Life With Dementia

Finding the right resources at the right time is a crucial need for people affected by a chronic illness. But what if there was a tool that helped you do exactly that? Find out about a technology platform aiming to intelligently reduce stress for individuals who are caring for or supporting persons living with dementia.

Just like art, dementia has the power to be transformative. Dr. Gene Cohen taught the world that just because we age doesn’t mean we lose our ability to create and even a brain affected by Alzheimer’s still has the capacity to learn, use the imagination, and engage in new tasks. This is part 2 of a discussion with Deb Campbell as she shares specific projects that Arts&AGEing KC is involved in and the touchpoints it has with dementia. Find out more at lifewithdementia.ca/blog

It’s not often that we receive a message from doctors upon the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia to go dancing or paint a picture. But what if it was? Doctors around the world are beginning to recognize the health benefits of engaging in arts activities as a treatment for all sorts of illnesses. Today, we talk about the movement of creative aging, what it is, and how it has a direct impact on our health and wellness. Deb Campbell with Arts and AGEing KC shares how participation in the arts as we age is a way for us to process life, later in life, as we find more time and space for reflection.

Wandering and dementia is stigmatized due to our misunderstanding of the risks. Just because you have dementia doesn't mean you're at risk of getting lost. We chat with Noelannah Neubauer and Dr. Lili Liu from the University of Alberta, about guidelines they've created to help those living with dementia and community partners plan for safe decision making while empowering independence. Find out more at lifewithdementia.ca/blog.

There’s something to be said for having help at your fingertips. How many times have we experienced frustration with a problem and we just want to be able to pick up the phone and call someone? Accessing good dementia advice for family caregivers is an ever-present need and on today’s episode, we highlight an excellent resource: The Dementia Advice Line, offered by Alberta Health Services through the health link phone line. Find out more at www.lifewithdementia.ca/blog. 

Being a family caregiver or care partner can be quite physically, emotionally, and financially demanding of your life and there are many people who are all alone in this role with no family around to help and little to none additional health supports on board. Hear about how adult day-support programs are stepping up to offer caregiver’s a much-needed break and engage clients in meaningful and therapeutic activities to stimulate the mind and the body. See more at www.lifewithdementia.ca/blog.   

Do your lifestyle choices put you at risk for Alzheimer’s? We’re talking today with Dr. Jeffrey Burns, a lead researcher, and co-director at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, where they're investigating the use of lifestyle interventions as a preventative measure in the fight against Alzheimer's. Can things like diet, exercise, and quality of sleep really reduce our risk of dementia? These are precisely some of the areas being studied here. For more info go to www.lifewithdementia.ca/blog

The stress any health crisis puts on a relationship is no laughing matter - but when it’s memory loss your partner is dealing with, sometimes maintaining a sense of humor is all you can do. Our last episode was with Joe Dolan who is personally battling early-stage dementia. This is Pt. 2 with Joe’s spouse, Maureen Barnes, who shares how she has come to terms with this illness in her life and learned the best ways to support her spouse with dementia. Visit lifewithdementia.ca for show notes. 

Living with dementia is challenging. But if you’re as tenacious as Joe Dolan, you won’t let that keep you down. Hear firsthand as he reflects on family history; how dementia has affected his relationship; and why he believes maintaining a sense of purpose is the most important aspect of living with dementia. For more info visit: www.lifewithdementia.ca/blog 

It’s not easy facing life’s challenges alone, and that leaves us all yearning for support and understanding. Nowadays, we have a world of “virtual support” right at our fingertips. Today, we talk to Christine Prysunka of the Alzheimer’s Society, on their latest adventure in offering education, awareness, and support through an online community. See the full show notes at www.thedementiapodcast.org/blog 

Worldwide there are 50 million people living with dementia, which means not a day goes by where we don’t hear or see something about Alzheimer’s and dementia. But where do you turn? And what role does your local community play? Beth Mansell, with the SAGE Senior’s Association in Edmonton, shares thoughts on the role of community in this process. Find out more and subscribe at www.thedementiapodcast.org.  

Are you curious about how to help people living with dementia? Do you want to see positive changes in care and services? Maybe you’re a friend, family member, professional caregiver or someone living with dementia and looking for more answers and resources to cope with your own frustrations on this journey? Then this podcast is for YOU! Check out our teaser and join us for the first episode on February 15! Find out more and subscribe at www.thedementiapodcast.org.