Hello Alzheimer’s

Voices of Dementia: Rick Henkin

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rick Henkin, the committed care partner of his wife, Sonia, and founder of the Caregiver Mastery Course and a related Facebook group for family caregivers.
Rick's perspective on his Alzheimer's journey alongside Sonia is a beautifully raw, pragmatic and hopeful one: As a husband, he struggled with all the natural emotional setbacks that come with a dementia diagnosis; but as a care partner, he was determined to do more to support Sonia, along with his own mental and physical health AND that of other care partners. The result? His online outreach and desire to uplift others also on the dementia journey.
This is the fourth -- albeit unique -- conversation in our occasional series, "Voices of Dementia." The conversations highlight the courageous voices of people touched by Alzheimer's and other dementia. And yes, this was an unusual "Voices of Dementia" episode in that it also delves into all the advice Rick bestows on others through his outreach. 
NOTE: This conversation continues a loving and organic partnership with 7 Vines Vineyard. This family-owned vineyard and winery is not only dedicated to creating exceptional wines and experiences, they also support Alzheimer's advocacy and research. Their June wine of the month is Reminisce, a red blend that gives back to the Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Research Center. You can purchase a bottle of Reminisce this month in their wine bar and receive chocolate truffles to pair with it as their gift to you! The 7 Vines commitment is truly inspiring, as this family fights Alzheimer's on behalf of all of us AND their beautiful wife, mother and grandmother, Arlie Peltier. So please raise a toast to 7 Vines and our shared mission to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. 

Another Amazing 'Conversation with Kelly' Grosklags About Grief and Dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Kelly Grosklags, international speaker, therapist and author. This time, Kelly answers YOUR grief-related questions related to the Alzheimer's and other dementia journey.
As a reminder: Kelly brings compassion, empathy and education to every conversation about grief, by drawing upon her own profound loss as a child and decades of walking alongside families and individuals experiencing their own grief. She's a Board-Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, holds fellowships and has published podcasts, blogs and books. Kelly has also created the public healing forum, "Conversations with Kelly."
In this conversation with Kelly, Kelly answers your questions about the unique grief that accompanies everyone on the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey as we say So Many Goodbyes. You can also listen to our first conversation with Kelly here. 
As mentioned, there are a lot of wonderful articles and studies regarding brain health, including this short article from the Mayo Clinic, this one from the Alzheimer's Association and another from Harvard University.
As always, if you are enjoying Hello Alzheimer's, please provide a review and subscribe. We SO appreciate your support.
 

Rosie Gaston: Finding 'A Better Ending'

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rosie Gaston, an end-of-life social worker, researcher, educator and founder of "A Better Ending." The two delicately discuss a topic we all seem to avoid, even as it applies to absolutely all of us: how we and our loved ones want to die.
You're still reading? That's fabulous... because this conversation will benefit every single one of us who want to help guide our loved ones on our final wishes in our final chapter. The conversation also delves into how care partners and those loving someone living with dementia can honor their loved one's wishes and ensure "A Better Ending." 
We promise this conversation will both enlighten and lighten the burden of thinking of this topic. Because while challenging, death can also honor a beautiful life.
By the way, among Rosie's impressive credentials: she has a Masters of Social Work; is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; and holds an Advanced Palliative & Hospice Social Worker Certificate.
And Rosie is sincere in her offer to connect with her. You can do so through her website. 
As always, please also reach out with questions, comments or topics you'd like us to cover, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please also like, share, review and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying these conversations. We are so grateful for your support. 

Dr. Annabelle Singer: A Neuroscientist's Reasons for Hope

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Annabelle Singer, a neuroscientist at Georgia Institute of Technology or Georgia Tech. The conversation covers the science, mechanics and hope of Singer's latest goal: "To understand how neural activity produces memories and spurs the brain’s immune system."
Dr. Singer shares more about how she has: "Established and continues to develop a new therapeutic approach to Alzheimer’s disease, novel forms of non-invasive stimulation, and new ways to manipulate the brain’s immune system."
And while that discussion is clearly detailed -- and a bit daunting -- listeners will find new reasons to hope.
Karla mentions the information for those interested in clinical trials. The National Institute on Aging offers this resource. You can also learn more at the Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch.
As always, please share, like, review, subscribe -- all of those podcast requests -- if you're enjoying Hello Alzheimer's. We're so grateful for your support.

