The Senior Zone
The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.
Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.
🎙️ New episodes weekly
📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC)
The Senior Zone
Ep. 712 | Protecting Choice, Memory & Peace of Mind After 50
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry leads two important conversations for older adults, caregivers, and families.
First, attorney Lisa Brown of Legal Counsel for the Elderly explains adult guardianships in Washington, DC — how they work, when they may be needed, and what families should know.
Then, as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month comes to a close, Dr. Sharon Brangman joins the show to discuss Alzheimer’s blood tests, early detection, brain health, and how to balance hope with caution.
Plus: Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown.
Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
Opening Remarks & Weekly Vitamin
SPEAKER_01Good morning, family, and welcome back to the seniors on the DMV's number one weekly radio program serving our beloved 50 plus community since 2012. I am your host, Sean Perry, and I am truly grateful to be with you once again, where every Monday morning we make space for information, encouragement, conversation, and community. This week's show is about something we all care deeply about: protecting the people we love, protecting our choices, and protecting our peace of mind as we age. In our very first segment, we'll bring the legal zone here on the senior zone, brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly. We're talking about adult guardianships in Washington, DC. What they are, how they work, when they may become necessary, and what families should understand before a judge ever gets involved. Joining us will be Lisa Brown, an attorney with the Legal Counsel for the Elderly, to help us break it down in very plain language. Then in segment two, we close out Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, where we're going to have a thoughtful and honest conversation about Alzheimer's blood tests. There's a lot of hope around early detection, and there are also real questions about accuracy, access, anxiety, and what one test result can or cannot tell us. To help us talk through it all, we'll be joined by Dr. Sharon Brangman, a nationally respected expert in geriatrics and brain health. And later in the show, we'll lift up our birthdays of the week. Hear the New Grave Woman by Joelle Simone and bring you your later life lowdown, news, resources, and announcements for older adults and families across the DMV. And remember, if you missed any part of today's show, don't worry about it. The Sting Your Zone podcast is now available on demand after this broadcast. Just search The Sting Your Zone with Sean Perry wherever you listen to podcasts. Now, family, here's your weekly vitamin: a little dose to carry you into the week ahead. Aging well does not mean having every answer. Sometimes it means asking better questions, taking one wise step at a time, and refusing to let fear make decisions for you. Whether it's a legal matter, a health concern, or a family conversation you've been putting off, remember this clarity is a form of peace, and you deserve peace. Now, family, before we take this quick break, I want to send some love and gratitude to our sponsors and partners. So thank you, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, AARP of the District of Columbia, AARP of the State of Maryland, Compassion and Choices, Jewish Council for the Aging, and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. Folks, we'll be right back after this short break. Brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, providing free legal and social work services to DC residents most in need. Don't change that doll, I promise. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_00Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of DC elders by providing free legal and social work services to those in need. Worried about addiction or foreclosure, need help obtaining Social Security or veterans benefits. Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120. Income eligibility applied. LCE is an affiliated AARP. 202-434-2120.
SPEAKER_05Attention listeners, criminals are consistently developing new ways to steal your hard-earned money and personal information. But the AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. See the report scams in your area with our scam tracking map. Get guidance from our trained fraud specialists, and sign up to receive information on the latest scams. Knowledge is power. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Get more tips and resources at aarp.org slash fraudwatch network.
SPEAKER_01Welcome to the
The Legal Zone: Adult Guardianships with Lisa Brown
SPEAKER_01senior zone. I am your host, Sean Perry, and this is the Legal Zone on the Senior Zone, brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Guardianships in Washington, D.C. are legal arrangements in which a judge appoints a trusted individual to oversee the personal care, medical decisions, andor property of a minor child or incapacitated adult. But what does that actually mean for the individual and their family? And how much authority does a guardian really have? Well, joining me now is Lisa Brown, an attorney with Legal Counsel for the Elderly. She is here to help us better understand adult guardianships, how they work, and some of the concerns families should consider. Lisa, my new friend, welcome back to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_08Good morning, Sean. It's a pleasure to be here and thank you for having me here again.
SPEAKER_01It is a pleasure to have you here. So, Lisa, today we're going to talk about two types of guardianships focused on our older adult community: the guardianship of the person and conservatorship, which is also called a guardian of the estate, as I am learning as well. Let's go through them one by one, starting with guardianship of the person.
SPEAKER_08Yes, Sean. And before we talk about guardianships, I want to mention two ways that people can actually avoid guardianships. And that is to get a healthcare power of attorney, which allows an individual to state who they want to help them with medical decisions, and a financial power of attorney, which allows the individual to say who they want to help them with legal and financial decisions. Those two things put in place may help them avoid a guardianship. Now, with regards to guardianship of the person, guardianship of the person in the event that a person does need to get that um in place is the relationship between an individual, 18-year-old or older, and someone who the court appoints to be guardian, who will be able to make decisions regarding a person's health, where they live, um, and just manage day-to-day things for the individual.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. So that's the person responsible, as I'm as I'm hearing from you, responsible for involving the individual's personal care and well-being. What about the financial side? I'm assuming that's where conservatorship comes in. How is that different?
