Shows / Dementia Discussions
Dementia Discussions
A monthly podcast about dementia. Join your host, Barbara Hament every 2nd Tuesday of the month, as she interviews medical professionals, caregivers, and various experts on how to better understand and cope with this challenging and complex disease.
Episodes
- Dementia Discussions
Medical Aid in Dying: Choice, Dignity, and the End of Life
Medical aid in dying, also known as MAID, is an end-of-life option that many people have questions about—and there are also a lot of misconceptions surrounding…
- Dementia Discussions
What Hospice Really Provides for Families Facing Dementia
Hospice can be a difficult word for families to hear. We often think it means giving up, but what if hospice is really about comfort, dignity, quality of life…
- Dementia Discussions
Love, Guilt, and the Limits of Caregiving
In this episode, I sit down with Denise Stiel, a member of my caregiver support group who is navigating an incredibly difficult chapter with her husband…
- Dementia Discussions
When a Trusted Helper Becomes a Caregiver
When someone has been part of the family for years, it's only natural for their role to grow over time. A trusted housekeeper or personal assistant may begin…
- Dementia Discussions
The Long Goodbye: 15 Years of Loving My Husband Through Dementia
In this deeply moving episode of Dementia Discussions, I sit down with Mary, a beloved member of my Dementia with Lewy Body support group through the UCLA Mary…
- Dementia Discussions
How Music Unlocks Memories in Dementia Patients
Caregiving for a parent with dementia can bring moments of profound love, grief, humor, and connection — and my conversation with Laura Kanofsky captures all…
- Dementia Discussions
A 50-Year Marriage Rewritten by Dementia
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Donald Wiss, a retired orthopedic trauma surgeon and devoted husband, whose caregiving journey is as profound as it is…
- Dementia Discussions
Letting Go of the Plan: Accepting Memory Care for a Parent
In this episode of Dementia Discussions, I’m joined by Jefferson, a member of one of my caregiver support groups, who shares the powerful story of caring for…
- Dementia Discussions
Reimagining Dementia Care: How the Hummingbird Project Sparks Joy, Connection, and Purpose
In this episode of Dementia Discussions, I am joined by Elizabeth Fluck and Meredith Eden of The Hummingbird Project, and what a meaningful conversation this…
- Dementia Discussions
Navigating Dementia From Afar: Lisa Jo on Caregiving, Grief & Unexpected Blessings
In this episode of Dementia Discussions, I sit down with Lisa Jo, a longtime member of the support group I co-lead at the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s…
- Dementia Discussions
The Soul Doesn’t Get Dementia: Connecting Beyond Words in Caregiving
In this episode, I sit down with dementia counselor, educator, and author Tami Anastasia for a deeply meaningful conversation about what really drives behavior…
- Dementia Discussions
When Words Fade: Christine's Story of Love, Loss, and Adaptation
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I sit down with Christine, a member of my Alzheimer's Los Angeles caregiver support group and a wife…
Dementia DiscussionsDementia, Caregiving & Exit Strategies: A Conversation with Madeline Jaye
This week on Dementia Discussions, I sit down with someone very close to my heart—my childhood best friend, Madeline Jaye. We reconnected after many years, and…
- Dementia Discussions
A Son’s Devotion — Steve Lavapies on Navigating Caregiving, Decline, and Connection
I’m honored to welcome Steve Lavapies, a devoted son and a thoughtful member of one of our UCLA caregiver support groups. Steve shares the deeply personal…
- Dementia Discussions
Caring Through Chaos: Lorena Llamas' Journey as a Daughter and Caregiver
Welcome back to Dementia Discussions. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my dental hygienist, Lorena Llamas, who opens up about a deeply personal…
- Dementia Discussions
Navigating Dementia with Compassion and Clarity: A Candid Talk with Dr. Miriam Winthrop
Welcome back to Dementia Discussions! I’m so grateful to be back with you after a bit of a hiatus, and today’s episode is a truly meaningful one. I sit down…
- Dementia Discussions
Alzheimer’s Caregiving: A Journey of Love, Patience, and Resilience
Welcome to the first episode of season three of Dementia Discussions! In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Charlene, a dedicated caregiver navigating the…
- Dementia Discussions
