking to family caregivers. It's half book, half guide, going through the whole caregiving journey with a lot of great resources and information. - Lance A. Slatton

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover effective caregiving challenges and innovative solutions for better patient care.
• Learn how to utilize valuable resources for dementia care to improve your loved one's quality of life.
• Explore practical ways to enhance family caregiver support and well-being.
• Understand the impact of personal caregiving experiences on professional paths and career growth.
• Learn about upcoming collaborations on the All Home Care Matters Podcast
• Hear about Lance’s forthcoming book!

After the Podcast

Enriched Life Home Care Services https://www.elhcs.com/

All Home Care Matters Podcast https://allhomecarematters.com/

Lance's Book: All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide

Ethics of Social Media show: Social Media Episode

Unboxing Show: Unboxing Episode

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our effortsplease donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are aWhole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be onThe Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We've got merch! Shop our Store

When Duty Becomes Privilege: Reframing Caregiving as an Act of Love

This is a replay of our book club discussion with our friends at Aging & Amazing. "Books & Chit Chat" is a monthly book club featuring a title from the AlzAuthors collection. Throughout the month, readers participate in a discussion in the book club's Circle community at Aging & Amazing, then meet with the author for an in-depth discussion of the book and the caregiving journey. The online discussions are typically moderated by Andrea Couture, but she was unavailable for this episode so AlzAuthor founder, manager and author Marianne Sciucco is in her place for this episode.

Florrie Munat, the author behind "Be Brave, a Wife's Journey through Caregiving," brings a deeply personal and touching account of her caregiving experience for her husband, Chuck, who faced a stroke and Lewy body dementia. Through her memoir, Florrie provides a candid and insightful portrayal of the challenges and triumphs she encountered, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for caregivers navigating similar paths. Her tender storytelling and unwavering strength make her a compelling and relatable guest, bringing a wealth of wisdom and empathy to our discussion on the complexities of dementia caregiving. We're honored to have Florrie's unique perspective and compassionate voice on the Podcast.

Quote:

When love and duty are one, then Grace is within you. - Florrie Munat

In this episode, you will:

• Gain insights into the caregiving journey for dementia patients and discover effective support strategies.
• Explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a tool for caregivers to navigate their emotions and experiences.
• Learn how to effectively navigate complex family dynamics in the context of providing care for individuals with dementia.
• Discover the powerful benefits of journaling as a coping mechanism and reflective practice during the caregiving journey.
• Understand the unique challenges and symptoms associated with Lewy Body Dementia to better support individuals with this condition.

After the Podcast

Register forBooks & Chit Chat

Purchase Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through

Caregiving, which is available as a paperback, and on Audible

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small

commission on book sales at no cost to you

Connect with Aging & Amazing

Hear Florrie speak about Lewy Body Dementia on Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

Read Florrie's AlzAuthors post: Memoir, Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving by Florrie Munat

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our effortsplease donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are aWhole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be onThe Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We've got merch! Shop our Store

Grace Under Pressure: A Caregiver's Journey from Professional to Personal

By Christy Byrne Yates, MS, California, US

Podcast Description: Discover the unexpected truth about dementia care from a professional who found herself on the other side of caregiving. Get ready to uncover the surprising insights that transformed her perspective and could change yours too. Find out what left her reevaluating her own caregiving advice and how she's now championing an empowering approach for other caregivers. It's a revelation that could reshape the way you think about dementia care and caregiving.

Mary Ann Drummond, a highly experienced nurse with a career spanning over 30 years, is a prominent figure in the realm of dementia care. Her book, Meet Me Where I Am: An Alzheimer's Care Guide, is a comprehensive resource derived from her extensive work in memory care settings. It offers practical strategies and insights tailored to the unique challenges of dementia caregiving. In collaboration with Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, Mary Ann co-authored Grandma and Me, a children's guide for Alzheimer's and dementia, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the broader impact of these conditions on families. With her wealth of nursing knowledge and literary skills, Mary Ann's contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and support available for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Quotes:

“Give yourself grace. You're only human. There're going to be days where you don't always do exactly what you might know to do, but it's not wrong. It's just human.”

“It's about capabilities. It's less about the limitations and more about the abilities.”

In this episode, you will:

• Gain valuable insights into dementia care from real-life experiences.
• Discover the importance of prioritizing self-care as a caregiver.
• Learn to recognize and leverage individual capabilities in dementia care.
• Overcome challenges in decision-making as a caregiver for someone with dementia.
• Explore how to create a dementia-friendly caregiving environment for enhanced well-being.

After the Podcast

·Meet Me Where I Am – An Alzheimer’s Care Guide

·Grandma and Me – A Kid’s Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

• I Choose to Remember, a reminiscence therapy aid - available exclusively on the Angel Tree Publishing website.

Connect with MaryAnn

Twitter at @RNforAlz for more information and updates.

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our effortsplease donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are aWhole Care Network Featured Podcast

Proud to be onThe Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We've got merch! Shop our Store