Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving

Dr. Mia
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  • MEDICINE
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Ever wonder how to help your love one through memory changes? Want to find a geriatrician or memory specialist, but they are few and far in between? Dr. Mia is a board-certified geriatrician, former sandwich generation caregiver, memory specialist, on a mission to help you navigate the healthcare system and memory care. She interviews experts and real-life caregivers to help you navigate dementia care and memory changes with confidence and grace.  www.miayangmd.com

  1. Advice For the Sandwich Generation

    3D AGO

    Advice For the Sandwich Generation

    Send a text In this conversation, Dr. Mia and Dr. Catherine Madison discuss the complexities of caregiving for individuals with dementia, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights. They explore the importance of understanding advanced care planning, and the vulnerability of dementia patients to health challenges. The discussion also covers legal considerations for caregivers, tools for initiating end-of-life conversations, and lifestyle changes that can enhance brain health. Dr. Madison emphasizes the need for open dialogue about death and dying, as well as the significance of research in improving dementia care. Dr. Catherine Madison, a board-certified neurologist and author of Navigating Memory Loss: Essential Questions and Answers on Alzheimer’s and Dementia. With over 40 years of experience in clinical neurology, Dr. Madison has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families understand, manage, and live well with cognitive decline. As the founding medical director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center in San Francisco, she developed a groundbreaking model of care that supports both patients and their loved ones, a holistic approach that has since influenced dementia programs nationwide. She continues this work through her private practice and her role with Jewish Family and Children’s Services (seniors at home), where she educates families on brain health, cognitive aging, and care planning. Dr. Madison is known for blending clinical expertise with a deeply human touch. Her new book translates the most current research on Alzheimer’s and dementia into clear, compassionate answers for those facing these conditions. She’s an engaging and empathetic guest who can speak on: How to recognize the earliest signs of memory loss—and what to do nextThe latest science on Alzheimer’s and other dementiasHow families can plan for care, maintain connection, and protect quality of lifePractical steps for supporting brain health as we ageGoodreads: https://bit.ly/4h7UbN5 Amazon: https://bit.ly/4of9qGv Book: navigating memory loss https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/#faqs https://seniorsathome.jfcs.org/ Chapters 00:00 Navigating Memory Loss: Introduction to Dementia Care 02:31 Personal Journey: The Impact of Caregiving 05:16 Understanding Anosognosia: Awareness in Dementia 08:08 Advanced Care Planning: Preparing for the Future 10:55 The Vulnerability of Dementia: Health Challenges 13:43 Legal Considerations: Directives and Estate Planning 16:22 Conversations About End-of-Life: Tools and Techniques 19:07 Lifestyle Changes: Enhancing Brain Health 21:19 Research Insights: The Future of Dementia Care Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    32 min
  2. The Changing Definition of Alzheimer's

    FEB 10

    The Changing Definition of Alzheimer's

    Send a text Ever wonder why the news reports on Alzheimer's causes are so confusing and what's the fuss about these amyloid plaques? This conversation delves into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the shift from traditional diagnosis of exclusion to new definition by underlying pathology.  Dr. Mia explains the differences between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the role of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, and the complexities of diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's in the context of vascular dementia. This episode contains visuals, which could be followed along by YouTube video.  Alzheimer's disease, dementia, amyloid plaques, tau tangles, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, diagnosis, treatment, brain health, memory loss Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    18 min
  3. Surviving the Holidays with Archangels' Alex Drane

    12/17/2025

    Surviving the Holidays with Archangels' Alex Drane

    Send a text In this conversation, Alex Drane and Dr. Mia discuss the challenges and realities of unpaid caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-identification, data, and community support. They explore how caregivers often overlook their own needs while focusing on those they care for, and the necessity of finding respite and grace in their roles. The discussion also touches on the impact of caregiving on mental health, especially during stressful times like the holidays, and the need for a supportive community to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities. Archangels website: https://www.archangels.me/ Intensity score quiz: https://www.archangels-cii.me/get-started/?utm_source=aacaregiverpage&utm_medium=weblink&utm_campaign=general About Alexandra Drane Alexandra is co-founder and CEO of ARCHANGELS — a women-owned, public benefit corporation and omni-channel platform shamelessly hustling to make change happen for the 43% of adults across our nation serving as unpaid caregivers. ARCHANGELS engages and supports caregivers across all 50 states through partnerships with employers, consumer brands, health-plans/systems, communities, and states. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Archangels and Caregiving 02:58 Understanding the Caregiver's Role and Identity 05:44 The Power of Data and Storytelling in Caregiving 08:28 Navigating Intensity and Self-Care as a Caregiver 11:38 The Importance of Respite and Support 14:23 Finding Grace and Permission to Care for Yourself 17:09 Community and Connection Among Caregivers 19:56 The Impact of Holidays on Caregivers 23:08 The Future of Caregiving and Advocacy 26:02 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement for Caregivers Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    30 min
  4. Dementia Basics

    12/02/2025

    Dementia Basics

    Send a text In this episode, Dr. Mia talks about the common questions that come up in memory clinic such as:  Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Basics 02:54 Differentiating Between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia 06:19 Exploring Types of Dementia 11:01 Stages of Dementia Explained Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    17 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Crossover: dementia support paid by Medicare’s GUIDE

