Hello Alzheimer’s

Voices of Dementia: Thor Nystrom

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks 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. 

What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part IV, The Legal Aid Answer

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Gordon Solo, the Supervising Attorney of the Senior Law Project at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. Gordon gives insights and advice on what Legal Aid can do -- legally and practically -- to protect every person in our greater community, especially those with fewer resources who are also starting their own dementia journey.
Gordon specifically recommends LawHelpMN.org as a legal resource, including a library of resources directly related to Elder Law. He also suggests people with any coverage- or care-related questions call the Senior LinkAge Line, at: 1-800-333-2433.
NOTE: This is the fourth episode in an ongoing series dedicated to answering the question families or individuals may have when they first suspect they've started the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey: "What do we do now?" Please check out previous conversations -- especially the episode featuring Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price -- for more insights and information.

Prof. Joe Gaugler: A 'Dementia Roadshow' and Finding Resources in Rural Communities

Hello Alzheimer's Host Karla Hult talks with Prof. Joe Gaugler, the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging, School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. Joe discusses his latest outreach -- a "dementia roadshow" -- that allows everyone in Minnesota to hear directly from this health care leader about the latest Alzheimer's research and resources. And Joe also weighs in on a perceived lack of resources and support in rural communities for those touched by any cause of dementia.
To learn more about Prof. Gaugler's outreach, just email his team at: fltc@umn.edu. The Senior LinkAge Line referenced in this conversation is: 1-800-333-2433. Anyone struggling to navigate resources in their community can also reach out to So Many Goodbyes.  

What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part III, Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price, a founding member of Bravura Group. Together, the two tackle all those daunting legal and financial questions, documents and overall next steps families and individuals want to address when they believe their Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun.
You can learn more about the documents and recommended "next steps" at this Alzheimers.gov website or at the National Institute on Aging website. The Alzheimer's Association also provides several resources -- including a free e-learning workshop -- here. 
NOTE: This is the third episode in an ongoing series dedicated to answering the question families may have when they first suspect they've started the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey: "What do we do now?" Please check out previous conversations for more insights and information. And please reach out if you have any questions or need support: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com

Hearing Loss and Dementia: PART II, What the Science Says (and what that means for YOU))

In the second part of a conversation you'll want to savor and share, Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Dave Fabry, Ph.D., the Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey. This conversation dives into the latest research related to hearing loss and the development of dementia, including the landmark Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders, or ACHIEVE, study. And Karla and Dave both humbly reflect on the options available for everyone experiencing hearing loss, including -- or maybe, especially -- those also touched by Alzheimer's or other dementia.

Hearing Loss and Dementia: PART I, The "Life-Changing" Journey from Loss to Gain

In a conversation you'll want to savor and share, Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dave Fabry, Ph.D., the Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey. Together, the two address the persistent stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids. And together, the two reflect on Karla's own "life-changing" journey from hearing loss to hearing gains. Truly, if you or someone you know struggles to hear, you'll want to listen to Karla's humble, honest reflections about her history... and her recent revelations.
Best of all, ALL of this sets the table for a topic we'll further address next week: The latest research showing how hearing loss may cause -- not just correlate with -- the development of dementia. So please listen, pun intended, to the first of these two important conversations. 

New Year, New Hope: Dr. Michael Rosenbloom on the Latest Alzheimer's & Other Dementia Research

Happy New Year! In this encore episode of Hello Alzheimer's, host Karla Hult talks with world-renowned neurologist Dr. Michael Rosenbloom. "Dr. Mike" is the director of clinical trials at the University of Washington Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center in Seattle. He previously served as director of the HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging in St. Paul, Minn.. And best of all, Dr. Mike's just a really good human who offers his take on this "Era of Hope" in Alzheimer's and other dementia research AND his advice for future doctors and families affected by this cruel disease. Truly, we could think of no better way to begin 2025 than by reflecting on our reasons for hope. Happy New Year, indeed. 

ENCORE: What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part I, Maren Levad

We're bringing back this important conversation, as we're still savoring the holiday season (when we're also possibly noticing changes in our loved ones). As always, please reach out if you have questions or need help finding resources.
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This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to answering the question families may have immediately when they suspect they've started the dementia journey: What do we do now? In this conversation, Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Maren Levad. Maren is the Dementia Friendly Initiatives Program Manager for Trellis, which is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Twin Cities (Minnesota) metro area. Translation: Maren is a force for good for anyone affected by any form of dementia.
To learn more about the programs and services available at Trellis, simply click here.

Holiday Hope and Resources for the Alzheimer's and other Dementia Family

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult shares a special holiday "conversation" featuring the latest concert of the fabulous Giving Voice Chorus. As a reminder, this chorus brings together people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia, their care partners, friends and volunteers to form the most beautiful music and community.
Karla also shares some of her favorite tools and resources available to families and individuals touched by dementia, including:
AARP and the Alzheimer's Association's Community Resource Finder,
Medicare's Care Comparison tool,
The Gathering at Lyngblomsten,
The Memory Cafe,
Area Agency on Aging,
Senior LinkAge Line: 800-333-2433,
The Alzheimer's Association, 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900.
You can also always reach out to Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com
Please remember you're not alone... Not during the holidays or any day. Happy Holidays, each of you. And a humble reminder to savor the simple moments of joy.

What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part II, Jennifer Bauernfeind

This is the second in a series of episodes dedicated to answering the question families may have immediately when they suspect they've started the dementia journey: What do we do now?
In this conversation, Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jennifer Bauernfeind. Jennifer is a  a professional care partner who owns and operates Comfort Keepers, a caregiving agency. Jennifer's also just a kind and compassionate human... so the perfect person to speak about the challenges and benefits of finding the right professional care partner.
In this episode, Karla references AARP/Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder, Medicare's care comparison tool and, quite simply, care.com.
Please reach out to Karla at Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com if you need help navigating these tools or accessing other resources. And please know... You're not alone.