“I was in therapy, that was a lifeline.” - Allyson Schrier
This is a powerful one! Natalie and JJ sit down with Allyson Schrier as she opens up about her deeply personal and emotional journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
Allison candidly shares the early signs of FTD, the heartbreaking misdiagnosis, and the uphill battle of navigating a complex healthcare system. From the shifting family dynamics to the emotional weight of caregiving, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to care for a loved one with dementia.
🌼 Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing early behavioral changes in FTD
- Coping with misdiagnosis and delayed answers
- The emotional toll and resilience required of caregivers
- The importance of self-care and community support
- How Zinnia TV is transforming dementia care through thoughtful, therapeutic content
About Allyson:
Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. Allyson became a dementia educator teaching both family and professional caregivers about best practices around supporting people with dementia. Following that, Allyson helped launch, then managed an education program at the University of Washington to equip primary and allied healthcare providers to better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving.
Social Media:
Instagram: Al.lyson80
Instagram: zinnia_tv
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avschrier/
Website: www.zinniatv.com
Allison’s story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for professionals, family members and friends alike
THANK YOU to SPONSOR: CareScout
** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
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Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.