SPEAKER_08That's right, Sean. So a conservatorship or guardianship of the estate is the person who's appointed to oversee the individual's finances. So that might involve paying their bills, handling their property, um, managing their money. So this is not the health and safety, but it's over the person who's going to be over their finances.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. And so those are two uh different response, a set of responsibilities. Uh with that being said, uh Lisa, uh, at what point should someone need to have a guardian appointed? And is a judge the only person that can make that appointment?
SPEAKER_08Yes. So, Sean, the guardianship and conservatorship process involves a petition being filed. So the petition is filed with the court where an individual applies to become guardian or conservator. And there's a process after that petition where there's an investigation from the court. The court's gonna appoint an attorney for the individual unless the person already has an attorney. The court will appoint a guardian at Lightham who will speak for the court to investigate um whether or not a guardianship is necessary, and whether the person who's applying to be guardian is really the right person. The court might also involve a counselor or social worker who and all these people will inform the judge who is the one who makes the decision whether or not the guardianship is necessary, and whether or not the guardian is the right person to be the guardian. And then the person, the individual, in the petition we call the subject, the individual can state their position, what they want as well.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha, gotcha. So it sounds like the process begins with a petition, right? So let's walk our listeners through uh what that means, uh, Lisa. Who files that petition? Is it usually a family member, or can someone else ask the court to appoint uh a guardian?
SPEAKER_08Sean, often it is a family member. Um, it could be a spouse, it could be a friend, but it often is someone who knows the individual. They will petition the court if they believe that the individual is having some trouble making decisions, or it might be that the person is under a very serious medical condition, maybe they're unconscious, but for whatever reason they cannot handle their affairs. Additionally, an institution like a nursing home or hospital can also petition the court for guardianship. So if they believe that there's you know, there's not somebody set in place to make decisions for the person, um, there's no power of attorney in place, then the institution um can petition the court. And when they do that, normally they're asking the court to appoint a third party um to be guardian. Um and that's a list of people that the court has where they they pick from this list uh guardians who can serve for individuals.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I'm not uh an attorney, that's obvious. You are uh Lisa, but I do know that a guardianship, and please correct me, uh my friend, can certainly provide you know much needed protection for the individual, but it can also mean giving up a great deal of personal uh independence, as I have learned uh over the years. So let's talk about some of the potential pitfalls, beginning with the loss of autonomy. Does the court ever overcorrect or place more restrictions on the person than may actually be necessary?
SPEAKER_08Yeah, Sean, this is true because guardianship is a very big step, and it does mean that the individual loses the right to make their own decisions, and that guardian, that appointed person, now is the one who is responsible for making the decisions of regarding the person's day-to-day, where they live, um, what kind of uh care they should receive. And the court has somewhat limited information, right? They the court does the best they can during this hearing, it does get information from individuals, from attorneys, from counsel, but those people who speak to um the subject, the individual, they may be seeing them at a certain time of day, or they might be, you know, their contact with the individual is limited. And so, as an example, if a garden at lightum visits an individual at a certain time of the day, let's say in the afternoon, and asks the individual what day of the week it is, um, then the garnet lightum might assume if the person can't answer the question, you know, or can't answer it quickly or seems unsure, the garnet lighter might believe that the individual is totally incapacitated. That might not be true. So a different time of the day, the person might be able to answer questions better. Um, and even if a person, you know, doesn't know certain information, that doesn't necessarily mean that in general they cannot handle their affairs.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. So I'm just curious. So like when so when you're when you're under guardianship, right, you've you know surrendered, you know, or it's been taken, you know, your uh loss of autonomy, right? You you're you're losing a lot of it there. And my concern, uh, Lisa, and I'm sure for many of our listeners, is the possibility of financial uh abuse, just just one you know area. Is there, with that being said, is there a risk of financial exploitation, uh, Lisa, or even extortion by a guardian or conservator?
SPEAKER_08Certainly. So while the conservator and the guardian are required to file reports with the court, um there's so there's an accounting that they must show with regards to the health of the individual, um, with regards to their finances if it's a conservator, that accounting is there, but the court stops its investigation process after that initial hearing. So the guardian at LIDA, who's responsible for that investigation piece, their job is done after the initial hearing, and now the court's relying on these reports that are filed by the guardian or the conservator. So there is a risk of abuse because, for instance, a conservator could be neglecting to include all of the assets of the individual, or they could mix their assets, their assets with the individual's assets. So these things do occur. Um, but it's it's also important to know that an individual um in the beginning and also you know, throughout the process, has the right to fight against having a guardian or any improprieties that might be have having happened so that they should know they can file a petition with the court if they need to.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. You know, sometimes and thank you for that, uh, Lisa. Sometimes we hear about people being separated from their friends and relatives, etc., you know, for many years. Can a guardian isolate uh a person from their family and friends, Alisa?
