Episodes

In this episode of Living With Alzheimer’s, Christoph interviews Bill Reznak and Dr. John McGuire who host the Friends with Medical Benefits podcast . They discuss how two high school buddies reunite to support each other through their medical journeys. Bill, a colon cancer survivor, and Dr John, recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, describe how their reunion led to their podcast about the ups and downs of aging and illness . Dr John describes the difference between “early-onset” Alz...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph describes how Ginger’s dementia journey unfolded from her Alzheimer’s diagnoses until her final days. Along the way, he also shares how his role as caregiver evolved as Ginger’s needs changed over those seven years. Christoph hopes that this overview of Ginger’s journey helps other families navigate their own journeys with loved ones who are living with dementia . To ask questions or provide topic suggestions for future episodes, ...

In this episode of the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Dr. Catherine Madison , a Bay Area neurologist who founded the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center and recently authored Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer's and Dementia . As Christoph and Catherine discuss the book, Catherine shares several insights about dementia diagnosis and care. Catherine provides an overview of different dementia types and their common symptoms . They discuss the phen...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Andrea Tales , Professor of Dementia Research at Swansea University in Wales of the United Kingdom. They discuss the book A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment , written by Andrea and fellow researchers Jan Kremláček and Emma Richards. The book focuses on the shifting perceptions with vision, smell, taste, and hearing that can accompany changes in the brain related to dementia . Andrea ...

In this episode of Living with Alzheimer's, Christoph interviews Martin Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, about his book My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver . Marty and Christoph discuss the caregiving insights in Marty’s book and how his mindset had to shift as he transitioned from his role as a husband to that of a caregiver. They also talk about the real health risks for caregivers , and what Marty wished he had known early on in the role. Marty ...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Tina Sadarangani , ANP-C GNP-BC PhD RN, Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine and the Rory Meyers College of Nursing . They discuss Tina’s research regarding natural disaster trends and its impact on caregivers for those living with dementia . Tina shares her recommendations for creating an evacuation plan for the natural disasters most likely in their region as well as how to create an evacuation kit . She also...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Michael Loughman , Director of Sales for Holland Home , a nonprofit senior living and care organization in Grand Rapids, MI. Michael and Christoph discuss how the Holland Home team helps families navigate the choice of staying at home versus moving to a senior living community . And they cover typical senior living options and how they differ. They continue with Michael’s insights on how families can prepare for caring ...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Matt McCann , Chief Operations Officer and Master Trainer at McCann Insurance Services , focused on customizing long-term health care insurance plans . Christoph and Matt discuss what long-term care insurance is and how it can be structured to cover the long-term care needs both at home or in a senior living community . They also discuss how people can determine whether long-term care insurance is a good fit for them, w...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Amanda Bulgarelli , Chief Operations Officer and Master Trainer for Positive Approach to Care , an organization focused on creating a more positive dementia care culture . Amanda is the daughter of Teepa Snow , a nationally known dementia care specialist who founded the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) organization to help caregivers be more successful by using Teepa's therapeutic approaches and care techniques. Christop...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews licensed master social worker Megan Cowan about her work as Social Work Team Lead for Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care West Michigan . Megan describes how the caregiving journey changes during late-stage Alzheimer’s and how she and her team of medical social workers help families and individual caregivers navigate the shifting care needs . Christoph and Megan discuss recommendations for environmental changes to...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews social worker Deb Langer and advisor Julie Capra of Hospice of Michigan . They discuss what hospice is and dispel common myths about it. Deb and Julie describe who is eligible for hospice , how it’s paid for , and the many resources available to support people living with dementia and their caregivers . They also discuss the importance of medical and financial legal documents like advance directives, wills, trusts and p...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Max Sherman , author of Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts . The book shares many insights about caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s while telling the story of Max and his wife Gene Alice (Genie) who met as teenagers in the 1950s while volunteering at a jail in the Texas Panhandle. Max tells the story of how he and Genie created a partnership that enabled Max to become a lawyer, state senator and unive...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Steve Mullen , co-host with his wife Jennifer on Caregiving Gen X Style , a podcast by Gen Xers for Gen Xers who are taking care of their aging parents. Steve describes many of the unique caregiving challenges faced by Gen Xers . As the current Sandwich Generation, they are often raising children while simultaneously caring for aging parents. Steve shares how draining caregiving can be and some of the practical ways fam...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Tina Sadarangani , ANP-C GNP-BC PhD RN , Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing . They discuss her research efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for the elderly and CareMobi , an app her team has developed to connect family caregivers, in-home caretakers, staff at adult day care programs, and medical providers so they can share health information with each other on a single platform. CareMobi is ava...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Nicole Brackett , Director of Care Delivery and Quality for Homewatch CareGivers . They discuss the many services Homewatch CareGivers provides to families , especially those caring for a family member with dementia. Nicole describes the importance of personalized care plans , as well as the culture-shift her organization is embracing by focusing on the person and not their disability . Nicole and Christoph discuss exam...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Dr. Logan DuBose . Logan is the co-founding director of Olera , a research organization supported by the National Institute on Aging. Christoph and Logan discuss the needs of families who are caring for an elderly relative who may also be living with dementia. And Logan describes how Olera helps match those families with caregiving tips , caregiver support groups , and funding sources for a variety of caregiving service...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Mary Moreland , author of The Gap Between: Loving and Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s . They discuss Mary’s experience as a full-time lawyer and single mother of two boys suddenly becoming the caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s. They also talk about the book , how Mary approached the grieving process as her mother succumbed to the impacts of dementia, and how caregivers can refuel . The insights Mary gained f...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Kathryn Ribant Payne, Communications Director for Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. They discuss how call volume for Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 increases dramatically during the holiday season. This is typically due to families seeking assistance after observing parents and grandparents struggling with day-to-day tasks and other memory issues. Kathryn and Christoph discuss potential ...

