Living Our Best With Memory Loss

RIVR Media
  • 5.0 (8)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us on “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” a podcast dedicated to navigating life with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Hosted by individuals living with cognitive decline, we share personal stories, coping strategies, and insights from experts. Discover practical tips for managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and finding support. Tune in to connect with a community that understands and supports your journey. Subscribe for new episodes and join us in living our best with memory loss.

  1. 2D AGO

    Navigating Cognitive Decline: Compassion, Connection, and Care with Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor

    In Season 4, Episode 10 of "Living Our Best with Memory Loss," we are joined by the insightful Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor for a profound conversation about the intersection of medicine, humanity, and the journey of cognitive decline.Dr. Taylor shares intimate stories from her book, Whispers of the Mind, which was born from years of her own personal journal entries. These entries capture the raw, real-life experiences of working with patients and their families, emphasizing a powerful message: despite the challenges of a diagnosis, we are all connected by our shared humanity. We dive into the importance of seeing the person behind the patient and how compassion transforms the caregiving experience.https://www.carolynlarkintaylorauthor.com/

    21 min

  2. JAN 27

    "It’s Going to Take Us to Do It": Chris & Dr. Debra Tann on Clinical Trials and the Cure

    In this episode of Living Our Best with Memory Loss, we sit down with special guests Chris and Dr. Debra Tann. They share their personal journey of navigating life after a diagnosis and discuss why community involvement is so critical for the future.​A major theme of today’s talk is Chris’s insight on the path forward: "It’s going to take us to find a cure." Chris and Dr. Debra Tann discuss the vital role of clinical trials and why it takes people willing to participate in research to move the needle for everyone.​Join us for an honest look at living with memory loss, the power of faith, and why advocacy through research is a mission we all share.

    24 min

  3. JAN 20

    Dementia Care: How to Live Your Best Life with Teepa Snow (Part 2)

    How do you find joy and purpose after a diagnosis?In Part 2 of our deep dive with world-renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow, our hosts Bob, Denis, and SuAnne continue their conversation about the realities of living with memory loss. While Part 1 focused on the mechanics of the brain, Part 2 explores the heart: how to navigate relationships, how to advocate for yourself, and how to continue "Living Our Best" despite the challenges of cognitive decline.Teepa Snow joins us to listen, learn, and offer her unique perspective on the "Positive Approach to Care," specifically focusing on the lived experiences of our hosts who are walking this path every day.In this episode, we discuss:The importance of being heard and understood by care partners.Navigating the "new normal" in social situations and at home.Why a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of your story.Practical tips for maintaining independence and dignity.

    22 min

  4. JAN 13

    Is it Normal Aging or Dementia? Teepa Snow on Finding Your Cognitive Baseline (Part 1)

    Are you worried that your forgetfulness—or a loved one's—might be more than just a "senior moment"? Join us for a powerful conversation with world-renowned Dementia expert Teepa Snow. About This Episode: In Part 1 of this special two-part series, the hosts of Living Our Best with Memory Loss (who are living with their own diagnoses) sit down with Teepa Snow to discuss the shift from fear to empowerment. Teepa explains why we need to treat brain health like any other vital sign and how the "Quarterback" method ensures the person experiencing cognitive change stays in control of their life. In this video, you will learn: The Cognitive Baseline: Why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to check your "thinking" health. Screening vs. Reality: Why current medical tests often miss the mark for early-stage brain change. The Quarterback Method: How to build a support team where YOU are the leader, not the "football" being passed around. Reducing Stigma: Moving past the "shame" of cognitive decline to find practical solutions. When to See a Doctor: Identifying the difference between stress-related lapses and true neurodegeneration. 🕒 Timestamps (Approximate): 0:00 - Introduction: Meeting the hosts 2:15 - Who is Teepa Snow? The "OG" of memory care 5:40 - The problem with "Screening" vs. establishing a "Baseline" 12:20 - Why we fear brain change (Moving past the labels) 18:45 - The Quarterback Method: Staying in the lead of your care 25:30 - How stress, sleep, and vision impact your memory 32:00 - Closing thoughts for Part 1 Connect with Teepa Snow: 🌐 Website: https://teepasnow.com Positive Approach to Care (PAC) resources, GEMS model, and more.

