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. Surviving the Holidays with Archangels' Alex Drane

    12/17/2025

    Surviving the Holidays with Archangels' Alex Drane

    Send us 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.

    32 min
  2. Dementia Basics

    12/02/2025

    Dementia Basics

    Send us 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.

    19 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    Crossover: dementia support paid by Medicare’s GUIDE

    Send us 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.

    43 min
  4. Keeping Active At Home with Jodi Kolada

    11/04/2025

    Keeping Active At Home with Jodi Kolada

    Send us 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.

    33 min
  5. How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

    10/21/2025

    How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

    Send us 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.

    22 min
  6. Top 5 Misconceptions About Dementia

    10/07/2025

    Top 5 Misconceptions About Dementia

    Send us 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.

    32 min
  7. New Research On Alzheimer’s & Dementia with Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt

    09/23/2025

    New Research On Alzheimer’s & Dementia with Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt

    Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt discuss their insights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2025) this summer, and the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions. They explore the gut-brain connection, innovative drug research, and the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on cognitive health. The conversation emphasizes the need for social engagement and support for caregivers, highlighting the multifaceted approach required in managing dementia and promoting brain health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dementia Caregiving and Research 02:01 Personal Journey in Caregiving 03:51 Understanding Dementia: A Personal Journey 15:57 Lifestyle Interventions for Brain Health 27:57 The Impact of Hormones on Caregiving 39:53 Research Innovations in Dementia Treatment 45:47 Environmental Factors and Brain Health Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD, MS, LCMHC, is a Associate Professor, Director of Wake Forest Memory Counseling Program. She is a neuroscientist and a counselor. Her experiences in clinical practice led her to question how support groups can be used to improve brain health. She began working with the Memory Counseling Program (MCP) after joining Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at Health/Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem North Carolina in 2012 and was recently appointed MCP director following Dr. Shaw’s retirement. Her experiences leading and developing a support group for people with dementia have profoundly shaped how she views dementia and her research into how positive experiences like this group can support the well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners. Her research uses brain imaging to explore how common aging-related changes in the body, such as mobility, obesity and diabetes affect brain health, and how these effects on the brain can be modified by everyday lifestyle, like engaging in exercise and arts practices. https://improvment.wfu.edu/about/improvment-team/ AXS-05 dextromethorphan and bupropion for AD agitation US version of world wide FINGER- US POINTER study MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging Other AAIC 2025 press conferences or highlights: https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2025/highlights-aaic-2025.asp 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.

    48 min
  8. How Recent Law Changes To Medicare & Medicaid Will Affect You

    09/09/2025

    How Recent Law Changes To Medicare & Medicaid Will Affect You

    Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare and Medicaid, explaining their differences, coverage options, and the implications of recent legislative changes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these programs, especially for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immigrants. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by those needing long-term care and the critical role of advocacy in shaping healthcare policy. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Medicare and Medicaid Basics 09:57 Medicare Coverage and Misconceptions 13:59 The Impact of Recent Legislation on Medicaid 18:31 Challenges for Immigrants and Healthcare Access 27:18 Advocacy and the Future of Healthcare Policy Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare, insurance, legislation, advocacy, immigrants, dementia care, long-term care, eligibility 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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