Living Our Best With Memory Loss

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of "Living Our Best with Memory Loss"! In this powerful episode, hosts Bob, Lori, Denis, and SuAnne are joined by the inspiring Sam and Susan Simon.

Sam and Susan share their remarkable journey, beginning with Susan's breast cancer diagnosis in 2000. Sam, her caregiver, channeled his experiences into a one-man show, navigating the emotional complexities of her illness. Defying initial prognoses, Susan ...

What if redesigning the world around you could lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life with memory loss? In this powerful episode, hosts Bob, Lori, Denis, and SuAnne sit down with Katie Norris, an expert in applying the Montessori method to memory care, to explore this idea.Katie explains how the Montessori philosophy—originally developed for children—provides a framework for respecting the individual, fostering independence,...

In this moving episode, we are joined by Sarah Dickson of the Alzheimer's Association, Tennessee Chapter, and Donna Barber, a dedicated volunteer whose husband, Larry, is living with Alzheimer's.

Donna shares her personal journey with immense transparency—from the first signs of memory loss and receiving the diagnosis, to the daily emotional challenges and the profound shift in her role from a wife to a full-time caregiver. ...

Find the book here: https://a.co/d/24OFEvNWelcome back to the Living Our Best With Memory Loss podcast! This is Season 3, Episode 2. We are continuing our discussion with Dr. Brent Forester and Thomas Harrison on navigating the complexities of memory loss and cognitive challenges. In this continuation of our conversation, hosts Lori, Bob (living with MCI due to Vascular Disease), Denis (living with Early Onset Alzheimer's), and...

Find the book here: https://a.co/d/24OFEvN

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the Living Our Best With Memory Loss podcast! In this first of a two-part series, we explore why treating significant memory loss or cognitive challenges with the seriousness of a disease is vital for both individuals and their families. Hosts Lori, Bob (living with MCI due to Vascular Disease), Denis (living with Early Onset Alzheimer's), and SuAnne (l...

Episode 10 - Cognitive Evaluations & The Physician’s Playbook with Dr. Barak Gaster | Season 2 Finale

In the final episode of Season 2 of Living Our Best With Memory Loss, we welcome Dr. Barak Gaster, a nationally recognized expert in dementia care. Dr. Gaster discusses the importance of cognitive evaluations, how they help with early diagnosis, and what patients and caregivers should know when navigating memory loss.

In the second part of our enlightening conversation with Dr. Catherine A. Madison, M.D., we explore deeper into the world of brain health and dementia care. Dr. Madison, a renowned expert and former Medical Director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center, provides valuable insights into early diagnosis, effective caregiving strategies, and the latest advancements in understanding memory loss conditions.

This episode offers practical...

Episode 8: Insights on Dementia Care with Dr. Catherine A. Madison, M.D.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Catherine A. Madison, a neurologist and director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center. Dr. Madison brings decades of experience in dementia care, neurology, and patient advocacy. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges of memory loss, the latest approaches to care, and the importance of understanding individual needs...

Episode 7: Living Our Best With Memory Loss — Celia Gruzalski’s Story

In this episode of Living Our Best With Memory Loss, we’re joined by Celia Gruzalski from Knoxville, TN, as she shares her powerful story of living with memory loss. Celia opens up about the challenges she faces and how she continues to find joy and purpose through her journey.

Her insights offer hope and inspiration to others navigating life with cognitive dec...

In this insightful episode of Living Our Best With Memory Loss, we are joined by Glen Kyle, a Certified Elder Law Attorney with deep expertise in life care planning, Medicaid advocacy, estate planning, and elder care law. Glen’s dedication to helping families navigate the complexities of aging and memory loss shines through as he shares invaluable advice for caregivers and those diagnosed with dementia or memory loss.

Topics cover...

Episode 5: Dr. Brenda Nicholson - Navigating Dementia with Compassion and Expertise

In this episode of Living Our Best With Memory Loss, we are honored to welcome Dr. Brenda Nicholson, a renowned expert in dementia care, research, and advocacy. With years of experience as a physician and a deep passion for improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, Dr. Nicholson shares essential insights on navigating a dia...

Episode 4 of Living Our Best with Memory Loss welcomes Shanna Browning from First Century Bank. Shanna shares her expertise on financial planning and offers practical advice for families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive decline. Her insights into making informed decisions and accessing resources can be a game-changer for caregivers and those living with memory loss.

This episode is a must-listen fo...

Episode 3 of Living Our Best With Memory Loss features Jeannie Hixon, who shares her heartfelt journey caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s. In this episode, Jeannie opens up about the challenges of caregiving and the ways she has found strength and support. Her story is filled with practical advice and relatable experiences that offer hope and guidance to caregivers and families facing memory loss.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a...

Episode 2: Deborah Kan (Part 2)

In this episode, we continue our heartfelt conversation with Deborah Kan, founder of Being Patient, a trusted platform dedicated to Alzheimer’s and brain health resources. Deborah dives deeper into her personal journey caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s and shares how it inspired her mission to empower families, caregivers, and patients with accurate, unbiased information.

We explore ways to br...

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Living Our Best With Memory Loss with an inspiring two-part conversation featuring Deborah Kan, founder of BeingPatient.com. As a former journalist and executive producer at The Wall Street Journal, Deborah’s personal journey navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis led her to create Being Patient, a trusted platform dedicated to brain health and neurodegenerative disease.

In this first episode, ...

In Episode 10 of “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” we are excited to welcome Teepa Snow, a world-renowned dementia care specialist and the founder of the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC). Teepa brings her deep knowledge and innovative methods to the conversation, offering insights that are both practical and transformative for anyone navigating life with dementia.

Teepa discusses her PAC approach, emphasizing the importance ...

Episode 9: Tips from Adria Thompson – Enhancing Communication and Dignity in Dementia Care

In Episode 9 of “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” we welcome back Adria Thompson, a renowned dementia care specialist and Founder of Be Light Care Consulting. In this insightful episode, Adria shares invaluable tips and strategies designed to improve communication and support for individuals with memory loss.

Joined by hosts Debo ...

Episode 8: Navigating Alzheimer’s Together – A Conversation with Todd and Polly In this heartfelt episode of “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” we sit down with Todd and Polly, a couple whose journey with Alzheimer’s is marked by resilience, love, and a deep commitment to each other. Todd, a skilled woodworker and former home-builder, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Despite the challenges, he continues to engage ...

Episode 7: Understanding Dementia with Dr. Nicole Perez In this insightful episode of “Living Our Best With Memory Loss,” we are honored to have Dr. Nicole Perez, a highly trained and skilled psychiatrist based in Knoxville. Dr. Perez brings her extensive knowledge and experience in the field of psychiatry to provide a deeper understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals and their families. Join us as we discuss: • The...