    30 min

  5. JAN 6

    Improving Life with Memory Loss: The STAR Program & Reflections Course Explained

    STAR Program Website: www.rideatstar.orgDiscover how therapeutic approaches and intentional support can transform the journey of people living with memory loss. In this episode of Living Our Best with Memory Loss, we sit down with Emily Justus and Angela Bartlett from the Shangri-la Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) to discuss the life-changing impact of their programs and the Reflections course.Join hosts Bob, Denis, and Lori as we explore how the STAR Program uses therapeutic approaches to help manage the journey of cognitive decline. By providing a space to find community in shared experiences and offering practical tools for navigating daily life, this episode is packed with hope and actionable advice for both those living with a diagnosis and their care partners.

    17 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Living with Hope: Dr. Monica Crane on Clinical Trials and Making a Legacy

    Welcome to Season 4, Episode 5 of "Living Our Best with Memory Loss."In the conclusion of our two-part series with the incredible Dr. Monica Crane, we look toward the horizon of brain health. This episode moves from day-to-day management into the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) world of clinical trials, research, and long-term planning.Dr. Crane joins our hosts—Bob, Denis, and SuAnne—to answer the big questions: Are we close to a cure? How do we protect our vision and hearing to save our brains? And how do we prepare for the "end of the road" while still living our best lives today?In this episode, we discuss:The Clinical Trial Landscape: Why participating in research is a "gift to the future."Sensory Health: The surprising link between hearing loss, vision, and cognitive decline.The "C" Word: What a "cure" actually looks like for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.Planning with Peace: Navigating end-of-life care and the importance of having "the talk" early.Leaving a Legacy: How Bob, Denis, and SuAnne are helping others by sharing their stories.About Our Guest:Dr. Monica Crane is a leading expert in geriatric medicine and memory care, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.

    19 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    From Diagnosis to Hope: A Specialist’s Perspective on Memory Loss (feat. Dr. Monica Crane) 1 of 2

    Welcome to Season 4, Episode 4 of "Living Our Best with Memory Loss."In the first of this special two-part series, we are joined by the renowned Dr. Monica Crane, a specialist in aging and dementia. This episode offers a unique bridge between clinical expertise and the lived reality of those navigating a memory loss diagnosis.Dr. Crane joins our hosts—Bob, Denis, and SuAnne (who are all living with cognitive decline)—to discuss the evolving landscape of brain health. We dive deep into the importance of early diagnosis, the shift from "dementia" to "cognitive health," and practical lifestyle changes that can help preserve memory.In this episode, we discuss:The clinical definition of memory loss vs. normal aging.Why the words we use (like "dementia" vs. "brain health") matter.How to find the right medical team after a diagnosis.The impact of diet and lifestyle (and the truth about those "pan of brownies!").Empowering patients to be their own best advocates.About Our Guest:Dr. Monica Crane is a leading expert in geriatric medicine and memory care, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.

    20 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Changing How We See Cognitive Decline with Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh

    https://elaineeshbaugh.org/In this episode of Living Our Best with Memory Loss, hosts Bob, Denis, and SuAnne—who are all living with a memory loss diagnosis—sit down with Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, Professor of Gerontology and Family Studies.Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, founder and director of the UNI Dementia Simulation House, joins the Living Our Best with Memory Loss podcast to discuss why people living with cognitive changes are the true experts of their own experience.Hosted by Bob, Denis, and SuAnne, this episode dives into the importance of advocacy, education, and breaking the stigma surrounding memory loss.Listen in to hear why your voice matters.In this episode, we discuss:The role of advocacy in the memory loss community.Why the person living with the diagnosis is the "expert."Dr. Eshbaugh’s work in gerontology and reducing stigma.Living Our Best with Memory Loss, Memory Loss Podcast, Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, Gerontology, Memory Loss Support, Alzheimer's Awareness, Cognitive Advocacy, Cognitive Decline, Early Onset Memory Loss, Brain Health Education, Bob Denis SuAnne, UNI Gerontology, Dementia

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join us on “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” a podcast dedicated to navigating life with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Hosted by individuals living with cognitive decline, we share personal stories, coping strategies, and insights from experts. Discover practical tips for managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and finding support. Tune in to connect with a community that understands and supports your journey. Subscribe for new episodes and join us in living our best with memory loss.

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