Hello Alzheimer’s

Trish Cook: 'Anishinaabe Comedic Raconteur' & Dementia Daughter

Bringing back the incomparable... Trish Cook.
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Trish Cook. According to her website, Trish is an "Anishinaabe Comedic Raconteur." But her brilliance doesn't stop at the stage. Trish brings her talents, kindness and wisdom to her many professional and personal roles -- including her cherished role of daughter. 
In this captivating conversation -- that yes, may make you both laugh and cry -- Trish shares her insights from walking alongside both of her parents during their dementia journeys. Trish's dad, Lee Cook, was a member of the Red Lake Nation and a lifelong advocate for tribal rights. Trish's mom, Dana Cook, remains a spitfire, smart former nurse.  
This is the third conversation in an occasional series, Voices of Dementia. The conversations highlight the courageous voices of people touched by Alzheimer's and other dementia. And in Trish's case, the conversation also offered an opportunity to talk about the persistent and inordinate toll of dementia on the Native American community (and what we can do about it). 
By the way, scroll down on this page to find Trish's performance schedule. Trust me, it's worth your time and effort to enjoy her brilliance in person. 

'How to Care' -- The Lessons of a Documentary (and Son)

Watch film + listen to this conversation = Greater appreciation for "How to Care."
Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Brennan Vance, filmmaker and force behind the phenomenal new documentary, How to Care. The 22-minute, 26-second film covers the most critical details related to caregiving: The selfless people who courageously sign up to care; the beautiful people who meet them in this care partnership; and the caregiving crisis, complete with inadequate compensation.
To say watching this film is the best 22 minutes, 26 seconds you'll spend all week is an understatement. We encourage you to watch... and then listen to this (a bit longer than usual) conversation with Brennan, who brings both his talents and heart to his work... Because it just so happens Brennan also offers a "Voices of Dementia" perspective, given he lost his own father, Thomas Vance, to frontotemporal dementia in 2017. 
Again, you can watch How to Care here or on Twin Cities PBS. Brennan also recommends a unique self-care column, called the Care Collective with Kelsey Peterson. 
Please enjoy... and please know... You are not alone.

Mayo's Dr. Ron Petersen: Predicting Your Dementia Risk

Because some conversations simply need to be heard again...
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Ron Petersen, the world-renowned neurologist and director of both the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And while ANY conversation with "Dr. Ron" is rewarding, this one covers a new tool that can estimate a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear. 
Dr. Ron walks us through how Mayo Clinic scientists developed the tool based on decades of data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And he also shares more about how this tool will help everyone reduce their risk of developing dementia.
During the conversation, Dr. Ron references lifestyle factors that can help reduce a person's risk of developing dementia. You can learn more about the POINTER recommendations in this AARP article.
And writing of AARP: Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota helped give all Minnesotans the gift of paid leave. Even better, AARP Minnesota wants to help you prepare for what paid leave could mean for you and your loved ones, because caregivers shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Please learn more about Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, at: AARP.org/MNPaidLeave. 

Tia Delaney-Stewart: The Unequal Burden of Dementia

Yes, another encore. Because yes, some voices we simply need to hear again. We'll be back soon with that promised new episode, friends. But in the meantime we PROMISE Tia's advice is worth a second (and definitely a first!) listen... 
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Tia Delaney-Stewart, MSN-Ed,  RN, PHN, CCM. Tia holds many titles, including: 
Executive Director, Eyes of Love Nursing: Health Committee Chair,National Action Network - LA; 
LA County Commissioner (District 2) - Hospital & Healthcare Delivery Systems;
Public Relations Chair,Council of Black Nurses - LA;
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,Alzheimer's Association, California Southland;
Community Advisory Board,Merv Dymally Institute - CSUDH;
And Health Committee Chair,NAACP- Inglewood/Southbay Chapter. 
Clearly, there's no better leader to talk about the persistent divide in dementia. Reminder: According to the Alzheimer's Association, Black Americans are twice as likely as older White Americans to have Alzheimer's or another dementia.
During this conversation, Tia refers to the positive impact of healthy behavior on brain health, as concluded in the U.S. POINTER study. She also addresses the ALZBrainTrust initiative and related hope for improving equity.
Trust us, you do NOT want to miss Tia's wisdom, eloquence and inspiration.
* Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota helped give all Minnesotans the gift of paid leave. And now AARP Minnesota wants to help you prepare for what paid leave could mean for you and your loved ones, because caregivers shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. As of this year, Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program offers another tool to help. And that means when you need time off to care for family, you can get part of your pay and your job will be there when you return. Please learn more at AARP.org/MNPaidLeave. Thank you, AARP, for helping give this gift for every season of life.

ENCORE: Fighting Fraud, Scams AND Dementia

It has been a heartbreaking and exhausting week in our greater community. And for that reason, our Hello Alzheimer's team has decided to share again this poignant conversation. If you missed it the first time, please enjoy this episode or another one you may have missed... We'll be back with a new Hello Alzheimer's episode next week. Sending you all hugs, hope and light.
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jay Haapala, the Associate State Director, Community Engagement, at AARP Minnesota. Jay's leadership role includes a LOT of outreach related to fraud and scams and how to protect ourselves or our loved ones from falling into a fraudster's trap (while also preserving our overall safety, dignity and independence). 
Lest you think this conversation isn't for you, consider how easy it is for ANY of us -- let alone, those of us living with any form of dementia -- to succumb to the convincing scams communicated by phone, email or other platform. They're everywhere, right?!! And the best way to combat these all-too-familiar fraud and scam schemes is to simply learn more about them.
Fortunately, Jay is willing to share his immense knowledge with all of us in this conversation. He also recommends a couple of specific resources to further support or educate everyone trying to fight fraud, including:
The Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Recovery Plan and related checklist;
And, of course, AARP's Fraud Watch Network, available online and at: 877-908-3360.
Please share this conversation with everyone you believe could benefit from learning more about fighting fraud and scams and keeping everyone safe.
And please reach out if you need support, have questions or topics you'd like us to consider, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
Finally, please subscribe to, share with others and review Hello Alzheimer's. We're so grateful for your support. 

