Hello Alzheimer’s

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.

Dr. Madeline Cross: The Alzheimer's Gender Gap

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! 

Voices of Dementia: Peter Zubert

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Peter Zubert, a sales executive, husband, dad and son who's today walking alongside his mother during her dementia journey.
But this "Voices of Dementia" conversation also touches on Peter's own journey to reduce his risk of later developing dementia by addressing his hearing loss.
Together, Karla and Peter cover some of those lingering reservations listeners may have related to taking their own significant step toward a better life... today and tomorrow.
Karla and Peter also discuss the challenges related to dementia and driving. The National Institute on Aging offers an excellent overview on when to consider having the driving conversation with someone living with dementia and how to broach this sensitive topic. You'll note that resource also references other critical contacts, including your state's DMV and the primary care provider of the person living with dementia. The Alzheimer's Association also gives a phenomenal guide to having the driving conversation, along with signs it's time for that conversation and transportation alternatives.
As always, please reach out to Karla with questions or topics you'd like us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And yes, please also provide a review, like and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We remain SO grateful for your support.

Dave Fabry, Ph.D.: Hearing Loss & Dementia, An Update

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult reunites with expert and friend, Dave Fabry, Ph.D., the Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey. The two catch up on Karla's ongoing transition to life with hearing aids (spoiler alert: she can now hear the responses of her strong, sassy and beloved teen daughters). Most importantly, Dr. Dave dives into the latest research related to hearing loss and dementia.
You can find discussions related to the dementia disparity -- which is rmentioned again in this conversation -- in previous episodes:
Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters first shared the historic and recent reasons for the disparity; while
Robbin Frazier highlighted a powerful new program designed to address that gap.
Dr. Dave and Karla also reference The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders, or ACHIEVE, study. You can learn more about that study's findings and other details here.
As always, if you're enjoying these conversations, please review, subscribe and share "Hello Alzheimer's" with those you believe may benefit. We SO appreciate your support.
And one last reminder: You are not alone.

Stephen Shuman, DDS, MS: Dementia-Friendly Dental Care

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Stephen Shuman, DDS, MS, professor and director of the Division of Hospital and Special Care Dentistry and the Oral Health Services for Older Adults Program at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The two discuss a new, online training course that represents a milestone in overall care for those living with dementia: Creating a Dementia-Friendly Dental Practice: An In-depth Training Program.
As Dr. Shuman explains, the course – like the overarching wisdom inspiring this curriculum – addresses the nature and challenges of all forms of dementia and how dental professionals, students and academic institutions throughout the world can adapt to meet the needs of patients living with dementia.
We promise… every person with even a distant connection to dementia – and that’s frankly ALL of us – will benefit from learning about this unique opportunity to make this critical part of health care more “dementia friendly.” To register or learn more about the course, just click here.
As always, if you’re enjoying this content, please review, share and subscribe to “Hello Alzheimer’s.” We’re so grateful for your support. You can also email us with questions or suggestions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com