SPEAKER_08Good question. It does happen, but in DC, um, there is a law that a guardian should not isolate a person from their family and friends, and specifically should not deny them access to email, phone calls, and mail unless there is a documented and valid reason um for them to separate them from the individuals.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha, gotcha. And on the flip side of that, if a guardian believes that certain friends or family uh members are not acting in the person's best interest, what steps must the guardian take from separating them from that person?
SPEAKER_08Sean, what the guardian should do is on the outset, they should bring that information to the court so that that initial guardianship order includes a separation between the individual and whatever family or friends that the guardian believes are a danger to the person. And if that doesn't happen, if the guardian learns later on throughout their guardianship that there's an issue, they should bring that issue to the court and and have the court uh issue an order that there should be a separation.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. And that brings me to another major decision, as I'm thinking, uh Lisa, uh, that a guardian may be involved in, and that's where the person will live. Can a guardian place someone, say, in a nursing home, even when that person wants to remain in their home?
SPEAKER_08Yes. Um, Sean, the guardian is responsible for the safety and the well-being of the individual. And if they believe that the person needs to be in a nursing home for their safety, ultimately it is their decision to make, even over the individual. However, the guardian should report that in their report. So a guardian has to file a report every six months to the court. Also, if there's a change in address for the individual, um, the guardian needs to report that to the court as well.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. So, you know, guardianship may not only affect a person's independence, but also the role that their friends and family members are allowed to play. With that being said, uh, Lisa, does this mean that once a guardian is appointed, right, uh the person, you know, may lose some of their autonomy while friends and families may also lose their say in what happens?
SPEAKER_08It does because the guardian obviously has been appointed by the court to make the decisions about what's in the best interest of the person. But what I will say is that the the family and friends, if they believe there's a problem or an issue, they do have the recourse of filing something with the court.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. So this is the question I really wanted to get to, uh, Lisa, and I'm glad we are there right now. Because, you know, you know, you've given up so much control, right, and and loss of independence as the person of interest or the subject, I think we said uh earlier. So my question is what type of oversight does the court provide to make sure a guardian is doing what they're supposed to do responsibly, right? And not abusing their authority.
SPEAKER_08Yes. At the beginning of the process, Sean, the before a guardian um gets too far, they they first have to tell the court whether or not they have a criminal background. So they just make that um assertion, whether they have a criminal background or not. Then after they're appointed, they have to go through an FBI background check, and that has to be submitted to the court um within the first 90 days of their appointment. So that's that's one way the court looks at um the person who is going to serve as guardian or conservator. Also, the guardian at Lightum again serves as the eyes for the court. They investigate um the guardian, the relationship between the guardian and individual, and they will ask the individual if the person is able to um express their desires, they're able to say whether or not they believe this is a good person to serve as guardian or conservator for them. And then finally, the court does have some recourses, such as um appointing, appointing a co-guardian if they need to, or ordering a repayment of lost assets, or removing a guardian if necessary.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. So you just I think you stole my next question, and I'm glad because I don't mind repeating some things, uh, Lisa. Does the court, my question was going to be does the court ever check in directly with the person to ask how they feel about everything going on with their guardian?
SPEAKER_08Right. The answer is that the court doesn't uh interact directly with the individual. So the court interacts through the guardian at lightum at the beginning of the process. And but the guardian at lightum's role ends once the guardian is appointed. And then what's next is the report that the guardian files. So there's no direct interaction between the court and the individual unless something is filed by the individual or by their family or friends or whomever might be of interest.
SPEAKER_01And if that person, um, this just came to mind, if that person, uh Lisa, feels that the guardianship is just no longer necessary or that that arrangement between the two simply isn't working, right? Uh, how difficult is it to revoke or end guardianship once it's been established?
SPEAKER_08Sean, it's difficult because now the weight is on the individual to prove that that the guardianship is no longer necessary. The courts already made a decision that it was necessary, and now for the the person's position is that I don't need a guardian anymore, or this person um isn't a good guardian for me. That may be a little easier, but still there needs to be proof, right? There if if the guardian is doing something wrong, there needs to be some proof about what the guardian has done or what the conservator has done is gonna. Appropriate. But regarding the guardianship no longer being necessary, there might be a doctor's report, it may be a a psychiatrist's report. So now the person has to go through the litigation steps to prove um their case with regards to that. So that's why it's better that at the outset, a decision, the proper decision is made. So if the person believes that they don't need a guardianship, they should step up in the beginning of the process and try to make sure that it doesn't happen.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I hope our listeners are listening to what you just said, right uh there, uh Lisa. Before we close, uh, my friend, uh, there's one practical question I'm sure our families may not even think of asking uh along the way, and they should be asking this at the beginning of the process. But is a guardian usually a volunteer person, or does the guardian get paid?