Cathy McLeer: The Gift of Paid Family and Medical Leave

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Cathy McLeer, the State Director of AARP Minnesota. The two discuss all the details related to the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which offers caregivers (and others) an opportunity to care for themselves and their loved ones without losing their job.
Importantly, Cathy shares her expertise from the profound dual perspectives of an AARP leader and daughter, who's walking alongside her parents during her dad's dementia marathon.
Among the resources mentioned during this conversation:
* The state website about Paid Family and Medical Leave;
* AARP's website dedicated to the new Minnesota program;
* The U.S. Department of Labor overview of paid leave and similar programs around the country;
* The National Conference of State Legislatures summary for each state;
* AARP also offers abundant caregiver resources and referrals, nationally, and in Minnesota.
As always, you can also reach out to Karla -- Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com -- for help getting started. You're not alone.
And further proof of that fact:
* Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota championed the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave, which started on Jan. 1. And now, AARP wants to help you prepare for what this change could mean for you and your loved ones. Under the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, care partners can take time off to care for family, while still getting part of your pay and while knowing your job will be there when you return.  Please learn more at aarp.org/MNpaidleave.

Post-Holiday Epiphany: What to do when you realize YOUR dementia marathon has begun

Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, brings back dear friend and wonderful author, Myrna Marofsky, to talk about what families will want to know if they've left the holiday season with a realization: Their dementia marathon has begun.
Together, Karla and Myrna reflect -- in a natural "stream of consciousness" style -- on their own dementia marathons and the lessons they learned along the way: Myrna, as the life partner turned primary care partner of her beloved husband, Larry; and Karla, as the daughter who also helped care for her amazing dad, Bob. 
Trust us, both Karla and Myrna impart wisdom, humor and a whole lot of humility -- all of which can benefit others in the extended Alzheimer's and other dementia family, including those who've just joined that very family.
As a reminder, Myrna wrote the beautiful book: To the Last Dance: A Partner's Story of Living and Loving through Dementia.
Karla and Myrna refer often to the abundant resources available to walk alongside any family on the dementia marathon. For more information on those resources, please email: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com
Thank you for listening, friends, especially during this difficult start of a new year. Please know you are not alone.
* Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota championed the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave, which started on Jan. 1. And now, AARP wants to help you prepare for what this change could mean for you and your loved ones. Under the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, care partners can take time off to care for family, while still getting part of your pay and while knowing your job will be there when you return.  Please learn more at aarp.org/MNpaidleave.

Jay Haapala: Fighting Fraud and Scams (While Also Fighting Dementia)

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jay Haapala, the Associate State Director, Community Engagement, at AARP Minnesota. Jay's leadership role includes a LOT of outreach related to fraud and scams and how to protect ourselves or our loved ones from falling into a fraudster's trap (while also preserving our overall safety, dignity and independence). 
Lest you think this conversation isn't for you, consider how easy it is for ANY of us -- let alone, those of us living with any form of dementia -- to succumb to the convincing scams communicated by phone, email or other platform. They're everywhere, right?!! And the best way to combat these all-too-familiar fraud and scam schemes is to simply learn more about them.
Fortunately, Jay is willing to share his immense knowledge with all of us in this conversation. He also recommends a couple of specific resources to further support or educate everyone trying to fight fraud, including:
The Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Recovery Plan and related checklist;
And, of course, AARP's Fraud Watch Network, available online and at: 877-908-3360.
Please share this conversation with everyone you believe could benefit from learning more about fighting fraud and scams and keeping everyone safe.
And please reach out if you need support, have questions or topics you'd like us to consider, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
Finally, please subscribe to, share with others and review "Hello Alzheimer's." We're so grateful for your support. 

New Year, New Hope: Reorganizing Your Life, Despite Dementia

Happy New Year! Please enjoy this special -- honestly, perfect for the new year -- encore conversation.
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Joan Palmquist about the practical and personal benefits of decluttering and downsizing during the dementia journey.
Joan's a retired marketing researcher who studied both journalism and law. And while that's impressive, Joan's current LinkedIn profile describes her most brilliant and rewarding work yet: "Volunteer Extraordinaire at Various Nonprofit organizations." Most importantly, Joan brings her own wealth of wisdom and empathy after caring for her beloved mom during her Alzheimer's journey.
Two quick notes: 1., Yes, decluttering and downsizing during dementia. We promise this advice benefits everyone but, perhaps especially, those affected by Alzheimer's or other dementia. And 2., Though it's spelled "Joan," it's pronounced Joanne.
Please enjoy the conversation. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please know... You're not alone.

Christmas Encore: 'Vibrant Living' Despite Dementia (and the Gift of Mental Health)

On this holiday of connection, we share an encore conversation that we hope brings comfort, peace... even joy. Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate. Please know today and every day... You are not alone.
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Tamara Statz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Vibrant Living.
Tamara delivers needed perspective -- and guidance -- for families on the Alzheimer's and other dementia journey. Karla also throws Tamara some of those uncomfortable but familiar questions families may face related to finances, family dynamics and communication.
Please reach out to Karla at Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com if you need help finding a mental health expert to walk alongside you, your family or someone you know on the Alzheimer's and other dementia journey. And again, friends, you are not alone. Hugs on this day and always.