Hello Alzheimer’s

Dr. Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich: The hope of a new diagnostic tool... Blood tests

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, about all those new Alzheimer’s blood tests.
Dr. Algeciras-Schimnich addresses every aspect of this exciting new diagnostic tool: From how the blood tests work, to who should be tested, to why the blood tests may also play a critical role in developing more Alzheimer’s treatments.
Honestly, if you’ve missed some of these developments – or simply felt intimidated by the science – you’re not alone. But this conversation with one of the world’s top Laboratory Medicine and Pathology experts will demystify the medicine while also explaining why this development should give all of us… Hope.

Kanada Yazbek on Living with MCI: "It's sad... But my life is good."

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Kanada Yazbek, the 2024 Alzheimer's Impact Movement Advocate of the Year.
Kanada's courage knows no bounds: She fights for her extended Alzheimer's and other dementia family, for families like hers and even, for herself. At only age 41, doctors diagnosed Kanada with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Now 50, Kanada believes she's the 7th person in her family to live with Early-Onset Alzheimer's. 
This conversation will indeed inform, inspire and affirm each of us... none of us is alone. After all, Kanada herself believes her diagnosis may be "sad... But my life is good."

An Update from Karla Hult, AND An Encore of the Hello Alzheimer's Trailer

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult shares some exciting updates about the podcast, including a new release day (new episodes will drop on Thursday, starting next week). And nearly two months into this mission, Karla shares again her "why."
As always, please like, comment and subscribe if you believe in the value of this outreach. And by all means, please feel free to simply tell those who could benefit from joining this conversation. After all, we continue to hope this conversation informs, inspires and affirms each of us... none of us is alone.

An Investment in Our Future: Sue Parriott on a Pair of Promising Laws

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Susan Parriott, the Chief Executive Officer/Regional Vice President of the Alzheimer's Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. Sue shares more about this week's big news in the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementia: The bipartisan NAPA (National Alzheimer's Project Act) Reauthorization Act *and* the Alzheimer's Investment Act have both been signed into law!
We PROMISE this conversation will appeal to more than just policy wonks. It will inform, inspire and affirm... ALL of us.

Dr. Robyn Birkeland: Bridging the Family Dementia Divide

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Robyn Birkeland, a study interventionist and coach at the University of Minnesota's Families and Long-Term Care Projects team.
The conversation covers quite the spectrum of what happens to nearly all families during the dementia journey: From contending with communication challenges, to navigating local versus out-of-town logistics, to dealing with a history of complicated family dynamics. 
Most importantly, listeners will learn strategies and perspectives that will help them cope and find peace within their family and throughout the dementia journey.

Dr. Ron Petersen: How to (at least try to) prevent Alzheimer's and other dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with the one and only Dr. Ron Petersen of the Mayo Clinic about what WE can do -- right now -- to help prevent Alzheimer's or other dementia, especially if we're more likely (due to family history) to develop the disease. Petersen weighs in on all the latest research about basic behavioral changes and steps we can take to reduce our risk, while also flagging for all of us what behaviors and even medications to avoid. 
Dr. Petersen refers to the AARP's Global Council on Brain Health during this conversation. You can learn more about this incredible resource here: https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/global-council-on-brain-health/

A Partner's Perspective: Myrna Marofsky on Redefining Caregiving to "Care-living"

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Myrna Marofsky, business consultant, entrepreneur and author of To The Last Dance: A Partner's Story of Living and Loving Through Dementia. As the book's title suggests, Myrna carved her own caregiving path after the diagnosis of her beloved husband, Larry. And just as fiercely as she loved Larry, she advocates for others... that they, too, may find opportunity to "care-live," even as they caregive.
To learn more about Myrna's book -- and her background (she's a proud mother and grandmother, too) -- just go to: myrnamarofsky.com

Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters: The Dementia Disparity (and what WE can do about it)

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters, an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Health Policy and Management; or as Dr. Shekinah herself says in one online bio: "I am an antiracist health services researcher."
The conversation addresses the history and current realities contributing to a dementia disparity, as according to the Alzheimer's Association: "While older Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia, research hasn't yet identified the cause."

Dr. Michael Rosenbloom: The "Era of Hope" in Alzheimer's and other dementia research

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, a board-certified neurologist and director of clinical trials at the University of Washington Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center in Seattle. Rosenbloom previously served as director of the HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging in St. Paul, Minn.. But best of all, Dr. Mike's just a really good human... who offers his take on this "Era of Hope" in Alzheimer's and other dementia research AND his advice for future doctors and families affected by this cruel disease.

Hello Alzheimer's Trailer

In this introduction to Hello Alzheimer's, listeners will learn more about a podcast that promises to inform, inspire and affirm everyone touched by Alzheimer's or other dementia. You'll learn how this weekly conversation will cover timely topics from the powerful perspectives in our community: from renowned neurologists to committed caregivers. And yes, this introduction will address the "why" of the Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult of So Many Goodbyes, who's a journalist, advocate and daughter.