SPEAKER_08So in most instances, the family and friends don't get paid. Um, they can't they don't get paid for most of the caregiving activities that they perform. However, guardians who are appointed, and in some small instances, family and friends can apply for a DC guardianship fund, they can file a fee petition to be to be certainly the uh the people who are appointed will file a fee petition, um, which is DC guardianship fund, but under some limited circumstances, family and friends can apply for it as well.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, this is a very complicated you know issue, uh, which is why we need folks like you uh uh uh representing us uh uh during this process because you know families may need legal guidance, but deciding what steps to take, you just don't know, particularly this sort of uh uh legalese uh uh conversation that we're having. So, how can folks get in touch with legal counsel for the elderly for any additional information or assistance regarding guardianship or conservativeship?
SPEAKER_08Sean, if a person is a DC resident and 60 years old and older, they can call our legal hotline at 202-434-2120. So the number to our legal hotline is 202-434-2120.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. Folks, this was Lisa Brown, attorney with legal counsel for the elderly. Lisa, thank you again for helping us better understand adult guardianships right here in Washington, D.C. Family, guardianships can provide necessary protection. It really, really can, but it may also affect a person's independence, relationships, and ability to make decisions about their very own life. That is why understanding this process, asking the right questions, and getting sound legal guidance are so, so uh important. Lisa Brown, my new friend, second time here on the senior zone. Thank you for joining us here on the senior zone.
SPEAKER_08Thank you so much, Sean. I really appreciate the opportunity to speak on this topic. I thank you very much.
SPEAKER_01And you are welcome back uh any uh anytime uh soon, uh my friend. Folks, this next break is brought to you by Compassion and Choices, empowering everyone to chart their own end of life journey. This is Sean Perry and the Senior Zone, and we'll be right back. In life, choices matter.
SPEAKER_09Compassionate choices is here to support you on your journey. Our organization provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate difficult decisions with compassion and understanding. Need guidance on end-of-life choices? Visit our website at compassionatechoices.org for a range of informative articles, toolkits, and personal stories. Our compassionate team is just a call away, ready to assist you. Because, let's face it, talking about death is not gonna kill you. Compassionate choices, empowering you to make choices that reflect your values.
SPEAKER_11Hi, neighbor. I'm inviting you and your wife to my husband's 65th birthday party next week.
SPEAKER_04Great! Has he applied for Medicare yet?
SPEAKER_11Not yet. It's very confusing.
SPEAKER_04Call Montgomery County Ship. They help me with questions about my Medicare coverage.
SPEAKER_11What's Montgomery County Ship?
SPEAKER_04It's Ship like a boat. Montgomery County State Health Insurance Assistance Program. They help seniors like us, or people with disabilities, or caregivers and families with Medicare insurance questions.
SPEAKER_11Can anyone call them?
SPEAKER_04Sure, as long as you live in Montgomery County. You can call them at 301-255-4250. Or check out their website at www.medicareabcd.org.
SPEAKER_11What's that number again?
SPEAKER_04Montgomery County Ship. 301-255-4250. Made possible with a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living through the state of Maryland and Montgomery County.
SPEAKER_10When you hear the chirp, it's time to do some work. Change the battery. Working smoke alarms save lives, including yours. For more information on smoke alarms and other fire prevention and safety tips, contact the DC Fire and EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at 202-727-1614. Or email us at FEMS.fireprevention at DC.gov.
Alzheimer’s Blood Tests & Brain Health with Dr. Sharon Brangman
SPEAKER_01Welcome back to the Senior Zone. I am your host, Sean Perry. Now, coming out of our conversation with legal counsel for the elderly, we're shifting from protecting your rights to protecting your brain health. And as we close out Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to have a thoughtful, honest conversation about something getting a lot of attention right now. Alzheimer's blood tests. For older adults, caregivers, and families who have watched a loved one struggle with memory care, the promise of earlier answers can sound powerful. But like most things in healthcare, it's not quite that simple. What can these tests really tell us? What can't they tell us? And how do we make sure people are informed, supported, and not frightened or misled by one test result? So to help us sort through the hope, the caution, and the practical next steps, we're joined now by Dr. Sharon Brangman, a nationally respected expert in geriatrics and brain health. Dr. Brangman, welcome back to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_03Oh, thank you for having me again. It's great to be here.
SPEAKER_01It is a pleasure to have you here. Let's just jump right into it, uh my friend. For the older adult listening at home who has heard about these new Alzheimer's tests, Dr. Brangman, what are they designed to detect and what should people understand before they think, I need to go out and get one?