    Send a text The "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" hosts Allison and Jennifer discuss the GUIDE program with Dr. Mia, an innovative Medicare initiative designed to support caregivers and patients through comprehensive services and respite care. Mia Yang, a geriatrician, shares her expertise and insights on GUIDE (GUiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program. Self refer:  GuideAHWFB@advocatehealth.org -NC Triad Guide@advocatehealth.org- NC greater Charlotte area www.MiaYangMD.com "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" https://youtu.be/u_VH0SAWuk4?si=Xepgc__BXNyxZvzn Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caregiving Challenges 01:09 Understanding the GUIDE Program 02:11 Mia Yang's Background and Expertise 04:44 Innovative Approaches in Dementia Care 06:39 Respite Care and Financial Support 08:40 Adult Daycare Options and Benefits 10:05 Navigating the GUIDE Program 12:28 Eligibility and Enrollment Process 14:45 Choosing the Right Medicare Plan 18:38 The Evolution of the GUIDE Program 20:23 Geographical Coverage of GUIDE Programs 22:09 Respite Care Options and Limitations 23:56 Success Stories from the GUIDE Program 26:40 Recognizing the Need for Help 29:19 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving 32:32 Connecting with the GUIDE Program 35:45 Mia Yang's Podcast and Resources Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    41 min
  6. Keeping Active At Home with Jodi Kolada

    11/04/2025

    Keeping Active At Home with Jodi Kolada

    Send a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jodi Colada, a director of caregiver outreach, about engaging activities for family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. They discuss the challenges caregivers face in getting their loved ones to participate in activities, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and various creative expressions that can foster connection. Jodi shares practical tips, resources, and tools to help caregivers engage their loved ones meaningfully, emphasizing the value of participation and the joy of shared experiences. Chapters 00:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers 00:17 Introduction to Jody Kalata and Her Expertise 00:45 Connecting with the Audience 01:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers 11:13 Creative Expression Through Art and Music 21:06 Practical Tools and Resources for Caregivers Jodi Kolada is the Director of Caregiver Outreach and Non-Clinical Team Member Education with Well∙Spring Solutions. Jodi has a master’s degree in Gerontological Studies from Miami University of Ohio. She is a certified co-leader of Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  She is a certified instructor of the Dementia Dialogues Program from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She leads the agency’s efforts to successfully provide a combination of evidence-based programs, educational classes, retreats, and monthly support groups to family caregivers. She also presents to faith, civic and community organizations about caregiving issues. Below are some of Jodi's helpful resources; SITES www.nationaldaycalendar.com – online database of holidays and celebrations – can spark great conversation and incudes activity ideas www.backthenhistory.com – provide an email address to receive a daily message about the history of everyday objects - can spark great conversation and activity ideas https://dementianc.org/helpsupport/music-memory-at-home/  Music & Memory is an evidence-based program which helps people living with dementia find joy and connection to life through musical favorites.  They help to develop a personalized playlist, and provide a Music & Memory at Home Kit, which includes a digital music player uploaded with the person’s favorite music, headphones, a Bluetooth speaker and written guides. Both the primary caregiver and the program listener (person with a dementia diagnosis in a home setting) must be in NC. https://www.goldencarers.com/activities - activity ideas & helpful resources https://mariasplace.com/ - activity ideas   Free APPS Word Search Colorful Flower Garden Jigsaw Puzzles Real My Reef 3D Aquarium  GAMES  Shut the Box  -basic math Rory’s Story Cubes - storytelling Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    31 min
  7. How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

    10/21/2025

    How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

    Send a text In this conversation, Dr. Mia discusses her personal experiences with caregiving and grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role as a caregiver, the challenges of caregiver burnout, and the necessity of seeking support. She reflects on her relationship with her mother and the complexities of love and acceptance in the context of caregiving.  Important Resources from this episode; Archangels Caregiver Quiz and Resources https://www.archangels.me/for-caregivers  ianacare- The Platform For Caregivers https://ianacare.com/caregivers/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Burnout 02:15 Personal Journey with Caregiving 05:31 Navigating Grief and Caregiving 07:44 Defining a Good Daughter 10:02 Acceptance and Presence in Caregiving 11:06 Navigating Caregiving and Personal Relationships 16:38 Resources for Caregivers Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    21 min
  8. Top 5 Misconceptions About Dementia

    10/07/2025

    Top 5 Misconceptions About Dementia

    Send a text In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses the top misconceptions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences between the two, the complexities of diagnosing dementia, and the implications of early diagnosis. She also addresses the common belief that Medicare covers in-home care for dementia patients and clarifies the realities of dementia care funding. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dementia: Common Misconceptions 00:51 The Role of Medicare in Dementia Care 01:02 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease 09:20 The Complexity of Diagnosing Dementia 18:18 The Importance of Early Diagnosis 26:13 Navigating Medicare and Dementia Care Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

    31 min
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About

Ever wonder how to help your love one through memory changes? Want to find a geriatrician or memory specialist, but they are few and far in between? Dr. Mia is a board-certified geriatrician, former sandwich generation caregiver, memory specialist, on a mission to help you navigate the healthcare system and memory care. She interviews experts and real-life caregivers to help you navigate dementia care and memory changes with confidence and grace.  www.miayangmd.com

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