ProAging Podcast Positive Aging Community

Join us for a special NRSRN Lunch that will explore Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), sometimes called frontotemporal dementia.While the most common form of dementia among all age groups is Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common for those diagnosed before age 60. It can occur as early as 21and as late as 80. FTD differs from other types of dementia in that memory loss is not a hallmark symptom. A group of related, heterogeneous disorders, initial symptoms bring progressive changes to personality, behavior, decision making, communication or movement. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration will present the signs and symptoms of FTD, the importance of early diagnosis and person-centered care, and highlight current research opportunities and support resources for those living with FTD and their care partners.Presented by Will Reiter, AFTD Education Program Manager and Jen Morabito, AFTD Ambassador, you’ll hear both the family experience of this challenging disease and learn how it differs from other dementias as far as symptoms, support and care.Objectives:Learn how Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) differs from other types of dementiaIdentify the common signs and symptoms of FTDLearn how this younger onset dementia impacts familiesDiscover helpful resources provided by The Association for Frontotemporal DegenerationPresenters:Will Reiter, MA | AFTD, Education Program ManagerWill joined AFTD in May 2021 as Education Program Manager. He works to expand AFTD's relationships with healthcare providers in order to support early FTD diagnosis and comprehensive person-centered FTD care. He has worked in the dementia field for more than 30 years. In a variety of local and regional settings, he has provided direct support and education to those living with dementia, care partners, and healthcare providers. William previously worked at the Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco as well as the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most recently, he served as the Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, initiating and strengthening connections to clinicians and regional health systems.Jen Morabito | AFTD Ambassador, MarylandJen first learned about AFTD after her mother was diagnosed with FTD in 2014. She began hosting events for AFTD’s Food for Thought campaign, and became known for her Cindy’s Cakes fundraiser. Soon after, she became a liaison to assist other Food for Thought hosts. Jen has been in close contact with volunteers and staff at AFTD, and has found a strong sense of community and support, which she wants to share with others. As an Ambassador, Jen is looking forward to working with individuals, groups, and agencies to support AFTD’s mission of awareness, education, support, and advocacy.

The challenge our society faces is how to improve the health, well being and longevity of people who are already old. How can we harness the power unleashed by elders who choose to grow old rather than merely get old? Strength, purpose and belonging are legitimate pursuits for older people. Aging is simply the name we give to growth when we are no longer young. 

Dr. Bill Thomas is a prolific author, speaker and founder of the Eden Alternative and the Green House Project. In 2008, the Wall Street Journal named him one of the 12 most influential Americans shaping aging in the 21st century. He is currently chief independence officer of population health pioneer Lifespark. 

His most recent book is Better Together: The Awesome Power of Growing Stronger Together. The book is the last of a free four-part series dedicated to help older people and their families perfect the process of Aging Magnificently.


https://kallimos.com/
https://lifespark.com/spark-pillars/
https://changingaging.org/

Produced in partnership with Reston for a Lifetime and the Positive Aging Community

Listen to a recording of a live and in-person discussion that was held at the impressive JK Moving headquarters in front of their innovative training house in a warehouse. Our panel of four sharing their real-life stories of moving and downsizing experiences, for themselves to active adult communities and helping their loved ones navigate the system of hospitals, aging life care, independent living, assisted living, memory care and much more!

Gregory Hunter created and established the Hunter Cleaning Services dynamic signature brand of intensive home cleaning services called the High Impact Transformation. The High Impact Transformation procedure transforms neglected and contaminated indoor home environments into medicinal spaces that induce overall wellness and recovery of outpatients.

Learn about an innovative new concept that brings together women 55+ to co-live in affordable, spacious, beautifully designed houses for the best times of their lives. 

 A Live & Interactive Discussion with Wing Pepper and Kyle Sobus CO-Founders Perch Houses. Research indicates that older adults benefit from the increased companionship, support in completing daily tasks, and increases in well-being associated with home sharing.


Kyle Sobus kyle@perchhouses.com
Wing Pepper wing@perchhouses.com

The critically acclaimed autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon. Simon takes the stage as a man facing his cognitive decline and asks the hard questions of what to do next in the face of what he calls “an existential journey.” It is a peek into the head and heart of the struggle with a broken medical system and a personal and family challenge.


Email sam@dementiaman.com 
Dementia Man Website with Performance Calendar https://www.dementiaman.com/performance-calendar.html

Brief outline of discussion


0:00 Personal experiences, career, and health challenges.
4:44 Cancer journey and its impact on partners.
 9:37 Dementia diagnosis and treatment journey.
 16:53 Dementia diagnosis and suicide prevention.
 24:03 Living with dementia and finding purpose.
 29:20 Disability rights and accessibility.
 34:53 Cognitive impairment and accessibility in theater.
 40:45 Dementia diagnosis and support.
 47:51 Mental health, cognitive decline, and improvisation.
 54:37 Dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease.
 1:00:26 Dementia care and support.