Hello Alzheimer’s

Frontotemporal Dementia: From Bruce to Gary, 'FUB' Happens

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Nanci Anderson, Co-Founder of Gary's FUB Team and Ambassador for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. 
Nanci shares about her life mission to educate the greater community about FTD while also uplifting families and individuals on the FTD journey today... all in honor of her beloved husband, Gary. 
Trust us: this conversation is part advice, part love story and ALL parts profound, given it helps shed light on a lesser-known cause of dementia. And yes, this is the same dementia that has changed the life of Bruce Willis and his family.
As mentioned during the conversation, you can learn more about FTD and the available resources during the FTD or any dementia marathon by reaching out to the following: 
* The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration;
* Nanci Anderson, at: nanderson@theaftd.org  or garysfubteam@gmail.com;
* Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900;
* Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
P.S. If you're wondering what the 'FUB' refers to, you simply need to listen to this conversation. 

Dr. Madeline Cross: Women & Dementia (A Perfectly-Timed Encore)

Yes! We're returning to this conversation, because we think it's THAT important AND because we want to make sure everyone is caught up on all the wonderful "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes from the last few months. So please enjoy... and please make memories and find moments this week. As always, you're not alone...
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If you've ever wondered what's behind the "Alzheimer's gender gap," then this conversation is for you... Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Madeline Cross, a neurologist at HealthPartners. Dr. Cross covers why women are especially vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease, touching on the most popular theories related to hormones, the immune system and social factors. And, most importantly, Dr. Cross shares more about the hope that exists -- both in terms of research and preventative actions we can ALL take to reduce our risk of later developing dementia.
This conversation references other dementia disparities, related to communities of color. You can learn more about those glaring gaps in previous conversations with Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters, Trish Cook and Robbin Frazier. 
And as promised, here are a few of Karla's favorite community resources for those on the journey today: The Alzheimer's Association, especially their 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900); Memory Cafes; and your local Area Agency on Aging.
If you're enjoying this content, please like, review, share and subscribe. We so appreciate your support! 

Brian McDonald: Rocket Scientist + Med School = Compassionate Caregiver

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Brian McDonald, President of SYNERGY HomeCare of Northeast Metro, Twin Cities, Minnesota. 
We know EVERY care partner -- whether family/personal or professional -- is doing the most important "work" in our world by walking alongside those living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. And while we can learn from each and every one of those caregivers, Brian brings a unique perspective... Because yes, he's a retired rocket scientist who also managed a couple years of medical school and working at Medtronic BEFORE he answered the calling to become a caregiver.
Prestigious positions and degrees aside, Brian says he discovered his commitment to his current mission after his own caregiving journey.
This conversation delivers exactly what you'd expect from a person who often jokes he's the most “compassionate Rocket Scientist you’ll ever meet:" practical advice, heartfelt wisdom and empathy.
As always, please reach out to Karla if you have questions or suggestions for future conversations: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. Please also like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying this content. We truly value your support. And please know... You're not alone.

Tamara Statz: Advice for EVERYONE Connected to Dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Tamara Statz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Vibrant Living Senior Services. This time, Karla draws upon her recent role at the Walk to End Alzheimer's -- where we all hold flowers representing our connection to dementia -- to ask Tamara for her specific advice for each "role" related to dementia: the primary care partner, the adult child who's also a care partner, the courageous person living with dementia and members of the greater community who want to support a family or individual during the dementia marathon.
This conversation is packed with powerful advice... for everyone.
As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions or suggestions for other topics we cover: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
We also encourage you to please subscribe and review "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for your support!
And finally and above all, please remember: You are not alone.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's: Finding Empathy & Joy in Community

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jennifer Hendrickson, Director of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Twin Cities. Of the 600 walks throughout the country, the Twin Cities walk is one of the largest (typically in the top three). Jennifer shares how she works year-round to prepare for the powerful morning, and what -- or who -- inspires her commitment. 
The conversation also addresses how the Alzheimer's Association allocates the money raised during its largest fundraiser of the year (hint: it benefits all of us). Jennifer also shines light on all we can expect from this year's incredible celebration.
And Karla weighs in on why this walk -- or simply connecting with her extended Alzheimer's and other dementia family -- has meant so much to her family, even after her dad, Uncle Bill, Aunt MaryJean, Uncle Dick and Grandpa Hult all finished their Alzheimer's marathons. 
To learn more about participating or supporting a walk (or team) near you, just go to: alz.org/walk.
Jennifer and Karla also mention the Alzheimer's Association Helpline during this conversation. That number is: 1-800-272-3900.
As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please consider leaving a review and subscribing to "Hello Alzheimer's." Your support does make a difference. 