SPEAKER_03So the basic premise of these tests is that they look for an abnormal protein, which are called biomarkers. Now, these proteins are made in the brain and are the hallmark of someone who might have Alzheimer's disease. And these um abnormal proteins may appear in our spinal fluid and in our bloodstream, and they can help doctors make a diagnosis, but they're not used alone to make a diagnosis. So, what's important to know is that if you get this blood test, you have to understand that it may not necessarily mean that you have Alzheimer's disease or are gonna get Alzheimer's disease. And if it's negative, it doesn't mean that you're home free either. So these tests are important tools that doctors are using in addition to a complete workup. So they add additional information about what might be going on in somebody who is worried about their memory and they've had consistent problems with their memory. So, in other words, there are a lot of things that we all experience as we get older. We may have trouble pulling up someone's name, maybe losing our train of thought, or maybe you're misplacing your keys or your cell phone. That doesn't necessarily mean you have Alzheimer's disease, and it doesn't mean you should go and get this blood test. This blood test also isn't for anyone who doesn't have any symptoms. So people are probably familiar with getting their cholesterol checked once a year, or maybe their blood sugar to see if they're they have diabetes. Well, this isn't that kind of test. You don't just get this test just to see because we don't have enough information about what it means in somebody who has no symptoms. So just using it as an everyday screening test is not a good idea. It would probably make people very worried and anxious, or they may be falsely comfortable. The other thing you should know is that Alzheimer's disease is only one type of dementia. It is the most common one in the United States, but there are other types of dementia that wouldn't be picked up by these tests. So they're definitely an important new tool, but they have to be used very carefully.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. And I may be circling back or repeating this question. I'm not sure, Dr. Brangman, but if people are take this test, uh what can they, these tests, I should say, reliably tell us today, and what can they not tell us?
SPEAKER_03So if you get this test, it should be part of a comprehensive full workup if you have a memory concern. So the test alone cannot make a diagnosis. There is more to making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease than getting this blood test. So as I said, it's an additional tool, but it's not the only tool that you use as a freestanding test.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha. And if someone takes this test, Dr. Brangman, and they get a positive result, what should happen next? What kind of follow-up, counseling, medical evaluation, et cetera, should be in place so that person is not left scared, confused, or making decisions based on just one test result?
SPEAKER_03So hopefully they're getting this test in the office of a memory specialist. It shouldn't be the kind of test you casually get. But if you happen to get it maybe with a primary care doctor or someone, um you should be sure to get referred to a memory care center. Now, this can be a geriatrician who specializes in memory problems. It can be a neurologist. But as I said, this isn't the kind of test that you would just get in a mall at a screening kiosk or something like that. This test should really be ordered by a specialist who is trying to figure out what's going on with your memory complaint.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, and that guidance, and I appreciate you saying that, that that guidance is certainly uh key because I just worry, you know, people, maybe even myself, ordering tests or asking for tests without really understanding what they're stepping uh into. With all of what's been said so far, Dr. Brangman, can you explain the risk of testing, say, uh too early, testing without symptoms, or testing without the right medical guidance?
SPEAKER_03So if you test without symptoms, you're gonna make yourself a nervous wreck because we don't know what it means when you get a positive test and you have no symptoms. There's a lot of research going on. It takes many years to kind of unearth these details because Alzheimer's disease is a slow-moving disease. So if you get a positive test and you have no symptoms, we're not able to tell you if you're definitely going to get Alzheimer's disease. We just know you have a positive test. So now you have years of worry. There's no medications or anything you could take at that point.
unknownYeah.
SPEAKER_01So let's point in knowing. Yeah, so let's flip the script on the other side of that uh coin. Uh uh, some people may think, well, if I uh test negative, I'm good, right? But the brain health is bigger than just Alzheimer's, you know, alone, as I've learned from having a conversation with you uh uh recently. So if someone has a negative uh Alzheimer's blood test, why does that not mean they can't stop paying attention to their own brain health?
SPEAKER_03So a negative test doesn't mean you're home free either. So if you're getting this test without any symptoms, the results don't have any meaning. If you have a negative test, it doesn't mean that you're not going to get Alzheimer's disease. It doesn't mean that you're home free and you can do whatever you want uh in terms of your brain health. So brain health is something that we should be doing every day, just like we take care of our health every day.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. And so let's let's let's shift because this is the uh end of uh Alzheimer's and brain uh health awareness uh month. What are some signs, uh, Dr. Brangman that should prompt an older adult or their or their family for that matter to bring up memory concerns uh with their doctor? And how do we distinguish everyday, as you because you talked about it earlier, everyday forgiveness, and I'll raise my hand on that one, from something that deserves a closer look?
SPEAKER_03So the the signs that you should be concerned about might be somebody whose memory problems start to get in the way of them getting through the day. So um some of the initial things you might find is somebody is suddenly um more disorganized than usual, they can't keep track of their bills, they may have trouble keeping track of their medications and appointments, uh, maybe they're not um driving safely, they start to have fender benders, or maybe they get lost in familiar environments. I had a patient, for example, there's a lot of road construction and there was a detour, and even though she was going to a place that she'd gone for years, she got all turned around and it took her hours to figure it out. You might find somebody who is telling you the same story over and over and they don't remember that they already told you, or that you told them something and they have no recollection of it at all. So, in other words, we're looking for memory problems that get in the way of you getting through the day. On the other hand, we all have trouble pulling up someone's name or maybe finding something. We misplaced it. But generally, you can pull up that person's name. It may take a few minutes, but you should get it. If you misplace something, you can usually retrace your steps and find it. When people have serious memory problems, they don't know where they put it. They can't retrace their steps because they may have trouble remembering what they were doing earlier. And then sometimes when you find it, it could be in a really weird place that you wouldn't expect it. So those are some of it. Um I had a patient once who used to always dress meticulously, and suddenly she started to wear clothes that had stains on them. It was the middle of winter, and she had on summer clothes. She couldn't pick out the right outfit for the occasion. And that could be a very subtle hint that somebody needs to have a more in-depth evaluation.
