When words don’t come out right — or aren’t received the way you hoped — it’s easy for conversations to spiral into arguments. And when Alzheimer’s is in the mix, it’s even harder.
In this honest and often humorous episode, Janna and Larry explore why communication can break down so quickly, even with the best intentions. They share real-life examples of misunderstandings, emotional triggers, and missed signals — and offer simple ways couples and care partners can speak (and listen) with more grace.
You’ll discover:
- What to say when your partner is struggling emotionally — and what not to say
- Why tone and timing matter more than words alone
- How to support someone with memory loss without interrupting or correcting
- Tools for staying present and connected, even in conflict
If you’ve ever wished for more peace in your conversations, this episode is your gentle, heart-level guide to getting there — together.
Links:
- Maintaining caring relationships in spouses affected by Alzheimer’s disease. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150713095148.htm
- Supportive marriages key to caregiver well-being, Rice study reveals vital link to dementia. Rice University https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/supportive-marriages-key-caregiver-well-being-rice-study-reveals-vital-link-dementia
- Using validation therapy for people with dementia. Verywell Health.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-validation-therapy-for-people-with-dementia-98683 - Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Communication: Tips for successful communication throughout the stages of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association
https://www.alz.org/getmedia/4c29359a-c9f0-4ae1-8f95-27e822635ead/alzheimers-dementia-communication-ts.pdf - 6 things never to do when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Verywell Mind
https://www.verywellmind.com/things-never-to-do-when-caring-alzheimers-8776968 - Best Alzheimer’s disease support groups.
Verywell Health
https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-alzheimers-disease-support-groups-4844290
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.