Dementia Discussions
A monthly podcast about dementia. Join your host, Barbara Hament every 2nd Tuesday of the month, as she interviews medical professionals, caregivers, and various experts on how to better understand and cope with this challenging and complex disease.
Episodes
89 episodes
Alzheimer’s Caregiving: A Journey of Love, Patience, and Resilience
Welcome to the first episode of season three of Dementia Discussions! In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Charlene, a dedicated caregiver navigating the emotional and practical challenges of supporting her sister-in-law with Alz...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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51:22
Navigating Love and Loss: A Caregiver's Tale of Resilience with Andrew Bloomenthal
In this poignant episode, I sit down with Andrew Bloomenthal, a writer and caregiver, to delve into his heartfelt story about navigating his father’s journey with Parkinson’s-related dementia. Andrew’s article in Boston Magazine struck...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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45:25
Until There’s a Cure, There’s Community: Wine, Women, and Dementia
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I’m joined by the incredible Kitty Norton, a former assistant editor turned caregiver, blogger, and filmmaker. Kitty shares her inspiring journey from her mother’s dementia diagnosis t...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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52:29
Navigating Changes with Lewy Body Dementia
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri, a devoted caregiver whose husband Ray has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Sherri shares her journey, from noticing the first subtle changes in Ray's behavior to the emotional ...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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53:42
Rebuilding Relationships Through Dementia
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share her inspiring story about caring for her mother, who lives with dementia. Robin opens up about her journey from dealing wit...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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54:15
Love and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia
In this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her journey as the sole caregiver for her husband, Monty, who's facing a multitude of healt...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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46:43
A Daughter's Journey Through Dementia Caregiving
In today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Kim's story is not just moving—it's filled with i...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:00:17
Supporting a Parent with Dementia in Your Twenties
In today's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Skylar, a young caregiver who has been navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Two years ago, Skylar stepped into the role of primary caregiver, a journey filled with bo...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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51:39
Cannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry Yafai
Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues like anxiety, sleep d...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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45:17
Bringing Dental Care Home with Gabrielle Mahler, DDS
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of dementia. Dr. Gabby explains how she can perform cleanings, fillings, crowns, extrac...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:04:29
A Comprehensive Look at Dementia with Kevin Jameson, Founder of The Dementia Society of America
Joining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who was diagnosed with dementia, which led him to start this organization. He provides an ...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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40:41
Believing in Yourself as a Caregiver with Tami Anastasia
In this episode, we invite back special guest, Tami Anastasia. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's als...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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50:28
Creating a Meaningful Holiday Season with Tami Anastasia
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to reduce caregiver stress, honor feelings of grief, and create new meaningful traditions....
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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41:37
Placing My Wife With Alzheimer's in Memory Care with Jay Swerdlow
In this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Jay Swerdlow, a longtime support group member. Jay shares the difficult journey of placing his wife Andy, who has Alzheimer's disease, into memory care. He discusses the challenges of caring for her at ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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33:57
Supporting Your Loved One Through the Journey of Lewy Body Dementia
Today I welcome Debbie, a dedicated wife caring for her husband who is living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Debbie shares the daily ups and downs of managing her husband's diagnosis, coping strategies that help her stay resilient, and advice f...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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34:54
Navigating Caregiver Stress and Guilt with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith
I had the pleasure of sitting down with clinical psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith to discuss the immense stress and guilt that comes with being a caregiver. Our collaboration in co-facilitating a caregiver support group at UCLA for Alzheimer'...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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25:19
Finding Balance: Self-Care and Compassion in Dementia Caregiving with Beth Lanie
In today’s episode, I speak with another member of my support group, Beth Lanie, a devoted caregiver to her husband Howard, who has been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies. Beth shares her heartfelt experience, providing insights into the...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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58:02
Finding Joy in the Present: Embracing Dementia's Silver Lining with Valerie Rennert
My special guest this week is Valerie Rennert, who opens up about her father's journey with dementia. She shares how their family first became aware of his condition and the ways they tried to support him. Despite the challenges, Valerie emphas...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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29:35
Bringing Care Home: The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Caregiver for Your Loved One with Dementia
Today I'm joined by Noma Kaz, a seasoned caregiving professional specializing in dementia care. Throughout our conversation, Noma shares her extensive knowledge and experience in the field, helping us explore the intricate dynamics of caregivin...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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57:38
The Power of Music, Yoga, and Seizing the Day in Caregiving
Franne Golde opens up about her journey with her husband, Paul, who was diagnosed with a disease they knew very little about. Our conversation covers the challenges of finding care for Paul, the timing and benefits of hospice care, and several ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:19:19
Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care: Tips and Tricks for Caregivers
Finding strength in a community of other caregivers, in this powerful episode, I’ll speak to Amy Kent, a member of my support group who is caring for both of her parents with dementia. Amy shares her personal story of the day-to-day struggles o...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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32:52
I Need You To Know That I’m There, with James Savage
It’s amazing how much music comes up in these conversations where we delve into the experiences of those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode, James Savage shares his personal journey caring for his wife as her ability to conver...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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31:57
It’s a Family Affair: How the dynamics of aging impact the entire family
Today Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Bunni Dybnis. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Bunni worked as an Aging Life Care Manager for years and is now a mediator, helping families of the aging and terminally ill work throug...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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53:30
Caregiving by default and why it's so easy to lose yourself
Today Barbara’s guest is Sandra Hunnicutt. Sandra shares her story of taking care of her husband, Don, a brilliant UCLA professor who was a “man on fire” until 2018, when he began to show signs of memory impairment and was diagnosed with mild-t...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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43:13
Lessons in Caregiving Education
Today Barbara is pleased to welcome David Hart, a professor and clinical psychologist who specializes in dementia and caregiving. David is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at California State University, Fullerton, and is the di...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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50:32