Hello Alzheimer’s

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. 

A Thank You, An Ask, And An (Encore) Conversation with Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price Frances Price

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult begins this conversation with first, a look back... at the beautiful conversations we've been honored to share in these last months. THANK YOU for following, listening and learning alongside all of us at Hello Alzheimer's. 
We also want to give you a week to review, reflect or catch that one conversation you may have missed... including this one:
Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price, a founding member of Bravura Group tackles 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" referenced in this conversation 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
Again, thank you, friends. And again, please know... You're not alone.

Colleen Fritsch: The Beauty of Becoming a 'Dementia Friend'

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 is about to reach 30,000 Dementia Friends (not to mention the thousands of Dementia Friends throughout the world).
Thank you, my friends... Please enjoy... And please know, you're not alone.

Rachel Boucher: The Reasons for Respite Care

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rachel Boucher, Program Coordinator of The Gathering. The Gathering is one of those beautiful examples in our greater community of resources that do, in fact, offer respite care for all those committed care partners (while also offering enrichment for loved ones living with Alzheimer's or other dementia). By defining what "works" in The Gathering, Rachel also shines a light on what to look for when choosing your own respite care options and WHY we should seek out and accept this support.
Full disclosure: Karla approaches this conversation with a full heart for all that The Gathering offers families, as this is the program that walked alongside her family -- and, especially, her dad -- early in his Alzheimer's marathon. 
The Gathering is just one outreach offered by Lyngblomsten, and we encourage you to learn more about this beautiful organization. Please also follow Karla and "So Many Goodbyes" on social media for details about her upcoming workshop at a Lyngblomsten community. 
You can also find respite care options near you or your loved one through the National Respite Locator Service. If you prefer calls, you can call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline, at: 1-800-272-3900. Those in Minnesota, can call the Senior LinkAge Line, at: 1-800-333-2433. And of course, you're always welcome to reach out to Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.