AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia AlzAuthors Featured on The Whole Care Network

Welcome to another insightful episode of Untangling Alzheimer's and Dementia, and a replay of our recent book club with Aging and Amazing. In this episode, we bring together a panel of poets who share a common thread—each has navigated the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Your hosts, Marianne Sciucco and Ann Campanella, along with guest authors Daniel Potts, MD, Sue Fagalde Lick, Sherri Levine, and Margaret Stawowy delve into the world of poetry as a powerful outlet for expressing the complex emotions tied to Alzheimer's and dementia care.


Listen as these courageous caregivers discuss how poetry provides solace and a sense of connection amidst the trials of caregiving. From Sherri Levine's poignant reflections on taking flowers to her mother in hospice, to Margaret Stawowy's candid portrayal of medicating her mother, and Dan Potts’s therapeutic use of art and poetry to connect with his father, each story shines a light on the personal battles and moments of tenderness that define the caregiving experience.


We also have laughter amid the hardships as Sue Lick shares a day in the life at a nursing home through her evocative poetry. Don't miss her heartwarming tale of memory care residents joyously indulging in ice cream.


Tune in to find inspiration, empathy, and perhaps a new way to process your own experiences through the beauty of poetry.


Three Key Takeaways


1. Therapeutic Expression: Poetry serves as a potent form of therapy, helping caregivers process complex emotions and find joy amidst adversity.


2. Community and Support: Sharing stories and artistic expressions can cultivate a community of support, making the dementia journey less isolating.


3. Finding Humor: Embracing moments of joy and laughter is crucial, as highlighted by our lighthearted story, showing the importance of positivity in caregiving.


About the Authors


Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the


Neighbors


Sue Fagalde Lick, Gravel Road Ahead


Daniel Potts, MD, Bringing Art to Life


Margaret Stawowy, co-editor of Storms


of the Inland Sea, an anthology with Jim Cokas


About the Moderators


Ann Campanella, What Flies Away and The Beach Poems


Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story


Pre-order our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey.


Register for our Poetry Reading June 3 at 4 pm EST.


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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network


Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org


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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 MatchNational Institutes on Health - Clinical TrialsMind DietMediterranean 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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The 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 kn

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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The 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 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 PodcastHear 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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The 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

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 for Books & 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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The 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

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 efforts please 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 a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast


Proud to be on The 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