SPEAKER_01Thank you. Thank you for sharing that information for myself as well as for my listeners. Because I am that one Dr. Brangman that is very forgetful. Sometimes drawing up names uh is certainly uh at the top of the list for me. Let's go back to the testing, because I'm just thinking, Dr. uh Brangman, you know, once we talk about testing, we also have to talk about fairness because not everyone, as you already know, has the same access to specialists and follow-up care as well as affordable uh testing. So are these, as these blood tests, I should say, become more available, what equity concerns are you watching for? Are there risks that some communities may be over-tested, undertested, priced out, or just not properly uh counseled?
SPEAKER_03Well, equity is a huge issue when we're talking about memory problems and access to care. So these tests are approved by the FDA, but not all insurance companies will pay for them. So it could be a significant amount of money coming out of your pocket. And that has to be discussed also, which is another reason why you don't casually get this test. There are other ways of getting to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease that are covered by Medicare. So that if you go to a memory specialist, they can do a complete evaluation and make a diagnosis without this blood test. So it's you shouldn't think that you absolutely have to get it. And the standard evaluation is covered by most health insurance. But equity is a big problem because we know not everybody has access to a big medical center with all the specialists. I know there are patients who live in healthcare deserts essentially. Maybe they live out in the country and it could take them all day to get into a big city where there might be a medical center. Most of this work is done in big cities. It's not really done in small towns. So it depends on where you live, what part of the um country you're in, and what kind of access you actually have to medical care. Sometimes you don't even have access to primary care where the first diagnosis is often identified. So there are people who can't get to a primary care um physician or even a primary care nurse practitioner. So, yes, equity is a big problem across the board in healthcare.
SPEAKER_01Thank you for answering that. That matters deeply to me, especially for communities, uh Dr. Brangman, that have not always been treated equally by the healthcare system and where trust has to be earned uh first. So thank you. Thank you for sharing that. How should older adults prepare Dr. Brangman for a conversation with their doctor about Alzheimer's testing? What questions, I should say, should they ask before saying yes to a blood test?
SPEAKER_03So um I don't think that they should go in specifically asking for a blood test for memory. I think if an older adult has any concerns about their memory, they should go to their doctor and say, Doctor, I'm having trouble and give their examples of what they're concerned about. And don't let anyone tell you it's normal for your age. I get so many patients who get referred to me and they said their doctor told them, Oh, what do you expect when you're 75, when you're 80? Everybody forgets. Well, everybody might forget, but we have to figure out whose memory problem is part of the normal aging process and what could be the signals for a more significant disease. The other thing that happens is a lot of times we don't self-police ourselves very well. We think we're fine, but other people around us may notice things. So this is where family input is very important. Friends and family may say, Oh, there's something wrong. Um, did you notice? Um, she's not remembering anything we told her.
SPEAKER_01Um with grandma.
SPEAKER_03It's not right. But the patient, the person themselves says, I'm fine. What are you making a fuss about? I tell you, so many patients come in and say, I'm only here because my wife made me come. There's nothing wrong with me. So this is often not something we can self-assess. That's why in our office we ask family members to come in and we speak to them separately so they don't have to feel embarrassed talking in front of their loved one so we can get to the real story.
SPEAKER_01Gotcha.
SPEAKER_03So that's an important fact.
SPEAKER_01Dr. Brennan, we are nearing the end of uh this show or this hour, this segment, I should say. Uh, but a couple of more questions for you. Whether someone gets tested or not, what are the uh brain health steps that still matter? Things like I've heard blood pressure control and sleep and movement, right? Social engagement. Can you talk to that?
SPEAKER_03So, yes, our brain health is something we should be thinking about all the time. The most important thing you could do is to get up and walk and move. You don't have to run a marathon, you don't have to bench press 500 pounds, but you should be doing something every day to keep yourself active. If you have high blood pressure, you have to take those pills and get your blood pressure down. If you have diabetes, you have to adjust your diet, get rid of all those sugars and carbs, and eat healthy. Get your blood sugar under control. If you have high cholesterol, same thing. Those three things, especially in our community, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, increase your risk of getting a dementia like Alzheimer's disease. So you have to move, you have to take care of your medical problems and eat right. You should limit alcohol. Alcohol is not safe in any amount, and it doesn't help our brain stay healthy. And then you have to stay connected to people and your community. This is not a time to be isolated. We found out during the pandemic that people who were isolated actually had a higher rate of getting. Mention. So you have to stay active with your family, with your church, join a senior center. If you take a walk, walk with a friend, have somebody that you connect with all the time because social engagement is very important. And of course, you know, don't smoke. Whenever you talk to a doctor, you'll you know not to smoke. There's nothing healthy about smoking.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, great information, uh, my friend. My last question for you, Dr. Brangman, is for the older adult or a caregiver that's listening right now who is anxious about Alzheimer's or memory changes or these new tests, right? What would you say to help them approach this moment with both hope as well as caution?
