Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving

Dr. Mia
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

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 for your aging parents. She interviews experts and real-life caregivers to help you navigate dementia care with confidence and grace. This is educational content, does not represent patient-physician relationship, nor does Dr. Mia speak on behalf of her employer or other funders.  www.miayangmd.com

  1. Sep 29 ·  Video

    Grief Clarity Labs with Caroline Shelby

    In this episode, Dr. Mia talks with Caroline Shelby, a grief educator and caregiver, about navigating grief, especially in the context of caring for loved ones with dementia. They explore practical strategies for coping, the importance of acknowledging grief, and how to find clarity amidst chaos. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grief and Caregiving Challenges 03:36 Meet Caroline Shelby: A Grief Educator and Caregiver 04:25 What Would You Tell Your Past Self During Grief? 08:39 Practical Ways to Move Through Grief 13:09 The Role of a Grief Coach vs. Therapist 17:50 Making Difficult Decisions in Caregiving 20:17 Acknowledging and Expressing Grief 23:03 How to Connect with Caroline Shelby Caroline is a grief educator and founder of Grief Clarity Labs, drawing on more than a decade caring for her mother through Alzheimer's and a series of profound losses in 2024 that turned her personal experience into a calling. Through coaching, writing, and recently published book, Living Beside the Leaving, she helps people understand grief not as something to move on from, but something to learn to move with. Her mission is to help people feel less alone, more understood, and better equipped to navigate one of life's most universal, yet misunderstood, experiences. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website: https://www.griefclaritylabs.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineshelby/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580363698420  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefclaritylabs/  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.

    Grief Clarity Labs with Caroline Shelby

  2. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Anti-Amyloid Updates with Dr. Mia Yang

    Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive update on anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer's disease, covering recent drug developments, diagnostic processes, and treatment considerations. This episode is essential for understanding how these therapies work, their benefits, risks, and what patients and caregivers should know. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to anti-amyloid therapy updates 02:12 Understanding Alzheimer's disease and dementia 03:59 Biological markers and diagnosis of Alzheimer's 05:48 Differences between Lecanemab and Donanemab 08:01 Efficacy and benefits of disease-modifying drugs 12:03 Side effects and management of ARIA 15:57 Monitoring treatment and reaccumulation of amyloid 20:06 Patient considerations and treatment logistics 24:01 Travel, caregiver monitoring, and insurance coverage 29:54 Future therapies and evolving landscape of Alzheimer's treatment 36:04 Summary and final thoughts on treatment choices 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.

    Anti-Amyloid Updates with Dr. Mia Yang

  3. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Dementia Family Support with Director Jennifer Riggs

    Season 8 kicks off with Dr. Mia interviewing Jennifer Riggs, a caregiver and dementia care expert, about her personal journey caring for her father with dementia and the practical techniques she has learned to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Jennifer Riggs is the Director of Dementia Services at Dementia Family Support, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Certified Trainer, Consultant, and Coach. She has spent her career helping individuals living with dementia, family caregivers, and care professionals navigate the challenges of dementia with practical, compassionate, person centered strategies. Her work is also deeply personal, as she cared for her father through his journey with vascular and Alzheimer's dementia.  Chapters 00:00 Intro to Season 8 03:00 Introduction to Jen Riggs and her background 04:20 Jen shares her personal experience caring for her father with dementia 05:30 Emotional challenges of caregiving and staying emotionally sane 07:40 Making decisions in medical care with a focus on quality of life 11:29 Learning from Teepa Snow's dementia care techniques 14:05 Practical tips from Teepa Snow's approach, including visual support 16:08 The hand under hand technique and its benefits 18:00 The importance of giving dementia patients a sense of control 19:39 Understanding communication as expression rather than behavior 20:33 Dementia Family Support and caregiver education services 23:35 The importance of understanding the disease and building a support village 25:37 Final thoughts and 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.

    Dementia Family Support with Director Jennifer Riggs

  4. Aug 6 ·  Bonus Video

    Sneak peek: AAIC 2026

    Dr. Mia shares a sneak peek into the research presented at Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London from July 2026. More to come in season 8 of the podcast, returning Sept 1st!  Hit the + sign in Apple podcast or follow in Spotify to save this show! 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.

  5. Jun 2 ·  Video

    Navigating Hospital Stays with Dr. Monique Nugent

    In this episode, Dr. Mia welcomes Dr. Monique Nugent to discuss how caregivers can effectively advocate for loved ones in hospital settings. Dr. Nugent is also the author of Prescription for Admission: The Power and Potential of Hospital Medicine, a must-read for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike. This book offers an inside look at hospital care, breaking down complex medical processes and providing actionable insights for anyone interacting with the healthcare system. Topics include communication strategies, managing hospital ecosystems, and planning for discharge to ensure safety and dignity. Chapters 00:48 Introduction and Overview of Care Partner Importance 03:45 Navigating Hospital Communication as a Care Partner 06:19 The Role of Information in Patient Safety 11:01 Setting Expectations for Communication 15:54 Actionable Steps for Effective Care Coordination 19:21 Navigating Hospital Communication 22:03 Improving Hospital Experiences for Families 24:08 Planning for Discharge from the Hospital 26:18 Understanding Delirium in Hospitalized Patients 27:47 The Challenges of Hospitalization for Older Adults 31:05 The Benefits of Home Hospital Programs 33:14 Reevaluating End-of-Life Care Expectations Meet Dr. Monique Nugent – Healthcare Speaker, Hospitalist, and Author A Passion for Transforming Healthcare Dr. Monique Nugent is a board-certified hospitalist, author, and sought-after healthcare speaker dedicated to improving the way patients, families, and healthcare professionals navigate the medical system. With years of frontline experience, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities within hospitals and is passionate about bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient advocacy. Dr. Nugent’s mission is to make healthcare more accessible, understandable, and effective for everyone. Whether through her book, public speaking engagements, or thought leadership in medical education, she is committed to empowering both patients and providers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. https://drmoniquenugent.com/ 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.

