Speaking of Alzheimer's

Today’s episode explores a compelling yet underrecognized connection — the link between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. We’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Santoro and clinical social worker Clo Cottrell from the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. We discuss why individuals with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, how symptoms may present differently, and the challenges for caregivers. We also discuss the critical need for inclusive clinical trials to better understand Alzheimer's treatments for those with Down syndrome.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re joined by Officer Steven Duqette with the Manchester Police Department and Lt. Col. Mark Davison with the Connecticut State Police to discuss protecting and serving the older adult population and individuals living with dementia. The two share their experiences with wandering, scams targeting older adults, hoarding, and how dementia training is critical for first responders. We also chat about wandering registries and how they can provide law enforcement agencies with a critical network of information in the event of a wandering incident. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association Approaching Alzheimer’s: First Responder Training visit alz.org/professionals/first-responders.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by Jennifer Pollina, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and former caregiver for her mother, to discuss the financial burden of Alzheimer’s disease and how to plan ahead. Jennifer shares financial planning strategies for families after receiving a diagnosis, tips on how to begin conversations about finances with family members, preparing for the costs of long-term care facilities, long-term care insurance, and more.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re continuing our discussion on caregiving and how each caregiver’s journey is unique. We’re joined by Betsey Bianchi from Killington, VT and Virginia O’Leary from Pittsfield, MA. Betsey is a caregiver for her mother, Jenny, and Virginia is a caregiver for her partner, Kirk. The two share their unique experiences, challenges, and tips for other caregivers. They also chat about their involvement in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the sense of community it brings to them. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re discussing caregiving and how each caregiver’s journey is unique. We’re joined by Amanda Caroluzzi from Newtown, CT and John Newby from Harpswell, ME. Amanda is a “sandwich generation” caregiver currently caring for her mother who is living with Alzheimer’s while also raising a one-year-old son. John is a caregiver for his wife, Venus, who is living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. The two share their unique experiences, challenges, and tips for other caregivers. They also chat about their involvement in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and how it has become a therapeutic experience for them.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by Sarah Barclay from Newport, Rhode Island and Stuart McLeod from Needham, Massachusetts who both faced the heartbreak of a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and turned their grief into action. Sarah’s family founded the Block Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s in honor of their mother, Sandy, and Stuart began his own fundraiser called The Washburn Challenge in honor of his sister, Sara. The two discuss the how they found purpose through raising funds and awareness, and the importance of helping fund Alzheimer’s research in the new era of treatment.   Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode, we’re unpacking the latest breakthroughs in dementia research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia last week. We’re joined by Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, Vice President of Scientific Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss developments in blood tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, how GLP-1 drugs (a class of drugs help with diabetes and weight loss) may also protect the brain, advances in tau research, and more.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we're joined by Kerry Dennis from Auburn, NH, and Leah Farley, from Hopkinton, NH, who are both living with younger-onset Alzheimer's and found friendship with one another in an unexpected way. The two discuss how they met and how they've been able to lean on each other while at similar places in their journey with the disease. They also share some advice on how you can show up for a friend who was recently diagnosed. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On this special episode we’re discussing the new FDA-approved drug Kisunla (donanemab) for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. We’re joined by Dr. Margarita Reyes, a physician at Bristol Health Group in Connecticut, who explains how Kisunla works, the difference between Kisunla and Leqembi, side effects, and much more.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re joined by Katie Brandt from Portsmouth, RI, whose husband Mike was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at 29 years old. Her difficult journey led her to become a passionate advocate and a professional in the dementia and caregiver space – Katie is well known as a dementia care expert, powerful public speaker and educator. We discuss the difference between Alzheimer’s and FTD, the symptoms of FTD, how to talk to a physician when you’re concerned about changes in your loved one, and more.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).