Dr. Kate Wyman: The ABCs of AAIC (The Latest Hope in Alzheimer's & Other Dementia Research)

Hello Alzheimer's Host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Kate Wyman, a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinician-Investigator at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center.
Every year, Dr. Wyman joins thousands of researchers from around the world at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The annual event always delivers the "latest and greatest" when it comes to the challenges, successes and yes, HOPE, within Alzheimer's and other dementia research. And in this compelling conversation, Dr. Wyman shares the highlights from this year's presentations (which she believes represents the most hopeful year, yet).
To learn more about the AAIC headlines, you can review these summaries from the Alzheimer's Association. NBC News and the New York Times also filed articles about the research related to behavioral modifications. You can also read the U.S. POINTER study itself, as published in the journal JAMA. 
By the way, both Dr. Wyman -- and, of course, Karla -- enthusiastically referenced the Walk to End Alzheimer's. You, too, can join a Walk to End Alzheimer's near you. Simply click here to learn more.
Please feel free to reach out with questions or comments. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for listening, friends, we're SO grateful for your support.

Voices of Dementia: Michael Ellenbogen

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult kicks off the fall "Hello Alzheimer's" season with a profound conversation with Michael Ellenbogen. Michael is a husband, father and former high-powered network operations manager for a Fortune 500 financial institution. And Michael -- a self-described "bulldozer of dementia" -- is also a fierce and tireless international advocate of those living with dementia... A group of people that includes Michael himself.
Michael's journey began at the excruciatingly young age of 39 with his first diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease coming a full decade later. And while doctors remain uncertain what -- or even how many -- form(s) of dementia Michael may have, Michael is focused on all he can do right now to improve the lives of everyone living with dementia, their families and our communities. He serves on boards, advises organizations, testified before Congress and even addressed the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
To say this is a "must listen to" episode in our "Voices of Dementia" series is an understatement. Because Michael simultaneously charms and challenges... showing us all how we can use our own unique voice of dementia.
For more of Michael's powerful perspective, you can check out his book: From the Corner Office to Alzheimer's.
Michael also mentioned his favorite Alzheimer's- or dementia-related organization is UsAgainstAlzheimer's.
As always, you can reach out to us if you questions or topics you'd like us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We remain so grateful for your support.

The Incomparable Dr. Ron Petersen on Reducing Your Alzheimer's (or Other Dementia) Risk

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 genetics) 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 that incredible resource here.
The discerning and loyal listener (thank you so much!) will note this is actually an encore of one of our very first "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes. A recent medical misadventure caused us to postpone the debut of our powerful fall lineup until next week. Still, Dr. Petersen himself delivers a powerful perspective as one of the world's top Alzheimer's experts.
So please enjoy this conversation. And as always, please share, review and reach out with questions about "Hello Alzheimer's." We absolutely appreciate your support.

The Beauty of Becoming a 'Dementia Friend' (and the best example)

As we savor the final days of summer, we're returning to a conversation about the beauty of becoming a "Dementia Friend." And we begin this episode with a tribute to the best kind of friend to those living with any form of dementia (my partner in this mission, Ron Stover).
As for the overall summary...
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Colleen Fritsch, the Volunteer Dementia Friends Champion Coordinator. If we've lost you with Colleen's title or even the name of this program, then my goodness... Are you in for a treat!
According to the Dementia Friends Minnesota website: "Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is in full force in Minnesota. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia."
And there's more... A lot more, but we'll let Colleen cover the highlights in this enlightening conversation. By the way, if YOU are interested in becoming an official "Dementia Friend" or "Dementia Champion," please simply click here. You'll be joining at an AMAZING time, as Minnesota just reached 30,000+ Dementia Friends this summer, a milestone reported in this KARE 11 story. 
Thank you, my friends... Please enjoy... And please know, you're not alone.

Robbin Frazier: How Faith Communities are Walking Alongside Those Living With Dementia

We're revisiting an important conversation today, because summer is busy... but that doesn't mean we should miss the information that could make a profound difference for us, our loved ones or anyone on the Alzheimer's or other dementia marathon. Enjoy, friends. And please... savor these waning days of summer.
Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Robbin Frazier, a committed community leader and dedicated daughter. Robbin serves as the Associate Director of Equity and Community Engagement at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, Center for Healthy Aging & Innovation. Translation: Robbin’s a changemaker through her work in addressing our persistent societal inequities, especially those related to Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
We discuss some hard truths related to those inequities, Robbin’s own antiracism work (please learn more about her perspective here) and her role in bringing a powerful potential solution – the national Alter program – to churches and other faith communities.
Note: This conversation also references a previous “Hello Alzheimer’s” episode featuring Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters now with the University of Pennsylvania. You can find that conversation here.
As always… If you’re enjoying these conversations, please subscribe, review and share “Hello Alzheimer’s” with everyone you think would benefit from listening to them. We are so grateful for your support. And please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or topics for us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And above all, please remember… You are not alone.