    Navigating Hospital Stays with Dr. Monique Nugent

  6. May 19 ·  Video

    Navigating Retirement Communities Featuring Care Patrol

    This episode features Gina and Allie from Care Patrol discussing the complexities of transitioning seniors into retirement communities. They share insights on planning, choosing the right care level, understanding state regulations, and navigating family dynamics to ensure a smooth and suitable move. Allie Spangler, OTR/L, CSA brings extensive experience and deep passion for helping others. She has supported hundreds of families in navigating care options for their loved ones with confidence and clarity.  Prior to joining CarePatrol, Allie worked as an occupational therapist across a variety of healthcare settings, primarily serving geriatric patients in acute care, long-term acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Through this experience, she developed a strong ability to guide individuals and families. Gina Gordon, RN, CSA brings over 30 years of healthcare experience and a deep passion for serving others. Inspired by both her professional background and personal experiences, she opened CarePatrol of Winston-Salem to better support families navigating senior care decisions. Prior to CarePatrol, Gina built a long and meaningful career in healthcare, gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of care and the importance of advocacy. As the daughter of aging parents, she understands both the rewards and challenges families face and values the opportunity to connect with each client on a personal level. CarePatrol of Winston-Salem Allie Spangler, Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® PO Box 20302 Winston-Salem, NC 27120 O: 844-218-2273 | D: 564-565-4562 | F: 336-866-0758 CarePatrol.com | Senior Care Podcast | Facebook | LinkedIn  Other Resources North Carolina Assisted Living Regulations - https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/divisions/licensing Memory Care Best Practices - https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/memory-care Care Management Resources - https://www.care.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Care Transitions 03:00 Proactive vs Reactive Planning for Care 06:16 Navigating Community Transitions 08:54 Understanding Care Levels and Community Types 12:03 State Requirements for Assisted Living 16:46 Staffing Ratios and Their Importance 18:37 Leadership and Stability in Care Communities 25:22 Advice for Sandwich Generation Caregivers 31:55 Choosing the Right Agency for 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.

    Navigating Retirement Communities Featuring Care Patrol

  7. May 5

    Design For Your Mind: A Tool For Healing

    In this insightful interview, Annie Guest shares her journey through caregiving, the importance of radical acceptance, and how interior design can support mental health during challenging times. Discover practical tips for managing burnout, decluttering, and creating spaces that nurture the mind and body. Annie Guest had a varied career in book publishing, advertising, and law, before she took another jump to work as a mental health therapist and publish her first book. In Design For Your Mind, Annie combines her passion for people and their potential with her love for interior design and her appreciation for the design choices that support the mind and body. Visit https://www.annieguestdesignforyourmind.com/ Chapters 01:00 Navigating Caregiving Challenges 08:50 The Journey of House Redesign 15:11 Empowering Caregivers 24:00 Preventing Burnout in Caregiving Resources Design for Your Mind by Annie - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Your-Mind-Annie/dp/XXXXXX VVA Pickup - Furniture Donation Service - https://vvapickup.org Attention Restoration Theory - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_restoration_theory 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.

    Design For Your Mind: A Tool For Healing

  8. Apr 21

    Breaking News in Dementia with Dr. Mia Yang

    This episode covers recent advances in Alzheimer's research, including the potential link between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention, the biological shifts in aging, and promising biomarkers and treatments like lithium. Dr. Mia discusses how these findings could impact future therapies and personal health decisions. Shingles Vaccine: The Wales/Australia Natural Experiment in Cell: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)01256-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867425012565%3Fshowall%3Dtrue More Recent Article on Shingles Vaccine and Cardiovascular Risk: https://techfixated.com/shingles-vaccine-drastically-cuts-heart-risk-nearly-in-half-in-new-study/ Massive Biomolecular Shifts: Scientific article in Nature 2024: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00692-2 From ruins to research: How an ancient brain survived to help understand Alzheimer’s https://www.nuscimagazine.com/from-ruins-to-research-how-an-ancient-brain-survived-to-help-understand-alzheimers Ancient Brain, GFAP and NFL; The Scientific Paper on GFAP and NFL in blood: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41376134/ Lithium as an Alzheimer's Treatment: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/01/an-alzheimers-breakthrough-10-years-in-the-making/ (or the pretty pictures in this: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/could-lithium-explain-treat-alzheimers-disease) The pilot study in humans: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2845746#250915094 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alzheimer's Research News 03:34 The Shingles Vaccine and Dementia Prevention 06:03 Shingles Vaccine: Heart Health Benefits 10:43 Timing & Accelerated Aging 14:02 Ancient Brain Discoveries and Alzheimer's 19:33 Exploring Lithium for Alzheimer's Treatment   Alzheimer's, dementia, shingles vaccine, biomarkers, lithium, aging, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's research, health tips 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.

    Breaking News in Dementia with Dr. Mia Yang
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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 for your aging parents. She interviews experts and real-life caregivers to help you navigate dementia care with confidence and grace. This is educational content, does not represent patient-physician relationship, nor does Dr. Mia speak on behalf of her employer or other funders.  www.miayangmd.com

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