Gov. Martin Schreiber: 'Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver'

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Gov. Martin Schreiber, the 39th governor of Wisconsin, husband of Elaine, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In a conversation that covers both policy success and personal heartbreak - along with inspiring lessons for all of us - Gov. Marty shares about his career, his advocacy and his life. As a public servant, Gov. Marty advocated for older adults by pushing for improved long-term care and in-home community care programs. As a husband, Gov. Marty walked alongside his beloved Elaine until she finished her Alzheimer's journey in 2022. As a changemaker who continues to honor his wife and uplift others, Gov. Marty shares his wisdom and lessons learned in his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver.
Part love story, part workshop, part policy review, part "Voices of Dementia," this conversation will truly inform, inspire and affirm ALL of us, we're not alone.
As mentioned during this conversation, Gov. Marty Schreiber will be speaking at the University of Minnesota's Caring for People with Memory Loss Conference on June 14. You can learn more here. 
As always, if you're enjoying these conversations, please like, review and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We are so grateful for your support.

Our Own 'Conversation with Kelly' Grosklags About Grief and Dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Kelly Grosklags, international speaker, therapist and author.
Kelly brings compassion, empathy and education to every conversation about grief, by drawing upon her own profound loss as a child and decades of walking alongside families and individuals experiencing their own grief. She's a Board-Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, holds fellowships and has published podcasts, blogs and books. Kelly has also created the public healing forum, "Conversations with Kelly."
In THIS conversation with Kelly, Kelly and Karla talk about the unique grief that accompanies everyone on the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey as we say So Many Goodbyes. 
Please enjoy this first conversation with Kelly. And yes, we invite you to send us your grief-related questions for Kelly for our next conversation. You can simply email Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
Also, you can catch your own, in-person "Conversation with Kelly" on May 15. Learn more here.
As always, if you are enjoying Hello Alzheimer's, please provide a review and subscribe. We SO appreciate your support.
 

The 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report (and why it matters)

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Susan Parriott, Chief Executive Office and Regional Vice President of the Alzheimer's Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. Sue addresses the key facts featured in the annual report from the Alzheimer's Association, from the number of Americans now living with Alzheimer's disease (7.2 million), to the overwhelming majority of people (9 in 10) who would both want a simple diagnostic test (a "blood test") AND would welcome taking a medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
But beyond those facts and figures, Sue and Karla talk about why it's important to understand the current context of this crisis; in part, to understand the resources available and research happening right now. But also in part -- as Karla herself feels, as a daughter -- to remind each of us, "you're not alone," and we are definitely in this fight together.
NOTE: Karla refers to an earlier episode featuring Dr. Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich. You can find that conversation here.
Karla also mentions her recent story on the Minneapolis NBC affiliate, KARE 11. You can find that story here. 
As always, you can reach out with questions or topics you'd like us to consider. Please also like, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's," if you enjoy this content. We are so grateful for your support.

Voices of Dementia: 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. 
 

Tamara Statz: 'Vibrant Living' Despite Dementia (Hint: Mental Health is Key)

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.

Giving Ourselves Grace: Returning to Our First 'Voices of Dementia' Conversation

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult begins this week's conversation by reminding all of us -- including herself -- of why it's so important to give ourselves... grace.
Karla then revisits her conversation with Thor Nystrom. Thor's a phenomenal college football and NFL Draft analyst for Fantasy Life; but he's an even better son.
Thor talks about his amazing mom, Rachel Reabe Nystrom, also an accomplished journalist and former host for Minnesota Public Radio. And Thor shares how his family -- even after Rachel's diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's -- continues to search for the joy (even, or maybe especially, in a Chipotle burrito bowl). 
To hear Rachel's remarkable reporting -- and her voice -- just click here.
This is the first conversation in an occasional series, Voices of Dementia. As the title suggests, we'll be highlighting the courageous voices of people touched by Alzheimer's or other dementia.