Hello Alzheimer’s

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 

Linda Knebel Pruden: Finding 'Love, Peace and Joy' During the Dementia Journey

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Linda Knebel Pruden, author of From Fear to Peace: Growing Spiritually as a Dementia Caregiver. Linda herself describes the book as part spiritual memoir, part love story and part dementia caregiver’s guide – and we think that aptly describes this conversation, too. In both her beautiful book and this compelling conversation, Linda shares how she and her beloved husband, Rob, searched for the gifts hidden in his dementia journey.
Yes, we just wrote “gifts” and “dementia” in the same sentence. We appreciate that you’re still reading. :) To be clear: Linda doesn’t deny the challenges of dementia; she simply believes the challenges – even the grief – can exist alongside love, peace and joy.
To learn more about Linda’s background – including her master’s in speech/language pathology and other books she’s authored, just click here.
And as always, please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
We also WELCOME your support: Please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for doing so. 

Sara Barsel: Soaring Toward Dementia-Friendly (Air) Travel

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Sara Barsel, founder of the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group. The group is committed to uplifting – pun intended – the airplane travel experience for everyone affected by any form of dementia. Truly, their mission is a profound one, given the inherent challenges of navigating airports and the flying experience, especially when we -- or our loved ones -- may be living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. 
Again, you can check out the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group website for information, including the current context, airport training materials and the latest travel resources for families.
As always, if you're enjoying these conversations, please subscribe, review and share with others. We are truly so grateful for your support. Please also feel free to reach out with questions or suggestions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And above all, please know you are not alone.

Happy 4th of July: Holiday Reminders and Sharing (again) a Mother and Daughter's Love and Laughter

Happy 4th of July, friends! A humble reminder this holiday -- like others -- can pose a unique challenge for those living with dementia. Consider a smaller, quieter and calmer celebration that may involve only "muted" fireworks. You can find more 4th of July suggestions here.
Meantime, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations featuring a courageous mother and daughter. Please enjoy the love and laughter of Shirley and Jennifer.
*****
Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult shares the beautiful bond between a mother and daughter, Shirley Heine Rowe Freckmann and Jenn Rowe Glass. And these two women are quite the dynamic duo: After graduating from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, Shirley began a "life of service to others." She advocated for and taught others, while also managing to raise three children. For her part, Jenn has had a successful career in corporate communications, while raising a family of her own.
But despite their academic, professional and personal accomplishments, both Shirley and Jenn may be facing their greatest challenge yet: Shirley was diagnosed with Lewy body and Vascular dementia in 2021. 
In a touching conversation, mom and daughter discuss Shirley's current reality and devotion to each other. And Jenn delivers her own insights and gratitude for her village, including a brother and sister who continue to champion for their mother's care.
This is the second 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, so that we can all listen to and learn from each other. With each conversation, please remember... You are not alone. 

June: Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness AND Pride Month

As we near the end of June - which is both Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month AND Pride Month - Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Lance Kocherhans. Lance offers a raw and real perspective based on his multiple connections to dementia: As a son, nephew and son-in-law, he's walked alongside his loved ones during their dementia journeys; as a husband of Clint, father of four and grandfather of 11, he's also started his own Alzheimer's marathon.
In a conversation that moves from laughter to tears -- and back again -- Lance and Karla cover the topics related to Lance's life, positive attitude, current treatment and hopes, while also addressing the big picture for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community living with Alzheimer's or other dementia.
For more LGBTQ+ community resources for dementia, just click here or here.
And as promised, a simple breathing exercise. Please enjoy.
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.
And finally, 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. 

Robbin Frazier: Tackling the Dementia Disparity, One Church (Mosque, Synagogue or Temple) At A Time

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 Minnesota 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.
And finally, 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.