Navigating Love and Loss: A Caregiver's Tale of Resilience with Andrew Bloomenthal
In this poignant episode, I sit down with Andrew Bloomenthal, a writer and caregiver, to delve into his heartfelt story about navigating his father’s journey…
- Dementia Discussions
Until There’s a Cure, There’s Community: Wine, Women, and Dementia
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I’m joined by the incredible Kitty Norton, a former assistant editor turned caregiver, blogger, and…
- Dementia Discussions
Navigating Changes with Lewy Body Dementia
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri, a devoted caregiver whose husband Ray has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Sherri shares…
- Dementia Discussions
Rebuilding Relationships Through Dementia
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share her inspiring story about caring for…
- Dementia Discussions
Love and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia
In this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her…
- Dementia Discussions
A Daughter's Journey Through Dementia Caregiving
In today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex…
- Dementia Discussions
Supporting a Parent with Dementia in Your Twenties
In today's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Skylar, a young caregiver who has been navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Two…
- Dementia Discussions
Cannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry Yafai
Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis…
- Dementia Discussions
Bringing Dental Care Home with Gabrielle Mahler, DDS
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of…
- Dementia Discussions
A Comprehensive Look at Dementia with Kevin Jameson, Founder of The Dementia Society of America
Joining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who…
- Dementia Discussions
Believing in Yourself as a Caregiver with Tami Anastasia
In this episode, we invite back special guest, Tami Anastasia. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's…
Dementia DiscussionsCreating a Meaningful Holiday Season with Tami Anastasia
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to…
- Dementia Discussions
Placing My Wife With Alzheimer's in Memory Care with Jay Swerdlow
In this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Jay Swerdlow, a longtime support group member. Jay shares the difficult journey of placing his wife Andy, who has…
- Dementia Discussions
Supporting Your Loved One Through the Journey of Lewy Body Dementia
Today I welcome Debbie, a dedicated wife caring for her husband who is living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Debbie shares the daily ups and downs of managing…
- Dementia Discussions
Navigating Caregiver Stress and Guilt with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith
I had the pleasure of sitting down with clinical psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith to discuss the immense stress and guilt that comes with being a caregiver…
- Dementia Discussions
Finding Balance: Self-Care and Compassion in Dementia Caregiving with Beth Lanie
In today’s episode, I speak with another member of my support group, Beth Lanie, a devoted caregiver to her husband Howard, who has been diagnosed with…
- Dementia Discussions
Finding Joy in the Present: Embracing Dementia's Silver Lining with Valerie Rennert
My special guest this week is Valerie Rennert, who opens up about her father's journey with dementia. She shares how their family first became aware of his…
- Dementia Discussions
Bringing Care Home: The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Caregiver for Your Loved One with Dementia
Today I'm joined by Noma Kaz, a seasoned caregiving professional specializing in dementia care. Throughout our conversation, Noma shares her extensive…
- Dementia Discussions
The Power of Music, Yoga, and Seizing the Day in Caregiving
Franne Golde opens up about her journey with her husband, Paul, who was diagnosed with a disease they knew very little about. Our conversation covers the…
- Dementia Discussions
Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care: Tips and Tricks for Caregivers
Finding strength in a community of other caregivers, in this powerful episode, I’ll speak to Amy Kent, a member of my support group who is caring for both of…
- Dementia Discussions
I Need You To Know That I’m There, with James Savage
It’s amazing how much music comes up in these conversations where we delve into the experiences of those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode…
- Dementia Discussions
