12 episodes
Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers Podcast Playground
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- Health & Fitness
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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Navigating the insidious illness of Alzheimer’s is something nobody asks for. The disease sneaks up on you and your loved one, and it feels like you’ve been sucker-punched in the gut when you get the diagnosis from a doctor. So many things race through your mind: why us? What do we do? We worked so hard to get to this point in life. We just moved here after we both worked for 30 years, sold our house up North, and retired to Florida to enjoy our “golden years”. It’s not fair! Who’s going to take care of her/him? I don’t know a thing about this illness. She’s always done the cooking; I don’t even know how to boil water. He's always taken care of me and everything else like Finances. I don’t even drive! And it goes on and on. Facing this disease will bring you to your knees. Once you get over the initial shock (GUT PUNCHED), the questions and fears take hold. Where do we turn for help? Who do I call? What do I do? How do you take care of someone with Alzheimer's? Are there support groups? And questions like these just keep coming. I am a caregiver. I wasn’t before. Well, not this kind of caregiver. My wife was officially diagnosed in January of 2018. I had a sneaking suspicion that she might have something like this about 2 years earlier. So, when I brought it to my Neurologist, he sent us to a very nice Psychologist who specializes in testing patients to determine more accurately what is going on. It was a question-and-answer session, followed by a very detailed testing procedure that usually takes 3 or more hours. The patient has to complete the test comprising of questions, simple actions, and memory tests, then give them a couple of numbers or words then move on, going back to the numbers or words a short time later.
So moving forward, I asked all the same questions as mentioned earlier. What are my options? So I “sucked it up”-Manned up so to speak. It's part of the deal for better or worse, right? So began my quest for information on support groups, doctors, anything I could get my hands on. It's been 6 years, and I am still looking for everything and anything that will help me crawl through this unchartered path to enlightenment. I was very fortunate to live in a city that has numerous resources to tap into. Most importantly, it's a place named after someone who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His wife provided the money to start the Alvin Dubin Center: The Dubin Center for short. Their mission is to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. And boy do they. I leaned on them for everything I could find. Took all kinds of classes to learn what I needed to do to be the caregiver I have to be. Their caregiver class took about 6 weeks. The material we learned from, and the instructors, were top-notch. I still go back to the notes I took, and the books we used: both as refreshers and inspiration. Hopefully, no matter where you are listening to this, there will be a place like the Dubin Center. If not, don’t despair. The info is out there. That’s what this podcast is about. We’d like to share our resources, our experiences, our heartbreak, and our little victories. From time to time, we’d like to bring in Physicians, Nurses, Experts, and people like you and me, who are going through this disease with our loved ones who are willing to share their journey. The first thing that really stuck with me, and hopefully it will be with you. If you are a caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. Because this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And if you are run down, get sick, or worse.... Who’s going to take care of your spouse, mother, father, or child? Think about that for a few seconds. It’s you, the Caregiver. It’s me the Caregiver. That’s why we’re here. Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers! Thanks for joining us...now let's get going.
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Gut Punched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers EP 11
In Gut Punched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers Episode 11, Host Jeff Edwards delves into the profound impact of classical music on the brain, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Drawing from the insights of the article "How Classical Music Alters the Brain," Jeff explores how classical compositions can stimulate memory, evoke emotions, and potentially enhance cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to some of classical music's most iconic tracks, such as Copeland’s: Fanfare for the Common Man; Rossini’s: William Tell -Overture; and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. , illustrating the power of these timeless melodies to resonate with individuals affected by Alzheimer's. In addition to discussing the therapeutic benefits of classical music, Jeff recommends two essential books for those seeking comprehensive information on Alzheimer's: " Thoughtful Dementia Care: Understanding the Dementia Experience: and Activities to do with your Parent who has Alzheimer’s Dementia.. These resources provide invaluable guidance and support for caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. To further assist caregivers and individuals affected by Alzheimer's, Jeff shares a couple of helpful links where listeners can find additional resources and support services tailored to their needs, fostering a sense of community and empowerment in the face of this challenging disease. Gut Punched 11
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Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 10
In episode 10 of "Gutpunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers" hosted by Jeff Edwards, listeners are in for an informative and heartfelt exploration of Alzheimer's disease and caregiving challenges.