SPEAKER_03So my message is that you might have a memory problem, but it doesn't mean you have dementia. There are other things that might cause your memory problem, medication reactions, stress, not sleeping well. So don't think that immediately a memory problem means that you have dementia. You need a full workout. And a lot of times we find that people are on medications that slow down their brain function. Or we find that they have high blood pressure, and when we get their blood pressure under control, their brain clears up. So don't immediately associate a memory problem with dementia. It just means you need to get checked up.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, great stuff. Dr. Sharon Brangman, uh, thank you. Thank you again for helping us slow this conversation uh down and understand it in a way that's practical, honest, and human for our listeners. The takeaway is this Alzheimer's blood tests, they are coming. They may be an important tool, but they are not the whole story, as I've just learned, as we've just learned. A test should never replace a full conversation with your doctor, and a test result should never define your worth, your future, or your ability to live well. And if you are worried about memory changes in yourself or someone you love, don't sit with that worry alone. Talk with your healthcare provider, ask questions, and bring someone with you if you need support. Dr. Sharon Bringman, thank you, thank you, thank you once again, my friend.
SPEAKER_03Thank you. Thank you for having me.
SPEAKER_01And thank you again. Hopefully, see you uh in another six months or so. You're welcome back anytime. Okay. All right, folks. This next break is brought to you by AARP DC, your wise friend and fierce defender in Washington, D.C. When we return, it's birthdays of the week, followed by Dear Grave Woman, featuring Joelle Simone, and then it's your later life lowdown news and events that you can use. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_09Today is your day to connect with AARP and DC. AARP is here in the District of Columbia working hard to make it an even better place to live, work, and play for people of all ages, and you can help. Put your skills and talents to good use as an AARP volunteer where you can help lead local events or become an advocate for the issues that matter in your community, like funding for programs that help district residents age with dignity and independence. AARP is also helping you get the most out of life. Check out their educational workshops where they can help you grow as a caregiver, find a job, and teach you about the latest technology, or enjoy a night out at any of their exciting local events, like their happy hours and free movie screenings. Today is your day to connect with your community and with AARP. So let's take on today and every day. Learn more at AARP.org slash DC.
SPEAKER_02Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday.
Birthdays of the Week
SPEAKER_01Truly, truly matters. First up, May Best 76. Haven't seen you in a long time. Celebrate 76 today, Monday, June 29th from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, May Lyndon Heading or Heaton 69 today as well. Monday, June 29th, also from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Lyndon, Royal Height 77 today. June 29th from Capitol Heights, Maryland. Happy birthday, Royal Laverne Johnson, 69. Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th from Temple Hills, Maryland. Happy birthday, Laverne. We all know this woman here, Jackie Gales Webb from WHUR 96.3. Turn 71 on Tuesday, June 30th from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Jackie. A friend here, Reverend Karen Curry, is 59 years young on Wednesday, July 1st from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Reverend Karen Curry. Another friend, Dora Carpenter. I don't believe it, Dora. 72 on Wednesday, July 1st from Bowie Maryland. Happy birthday, Dora. Tanya Walker Muse Hostclaw, 59 on Wednesday, July 1st from Bowie Maryland. Happy birthday, Tanya. Daryl Matthews is 73 on Thursday, July 2nd from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Daryl. Cecilia Harvey, 79. Friday, July 3rd from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, Cecilia. Another Cecilia, Cecilia Van is 75 on Saturday, July 4th from Washington, D.C. And last but not least, I don't believe it, he is Medicare eligible, my friend here, Dave Reynolds 65 on Sunday, July 5th from Aka Keek Maryland. Happy birthday, Dave, and many more. Folks, to each and every one of you, we say happy birthday, happy new year of life, and may this next chapter bring you peace, joy, good health, good people, and plenty of reasons to smile. And listen, family, if you're celebrating a birthday this week and your name wasn't called, don't worry about it. We're celebrating you too. Because here on the Single Zone, every year lived is wisdom earned, and every birthday is a blessing worth honoring. And to have your birthday announced here on the senior zone, just send us an email. Send that email to infothesing the zone.com. That's I N F O at the SeniorZone.com. Make sure to include your full name, your birth date, the age that you are turning, along with where you're from. That's the city
Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone
SPEAKER_01and state. Now, as we celebrate life, we also make room for reflection, healing, memory, grief, love, and the conversations. We don't always know how to start. So let's turn our attention to Dear Grave Woman, featuring my friend Joel Simone, where compassion meets conversation and wisdom finds its voice. Joelle, the mic is yours, my friend.
