Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Rachael Dashiell, the Community Programs Manager at the Animal Humane Society. Rachael recently launched a fabulous new program, Coffee & Companions, which brings together aging adults and animals. And that program leads Rachael and Karla into a conversation about all the cognitive and other health benefits of animals to any person, let alone anyone living with dementia.  The research proving those benefits is vast: From the more anecdotal evidence at England's Alzheimer's Society or our own Alzheimer's Association, to more nuanced research appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. As mentioned during this conversation, please feel free to email Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com -- if you'd like to talk about this research and what it represents (Karla has literally "geeked out" on this subject, given her commitment to both animals and people living with dementia). Again, if you'd also like to learn more about Coffee & Companions, you can either visit their website or call them, at: 763-489-2220. And please remember to review and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying this content, as your support does make a difference. Thank you, friends, and please know... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Maren Levad, the Dementia Friendly Initiatives Program Manager at Trellis, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Maren shares about an amazing new Dementia Friends program -- one that helps younger children (kindergarten through 2nd grade) learn more about how to cope and even help during the dementia marathon. And they do so by modifying the curriculum of the proven Dementia Friends program. Listeners may recognize "Dementia Friends" from one of our earlier episodes, featuring Colleen Fritsch, the Volunteer Dementia Friends Champion Coordinator. Again, this phenomenal curriculum has been adapted to be accessible, comfortable, safe and overall age-appropriate for our kiddos. This new program can also inspire outreach throughout the country, beginning with conversations in a child's own home.  During this conversation, Maren mentions the beautiful children's book, The Remember Balloons. The University of Pennsylvania's Penn Memory Center also offers a list of dementia children's books they recommend; and the Alzheimer's Association has also curated an excellent list. A humble reminder to please like, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying these conversations. We're grateful for your support, and want to remind you... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Nanci Anderson, Co-Founder of Gary's FUB Team and Ambassador for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.  Nanci shares about her life mission to educate the greater community about FTD while also uplifting families and individuals on the FTD journey today... all in honor of her beloved husband, Gary.  Trust us: this conversation is part advice, part love story and ALL parts profound, given it helps shed light on a lesser-known cause of dementia. And yes, this is the same dementia that has changed the life of Bruce Willis and his family. As mentioned during the conversation, you can learn more about FTD and the available resources during the FTD or any dementia marathon by reaching out to the following:  * The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration; * Nanci Anderson, at: nanderson@theaftd.org  or garysfubteam@gmail.com; * Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900; * Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. P.S. If you're wondering what the 'FUB' refers to, you simply need to listen to this conversation. 

Yes! We're returning to this conversation, because we think it's THAT important AND because we want to make sure everyone is caught up on all the wonderful "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes from the last few months. So please enjoy... and please make memories and find moments this week. As always, you're not alone... ***** 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! 

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Brian McDonald, President of SYNERGY HomeCare of Northeast Metro, Twin Cities, Minnesota.  We know EVERY care partner -- whether family/personal or professional -- is doing the most important "work" in our world by walking alongside those living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. And while we can learn from each and every one of those caregivers, Brian brings a unique perspective... Because yes, he's a retired rocket scientist who also managed a couple years of medical school and working at Medtronic BEFORE he answered the calling to become a caregiver. Prestigious positions and degrees aside, Brian says he discovered his commitment to his current mission after his own caregiving journey. This conversation delivers exactly what you'd expect from a person who often jokes he's the most “compassionate Rocket Scientist you’ll ever meet:" practical advice, heartfelt wisdom and empathy. As always, please reach out to Karla if you have questions or suggestions for future conversations: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. Please also like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying this content. We truly value your support. And please know... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Tamara Statz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Vibrant Living Senior Services. This time, Karla draws upon her recent role at the Walk to End Alzheimer's -- where we all hold flowers representing our connection to dementia -- to ask Tamara for her specific advice for each "role" related to dementia: the primary care partner, the adult child who's also a care partner, the courageous person living with dementia and members of the greater community who want to support a family or individual during the dementia marathon. This conversation is packed with powerful advice... for everyone. As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions or suggestions for other topics we cover: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. We also encourage you to please subscribe and review "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for your support! And finally and above all, please remember: You are not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jennifer Hendrickson, Director of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Twin Cities. Of the 600 walks throughout the country, the Twin Cities walk is one of the largest (typically in the top three). Jennifer shares how she works year-round to prepare for the powerful morning, and what -- or who -- inspires her commitment.  The conversation also addresses how the Alzheimer's Association allocates the money raised during its largest fundraiser of the year (hint: it benefits all of us). Jennifer also shines light on all we can expect from this year's incredible celebration. And Karla weighs in on why this walk -- or simply connecting with her extended Alzheimer's and other dementia family -- has meant so much to her family, even after her dad, Uncle Bill, Aunt MaryJean, Uncle Dick and Grandpa Hult all finished their Alzheimer's marathons.  To learn more about participating or supporting a walk (or team) near you, just go to: alz.org/walk. Jennifer and Karla also mention the Alzheimer's Association Helpline during this conversation. That number is: 1-800-272-3900. As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please consider leaving a review and subscribing to "Hello Alzheimer's." Your support does make a difference. 

