Speaking of Alzheimer's

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we sit down with Adolis Ramos to hear her family’s journey with Alzheimer’s. From her grandmother’s dementia diagnosis to her mother’s role as a 24/7 caregiver, Adolis shares the cultural dynamics that often make conversations about dementia difficult and why access to resources in Spanish is so critical.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we continue exploring the stories behind the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Promise Garden flowers. Joining us is Lauralee Denler of Old Saybrook, CT, who carries the blue flower, representing those living with Alzheimer’s. We’re also joined by Katherine O’Malley of Newton, MA, who holds the orange flower, symbolizing supporters committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and standing with all those affected by the disease. Together, Lauralee and Katherine share their unique journeys and what these flowers mean to them.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re exploring the stories behind the Walk to End Alzheimer’s flowers. We’re joined by Nancy Poulos of St. Johnsbury, VT who carries a purple flower symbolizing the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s, and Frank Spinella of Middletown, RI who carries a yellow flower representing his role as a caregiver for his father. Together, Nancy and Frank open up about love, loss, caregiving, and what it means to stand among thousands of flowers that symbolize so many personal stories.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today's episode, we take a closer look at the groundbreaking U.S. POINTER study through the voices of those directly involved. Dave Quinn, a study participant, shares what it was like to make meaningful lifestyle changes as part of the clinical trial — from the challenges he faced to the impact it’s had on his daily life. Joining him is Angel Garcia, a study navigator who guided and supported participants throughout their journeys, offering encouragement and practical tools along the way. Together, Dave and Angel discuss power of lifestyle changes in brain health and how each of us can begin taking steps toward healthier living.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Salloway, principal investigator for the Rhode Island site of the U.S. POINTER study, joins us to discuss new findings showing that lifestyle changes can protect brain health and improve cognition in older adults at risk for dementia. This groundbreaking clinical trial highlights the power of structured support — including exercise, nutrition, cognitive training, and social engagement — to make a measurable difference.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by Dr. Fanny Elahi, associate professor of neurology and neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, to help us unpack vascular dementia and the role vascular pathologies play in cognitive decline. She discusses why diagnosing vascular dementia remains complex, and how lifestyle factors like exercise can help reduce risk.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by two powerful advocates - Sean Terwilliger, who was recently diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and Tonya Maurer, a caregiver for her mother since 2017. Both attended the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., where more than 1,000 advocates from all 50 states came together to make their voices heard. In this episode, Sean and Tonya share what the experience meant to them, what they learned, and why advocacy is more important than ever in the fight against Alzheimer’s.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode, we explore a common but often overlooked challenge for people living with Alzheimer’s: depression. While memory loss and confusion are widely recognized, the emotional impact often goes undiscussed. We’re joined by Dr. Julia Salinas, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Tufts Medicine’s Memory Care Program, to discuss how overlapping symptoms can make a diagnosis difficult, how to identify depression in loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how depression is treated to improve quality of life.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by Alison Dvorak, a registered dietician and certified nutritionist, to explore how everyday nutrition choices can support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. She discusses the elements of brain-healthy diets, choosing smarter snacks, and tips for making better choices when eating on the go or dining out.For more information on brain-healthy nutrition, join us for the Alzheimer’s Association special virtual education series in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. To register, visit alz.org/manh/events/ABAM.Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we explore younger-onset Alzheimer’s and how a diagnosis at this stage impacts the whole family –especially children and teens who may struggle to understand and cope. We’re joined by Diana Cose, founder of Lorenzo’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and Patti LaFleur, a daughter who navigated her mother’s diagnosis. Together, they share their powerful stories, the idea of dementia justice, and insights on the unique challenges and support needs of younger families facing dementia.For more information on our virtual program ‘Supporting Families of Younger Onset: A Panel Discussion and Virtual Screening' featuring Lorenzo’s House click here. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).