SPEAKER_07Hey, Sean, and welcome back, everyone, to Dear Grave Woman, your three-minute segment here on the Senior Zone, where I, Joelle Simone, your host, known all over the world as the Grave Woman, answer your questions about life, death, grief, planning for the end, and everything in between. This month has been all about pre-planning, and I want to end with somewhat of a bang. Here are three legitimate red flags or reasons to walk away, away or run when pre-planning feels off. I want to express this as it isn't about fear, it's about protecting yourself from poor practice and unclear agreement. In the event that you feel any of these things, as a licensed professional, professional, and insurance professional in the States of South Carolina, in Georgia, this is your green light. Number one, if you feel pressured, it's assigned immediately or locking into days without having to review or think about your decision. If someone is pushing urgency, limited time framing or emotional pressure topic, that is a sign that the focus maybe fails over clarity. You should always be given space to review documents and ask questions and even sleep on it if you need to. Number two, whoever it is that you're working with, whether it's a funeral professional or some type of insurance sales professional, if they are unable to clearly explain where your money goes or how it is protected, that is a huge red flag. If the provider is vague about whether funds are held in a trust, an insurance policy or another structure, or avoids explaining refunds, cancellations, or portability, that is a major concern. You should be able to understand in plain language how your money is secured and what happens if plans. Last but not least, if your cultural, spiritual, or personal wishes are dismissed or treated as non-standard without discussion, that is a huge red flag to run. Replanning should adapt to your values, not flatten them to a generic attitude. If you're met with resistance, minimization, or this is how we always do it as an attitude when you express specific traditions or preferences. That's a sign that the service may not honor your legacy fully. And as a professional and just as a human being, I'm telling you to run and do not work with that professional, that agency, or that group. I really want to hear from you about July and what it is that you'd like for me to discuss here on the senior zone. So please send me an email with your questions, with your topics of interest, or anything that you want to hear here on the senior zone from me, the Grave Woman, to thegravewoman at gmail.com. T-H-E-G-R-A-B-E-W-O-M-A-N at gmail.com. Sean, back to you for the later life lowdown.
Later Life Lowdown
SPEAKER_01Thank you, thank you, Joel. As always, you give us something to sit with, not just something to hear, but always something to feel. And family, that's why this segment matters. Because grief, remembrance, love, and legacy, they are all part of the journey. Now let's shift into something designed to keep you informed. It's now time for your later life lowdown where we bring you current news, resources, and events for older adults, caregivers, and families across the DMV. Starting in Washington, D.C., DC residents aged 60 and older can continue to connect with the DC Department of Aging and Community Living for Senior Wellness Centers, Community Dining, Transportation Support, Caregiver Resources, and many other services. Just call the DC Department of Aging and Community Living at 202-724-5626. That's 202-724-5626. And for DC homeowners or renters who may need safety modifications at home, the Safe at Home program may help eligible residents with things like grab bars, stair lifts, and other changes that support aging in place. Again, call 202-724-5626. Also in the district, if you or someone you love is looking for hot meals and social connection, the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, their community dining sites, they remain a good place to start. Don't sit at home wondering what's available. Just make that call and ask. Again, one more time, 202-724-5626. Now moving into Maryland, Maryland older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities can connect with Maryland Access Point for help navigating services, supports, benefits, transportation, meals, caregiver resources, and much, much more. Their number is 844-627-5465. That's 844-627-5465. And for Medicare questions, Maryland Ship remains a trusted resource for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call the Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465. Again, that's 844-627-5465 and ask to be connected to the SHIP office. And now in Northern Virginia, we didn't forget about you. In Fairfax County, older adults and caregivers can call the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 for help with services, caregiving questions, transportation, meals, and community supports. Also, the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services also offers Senior Centers, activity calendars, and programs for adults 50 and better. For more information, call 703-324-4600. That's 703-324-4600. And with summer underway, keep an eye on free community concerts, outdoor performances, library events, and senior center activities all across Northern Virginia. These aren't just events, they're opportunities, folks, to get out, to stay connected, and remind yourself that community still matters. And finally, across the entire region, heck, across the entire country, don't forget about benefitscheckup.org. It's a free tool that helps older adults and people with disabilities search for programs that may help with things such as food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, housing, and many, many other everyday expenses. That's benefitscheckup.org. Again, it is free. And that wraps up this week's Later Life Lowdown, where the info is fresh, the love is always real, and the goal is always to enrich your journey. Family,
Closing Remarks
SPEAKER_01that's going to do it again for this week's edition of the Senior Zone. Thank you, thank you, thank you for spending part of your day with us. And one more thing before I let you go the senior zone has always been about more than a moment, it's about building something that lasts. That's why we are now available as a podcast so these conversations can live on, they can be revisited, and they can be shared. Just search the senior zone wherever you listen to podcasts. So, until we meet again, keep your head high, keep your heart full, and always be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow. We love you. Peace.
SPEAKER_06Be sure to join us on our next broadcast.
SPEAKER_12Until then, live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.
SPEAKER_06Have a wonderful week, and God willing, the seniors own will be here for another informative and entertaining hour next Monday morning at 10 a.m.
.png)