Hello Alzheimer's Host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Kate Wyman, a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinician-Investigator at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center. Every year, Dr. Wyman joins thousands of researchers from around the world at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The annual event always delivers the "latest and greatest" when it comes to the challenges, successes and yes, HOPE, within Alzheimer's and other dementia research. And in this compelling conversation, Dr. Wyman shares the highlights from this year's presentations (which she believes represents the most hopeful year, yet). To learn more about the AAIC headlines, you can review these summaries from the Alzheimer's Association. NBC News and the New York Times also filed articles about the research related to behavioral modifications. You can also read the U.S. POINTER study itself, as published in the journal JAMA.  By the way, both Dr. Wyman -- and, of course, Karla -- enthusiastically referenced the Walk to End Alzheimer's. You, too, can join a Walk to End Alzheimer's near you. Simply click here to learn more. Please feel free to reach out with questions or comments. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for listening, friends, we're SO grateful for your support.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult kicks off the fall "Hello Alzheimer's" season with a profound conversation with Michael Ellenbogen. Michael is a husband, father and former high-powered network operations manager for a Fortune 500 financial institution. And Michael -- a self-described "bulldozer of dementia" -- is also a fierce and tireless international advocate of those living with dementia... A group of people that includes Michael himself. Michael's journey began at the excruciatingly young age of 39 with his first diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease coming a full decade later. And while doctors remain uncertain what -- or even how many -- form(s) of dementia Michael may have, Michael is focused on all he can do right now to improve the lives of everyone living with dementia, their families and our communities. He serves on boards, advises organizations, testified before Congress and even addressed the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. To say this is a "must listen to" episode in our "Voices of Dementia" series is an understatement. Because Michael simultaneously charms and challenges... showing us all how we can use our own unique voice of dementia. For more of Michael's powerful perspective, you can check out his book: From the Corner Office to Alzheimer's. Michael also mentioned his favorite Alzheimer's- or dementia-related organization is UsAgainstAlzheimer's. As always, you can reach out to us if you questions or topics you'd like us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We remain so grateful for your support.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with the one and only Dr. Ron Petersen of the Mayo Clinic about what we can do -- right now -- to help prevent Alzheimer's or other dementia, especially if we're more likely (due to genetics) to develop the disease. Petersen weighs in on all the latest research about basic behavioral changes and steps we can take to reduce our risk, while also flagging for all of us what behaviors (and even medications) to avoid.  Dr. Petersen refers to the AARP's Global Council on Brain Health during this conversation. You can learn more about that incredible resource here. The discerning and loyal listener (thank you so much!) will note this is actually an encore of one of our very first "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes. A recent medical misadventure caused us to postpone the debut of our powerful fall lineup until next week. Still, Dr. Petersen himself delivers a powerful perspective as one of the world's top Alzheimer's experts. So please enjoy this conversation. And as always, please share, review and reach out with questions about "Hello Alzheimer's." We absolutely appreciate your support.

As we savor the final days of summer, we're returning to a conversation about the beauty of becoming a "Dementia Friend." And we begin this episode with a tribute to the best kind of friend to those living with any form of dementia (my partner in this mission, Ron Stover). As for the overall summary... 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 just reached 30,000+ Dementia Friends this summer, a milestone reported in this KARE 11 story.  Thank you, my friends... Please enjoy... And please know, you're not alone.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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 

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. 

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, 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. 

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.