Dementia Discussions

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Dementia Discussions

Barbara Hament

93 episodes

3 days ago

This week on Dementia Discussions, I sit down with someone very close to my heart—my childhood best friend, Madeline Jaye. We reconnected after many years, and I was deeply moved to learn that she’s been navigating her own journey as a caregiver to her mother, Bonnie, who now lives with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Madeline doesn’t just share her caregiving story—she’s also transformed her experience into a one-woman play that’s as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. In this episode...

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Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

All content for Dementia Discussions is the property of Barbara Hament and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

This week on Dementia Discussions, I sit down with someone very close to my heart—my childhood best friend, Madeline Jaye. We reconnected after many years, and I was deeply moved to learn that she’s been navigating her own journey as a caregiver to her mother, Bonnie, who now lives with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Madeline doesn’t just share her caregiving story—she’s also transformed her experience into a one-woman play that’s as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. In this episode...

Show more...

Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/93)

Dementia Discussions

Dementia, Caregiving & Exit Strategies: A Conversation with Madeline Jaye

This week on Dementia Discussions, I sit down with someone very close to my heart—my childhood best friend, Madeline Jaye. We reconnected after many years, and I was deeply moved to learn that she’s been navigating her own journey as a caregiver to her mother, Bonnie, who now lives with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Madeline doesn’t just share her caregiving story—she’s also transformed her experience into a one-woman play that’s as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. In this episode...

1 month ago

53 minutes

Dementia Discussions

A Son’s Devotion — Steve Lavapies on Navigating Caregiving, Decline, and Connection

I’m honored to welcome Steve Lavapies, a devoted son and a thoughtful member of one of our UCLA caregiver support groups. Steve shares the deeply personal journey of caring for his mother, a brilliant and resilient woman who immigrated to the U.S., became a physician, and faced a long and complex decline due to physical illness and dementia. In this episode, Steve opens up about the realities of caregiving as an only child, the emotional and logistical weight of moving his mom through assiste...

1 month ago

50 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Caring Through Chaos: Lorena Llamas' Journey as a Daughter and Caregiver

Welcome back to Dementia Discussions. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my dental hygienist, Lorena Llamas, who opens up about a deeply personal journey—caring for her beloved father, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. What started as small, everyday memory lapses soon led Lorena down a path of advocacy, navigating doctors, family dynamics, and the emotional rollercoaster of watching a parent change before your eyes. Lorena shares tender stories about her dad's lively spirit, his c...

2 months ago

56 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Navigating Dementia with Compassion and Clarity: A Candid Talk with Dr. Miriam Winthrop

Welcome back to Dementia Discussions! I’m so grateful to be back with you after a bit of a hiatus, and today’s episode is a truly meaningful one. I sit down with Dr. Miriam Winthrop, an adult and geriatric psychiatrist whose compassionate approach and wealth of knowledge make her a true gem in the dementia care world. We open up about the recent California fires that disrupted both our lives and how trauma and caregiving intersect, especially in these unpredictable times. This conversation di...

3 months ago

53 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Alzheimer’s Caregiving: A Journey of Love, Patience, and Resilience

Welcome to the first episode of season three of Dementia Discussions! In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Charlene, a dedicated caregiver navigating the emotional and practical challenges of supporting her sister-in-law with Alzheimer’s. Charlene brings a unique perspective as a sister-in-law and sibling, sharing deeply personal stories about her family's journey through this devastating disease. We explore the complexities of caregiving, from handling denial and family dynamics to man...

9 months ago

51 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Navigating Love and Loss: A Caregiver's Tale of Resilience with Andrew Bloomenthal

In this poignant episode, I sit down with Andrew Bloomenthal, a writer and caregiver, to delve into his heartfelt story about navigating his father’s journey with Parkinson’s-related dementia. Andrew’s article in Boston Magazine struck a chord with readers, and today he joins us to share the deeply personal moments that shaped his caregiving experience. From navigating family dynamics to finding moments of levity and grace in the midst of confusion, Andrew’s story is one of resilience, vulner...

10 months ago

45 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Until There’s a Cure, There’s Community: Wine, Women, and Dementia

In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I’m joined by the incredible Kitty Norton, a former assistant editor turned caregiver, blogger, and filmmaker. Kitty shares her inspiring journey from her mother’s dementia diagnosis to becoming her primary caregiver, a role that profoundly changed her life. We explore her transition into advocacy through her candid blog, Stumped Town Dementia, and her documentary film Wine, Women, and Dementia, which is now airing on PBS. Kitty brings her si...