In this episode, Ginger and I speak with Beth Mastel-Smith , professor of nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler, about the Life Story project she is conducting with Michelle Kimzey , professor of nursing at Texas Christian University. The Life Story project pairs nursing students with people living with dementia (called mentors) who share life stories that will help healthcare students better understand how to provide dignified care . We discuss details about the project and share a person...

In this episode, I speak with Amanda Leggett, Ph.D. , Assistant Research Professor at the University of Michigan, about her research studying caregiving styles that help reduce stress and increase success for caregivers. Dr. Leggett is working with Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Provider Roundtable (AADCPR) to develop measurements that can identify a caregiver’s natural approach to caregiving so that style modifications can be prescribed to help increase job satisfaction and reduce burnou...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph discusses sundowning with Claudia Schwenzer , a Care Counselor for Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter. Care counselors help families develop individualized caregiving plans that fit the specific needs of their family member impacted by dementia. Their help can be requested at Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 . Sundowning is a state of confusion that occurs for people with dementia, typically in the lat...

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Sarah Lewan, Alzheimer's Association Volunteer Program Manager, about current volunteer efforts and the many volunteering opportunities to help support families dealing with dementia. You can read about volunteer opportunities and sign up to help at volunteer.alz.org . And, you can reach Sarah with questions by emailing smlewan@alz.org or by calling 800.272.3900. After the interview, Christoph's sister Celeste joins in ...

In this episode of Living with Alzheimer’s , I speak with Caitlin Goyer, Helpline Program Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, about Alzheimer’s Association’s call-in helpline and the resources it provides families and caregivers. The Alzheimer's Association provides a 24-hour dementia helpline is available at (800) 272-3900 and provides: Local referrals for medical professionals familiar with dementia Living communities for people with dementia Information about respite for...

In this episode of Living with Alzheimer’s , I interview Kayla Jakel, Community Connect Program Manager for Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, about the work her program is doing to engage people with dementia. Kayla manages the Bruce H. and Rosalie N. Rosen Community Connect Program, which provides people living with dementia and their care partners a broad range of social and cultural opportunities. You can read about and register for these programs at https://www.alz.org/gmc/helping_yo...