Exploring Family, Love, and Alzheimer’s Through Fiction with Author Marita Golden

Welcome to a powerful episode of the AlzAuthors Podcast featuring acclaimed author Marita Golden and her novel, The Wide Circumference of Love, as part of the Aging & Amazing Book Club series. This engaging discussion dives into the storytelling craft, the nuances of family caregiving, and the realities of Alzheimer’s and dementia, especially in African American communities.

An award-winning author of 22 books, Marita Golden shares her journey as a writer, from being a story-loving child in Washington, D.C., to producing literary works that explore social issues and healing. She shares how she came to write a story centered on a caregiver after immersing herself in caregiving spaces, meticulous research, and witnessing a friend’s torturous battle caring for her husband.

Ms. Golden shares insights into the connection between writing and healing, and how journaling and other forms of writing can be vital mental health tools that promote resilience.

She also speaks to the higher rates of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the African American community, citing the lack of representation in clinical trials as one contributing factor, and speaks to why awareness and advocacy are more important now than ever.

For readers and writers, Ms. Golden shares insight into the craft of writing, her writing routine, and her creative evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling unites families and communities, easing the isolation of caregiving and dementia.
• Fictional works like The Wide Circumference of Love, along with memoirs and how-to guides, are crucial for raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Journaling and creative writing document the caregiving journey and provide healing and hope for both writers and readers.
• The urgent need for advocacy and equity in dementia care for marginalized communities.

About Marita Golden:

Marita Golden is President Emeritus and co-founder of the Hurston/Wright Foundation. She is also an educator and author of fiction and nonfiction exploring Black life, identity, and resilience. Her recent memoir, How to Become a Black Writer, is available now. Find out more about Marita Golden on her website.

Read Marita’s AlzAuthors Blog

Follow Marita Golden:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Buy Marita’s books:

• The Wide Circumference of Love
• Us Against Alzheimer’s Anthology

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

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Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

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