11 months ago

52 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Navigating Changes with Lewy Body Dementia

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri, a devoted caregiver whose husband Ray has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Sherri shares her journey, from noticing the first subtle changes in Ray's behavior to the emotional and practical challenges they face today. We delve into how Ray's fearless personality and active lifestyle shifted dramatically as the disease progressed, and how Sherri has had to adapt to these changes. This episode is a touching reminder of the resi...

1 year ago

53 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Rebuilding Relationships Through Dementia

In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share her inspiring story about caring for her mother, who lives with dementia. Robin opens up about her journey from dealing with her mother's hoarding issues to managing her care from a distance and navigating the challenges that come with dementia. Robin shares the unexpected silver linings that have brought her closer to her mom and offers valuable tips for other caregivers f...

1 year ago

54 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Love and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia

In this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her journey as the sole caregiver for her husband, Monty, who's facing a multitude of health challenges, including multiple system atrophy (MSA), diabetes, and dementia. Through our candid conversation, Melanie opens up about the daily struggles and joys of caring for her beloved husband while striving to maintain her own identity. Her story ...

1 year ago

46 minutes

Dementia Discussions

A Daughter's Journey Through Dementia Caregiving

In today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Kim's story is not just moving—it's filled with insights that only a dedicated caregiver can offer. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or just someone interested in understanding the reality of living with dementia, this episode promises to enrich your perspective. Episode Highlights: [00:25] ...

1 year ago

1 hour

Dementia Discussions

Supporting a Parent with Dementia in Your Twenties

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Skylar, a young caregiver who has been navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Two years ago, Skylar stepped into the role of primary caregiver, a journey filled with both adversity and profound personal growth. Join us as we explore Skylar's experiences, from managing daily care challenges to making tough decisions about assisted living. This conversation promises insights not only into the practical aspects of caregi...

1 year ago

51 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Cannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry Yafai

Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and pain. We discuss appropriate dosing, cannabis formulations, and most importantly - seeing a specialist versus experimenting on your own. Dr. Yafai stumbled into the world of medical cannabis while working in the ER, with patients mentio...

1 year ago

45 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Bringing Dental Care Home with Gabrielle Mahler, DDS

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of dementia. Dr. Gabby explains how she can perform cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and denture fittings in clients' homes and residential facilities. She also shares creative strategies for providing oral hygiene care to those who refuse it or cannot do it themselves. About my Guest: Dr. Gabrielle “Dr. Gabby” Mahler Dr. ...

1 year ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Dementia Discussions

A Comprehensive Look at Dementia with Kevin Jameson, Founder of The Dementia Society of America

Joining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who was diagnosed with dementia, which led him to start this organization. He provides an in-depth look at the various types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk. About My Guest, Kevin Jameson Kevin started the Dementia Society of America after his wife was diagnosed with...

1 year ago

40 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Believing in Yourself as a Caregiver with Tami Anastasia

In this episode, we invite back special guest, Tami Anastasia. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's also an educator and the author of "Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to Pace Yourself." Tami's primary focus is on supporting primary caregivers or care partners, those who shoulder the responsibility of caring for a loved one with...

1 year ago

50 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Creating a Meaningful Holiday Season with Tami Anastasia

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to reduce caregiver stress, honor feelings of grief, and create new meaningful traditions. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's also an educator and the author of "Essential Strategies for the Dementia ...

1 year ago

41 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Placing My Wife With Alzheimer's in Memory Care with Jay Swerdlow

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Jay Swerdlow, a longtime support group member. Jay shares the difficult journey of placing his wife Andy, who has Alzheimer's disease, into memory care. He discusses the challenges of caring for her at home as her disease progressed and delusions worsened. Though it broke his heart, Jay knew he had to make the difficult decision to move Andy to a care facility for both of their wellbeing. He talks about visiting her regularly, dealing with her not alw...

1 year ago

33 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Supporting Your Loved One Through the Journey of Lewy Body Dementia

Today I welcome Debbie, a dedicated wife caring for her husband who is living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Debbie shares the daily ups and downs of managing her husband's diagnosis, coping strategies that help her stay resilient, and advice for other caregivers walking a similar path. Debbie’s husband was diagnosed with LBD about 5 years ago but exhibited some mild symptoms 10 years prior. He was once an outgoing, successful man who is now grappling with memory loss and confusion. Debbie d...

2 years ago

34 minutes

Dementia Discussions

Navigating Caregiver Stress and Guilt with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith

I had the pleasure of sitting down with clinical psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith to discuss the immense stress and guilt that comes with being a caregiver. Our collaboration in co-facilitating a caregiver support group at UCLA for Alzheimer's Disease Research and care has been nothing short of enlightening. As someone who facilitates a caregiver support group, we see these struggles firsthand. Dr. Goldsmith provides research-backed insights on how to cope. One key element emerges as ...

2 years ago

25 minutes