The episode kicks off with a segment titled "In the News Stories: If You Miss It, You've Missed It." This week's focus is on MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), shedding light on this precursor to Alzheimer's and the importance of early detection and intervention. Additionally, listeners will learn about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in the "Celebrities" feature, highlighting his connection to Alzheimer's and raising awareness through his platform.
A poignant moment awaits with a special Alzheimer's poem penned by a local caregiver, offering a glimpse into the emotional journey of those caring for loved ones with the disease. Following this, Jeff engages in an interview with BJ Odom, the host of "The Gift Of Life: The Organ Transplant Podcast," delving into shared experiences and insights on caregiving and resilience.
Continuing the series "Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's," Jeff explores the challenges of changes in personality and behavior in part 2 of the segment. Practical advice, links for connecting to help, and recommendations for books on the subject are shared to empower caregivers in their journey. Two fundamental rules for caregivers are highlighted, emphasizing self-care and community support.
The episode wraps up with a call to action, urging listeners to spread the word about the podcast, recognizing that nearly everyone knows someone affected by dementia. With episodes available on various podcast platforms, "Gutpunched" serves as a valuable resource for education, support, and solidarity in the face of Alzheimer's and caregiving challenges. -
Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 9
Tune in to GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers Episode 9 with Host JeffEdwards! We'll be diving into crucial tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease. Plus, introducing new segments: "In The News" highlighting must-know stories, like "How Scents Work to Treat Dementia and Depression" and "Celebrities", shedding light on those impacted by dementia.
In this week's "Celebrities" segment, we'll delve into former TV host WendyWilliams' battle with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Plus, get insights intotwo incredible books offering help and support. Also, we'll share valuable links tohelplines for anyone needing assistance. Remember, spreading the word isvital—everyone knows someone touched by Alzheimer's. And as always, Jeff willremind you of the two crucial rules to learn and live by. Tune in and spread theword! #AphasiaAwareness #DementiaSupport. -
Gut Punched: EP 8 - Alzheimer’s and Caregivers
In Episode 8 Host Jeff Edwards will share some highlights of some ofthe past interviews from earlier episodes. This time We’ll hear fromlongtime caregiver Les Burger who lost his wife to Alzheimer’s. Lescontinues to be an advocate and a strong caregiver for others; we’llrevisit with Amy Schenk from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center,who is a wealth of knowledge; and touch base with Tina Hemmingsfrom Visiting Angels. Listen for great information and pick up somehelpful tips.
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Gut Punched: EP 7 - ALZHEIMIER’S AND CAREGIVERS
In Episode 7 Host Jeff Edwards will share the Highlights of some of the interviews that we’ve heard in earlier episodes. You will hear from Lynne Dubin the Director of the Dubin Center in Ft Myers Florida; Dan Moser will share his story about his wife and the struggle with Frontotemporal Dementia; and Stephanie Mallaly MSW with Lee Health Memory Center. Everyone knows someone who is affected by these insidious illnesses, Join us for some eye-opening experiences.
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Gut Punched: EP 6 - Visiting Angels
In Episode 6 of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards will be talking withTina Hemmings from Visiting Angels. As a Home Health Administrator, Tina manages and supports all aspects of various programs delivering comprehensive and compassionate home healthcare services to clients across Florida. Tina has over 10 years of experience in health administration, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, demonstrating her commitment to providing quality care and education to both caregivers and clients. Her mission is to empower and enable people to live independently and comfortably in their own homes. Join us….. and learn more about Alzheimer’s and Caregivers.