It’s a Family Affair: How the dynamics of aging impact the entire family
Today Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Bunni Dybnis. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Bunni worked as an Aging Life Care Manager for…
- Dementia Discussions
Caregiving by default and why it's so easy to lose yourself
Today Barbara’s guest is Sandra Hunnicutt. Sandra shares her story of taking care of her husband, Don, a brilliant UCLA professor who was a “man on fire” until…
- Dementia Discussions
Lessons in Caregiving Education
Today Barbara is pleased to welcome David Hart, a professor and clinical psychologist who specializes in dementia and caregiving. David is a faculty member in…
- Dementia Discussions
"Learning from other Caregivers"
Nancy Tahara joins Barbara to talk about caring for her friend of 40 years. Now 81, he suffers from Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, and REM sleep…
- Dementia Discussions
A Crash-Course in Caregiving: “It’s been a rollercoaster of figuring things out”
Today Barbara is joined by Evelyn Garcia, who cares for her mother who has younger-onset dementia. Evelyn was living in Virginia when she got a call from her…
- Dementia Discussions
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Dani Klein Modisett is the founder and CEO of Laughter On Call which pairs comedians with Alzheimer’s patients. She’ll reveal the story behind the formation of…
Dementia DiscussionsLearning Caregiving from a Distance
Katie is a new caregiver, taking care of her mother who is in the early stages of “advanced cognitive decline.“ She’s also caregiving from a distance. She’ll…
- Dementia Discussions
Daily Money Managers as part of the caregiving team
Today Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Natalie Stanger. Twenty years ago, Natalie started a company to “help seniors do the things they could no…
- Dementia Discussions
Diagnosing Dementia with a Pre-existing Brain Condition
Today Barbara is joined by Heidi Artman, who is caring for her husband, Lee. Heidi first noticed Lee’s memory problems in 2015, but it wasn’t until recently…
- Dementia Discussions
The Sad Relief of Getting the Diagnosis
Today Barbara welcomes Denise to the podcast. An only child, Denise says she never saw herself as a caregiver, but when her mother was diagnosed with dementia…
- Dementia Discussions
A gertiatric caregiver’s mission to give back
Today Barbara welcomes her colleague and friend Doria to the podcast. They discuss Doria’s experience caring for her mother, Jeanette, from when she had a…
- Dementia Discussions
Caregiving when both your parents have Alzheimer’s Disease
Today Ed Mount joins Barbara to talk about his ongoing journey as a caregiver. Ed’s father died from Alzheimer’s in 2012 and his mother Judy is now suffering…
- Dementia Discussions
My wife is taking care of her mom – and we have young kids!
When Adam Steinman’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, his kids were two and six. Adam joins Barbara to share his experience caring…
- Dementia Discussions
Memory care facilities don't always want your feedback – no matter how much you’re paying
Today Barbara is joined by Gary Zembow and Marcy Lebovitz to discuss Gary’s mother, Esther. Now 94, Esther was born in Poland, and was the only member of her…
Dementia DiscussionsCaregiving from afar: The importance of building a local team for your loved ones
Paul Spiegelman joins Barbara to talk about caregiving for his mother, Lila, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. At first, Paul’s father did all the…
Dementia DiscussionsCaring for a loved one who doesn’t know who you are
Steve Johnson joins Barbara to talk about caring for his wife of 22 years, Bonnie. In September of 2020, Bonnie was diagnosed with mild to moderate…
Dementia DiscussionsYoung Onset Alzheimer’s: The diagnosis neurologists don’t know how to deal with
Are you a caregiver with a story to share? Please call Barbara at 310-362-8232. Today Barbara is joined by Kimberly Cruelle, whose husband was diagnosed with…
- Dementia Discussions
The dynamics of caregiving for different family members
Barbara kicks off today's episode with a question for you: Would you (or someone you know) like to help other caregivers by sharing your caregiving story on…
- Dementia Discussions
7 years into Alzheimer’s: His imaginary life is all day long now
Today Barbara welcomes back Dotti McLean, whose husband Brian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago. They talk about how the disease has…
Dementia DiscussionsHow Senior Move Managers tackle the complex logistics of moving a loved one
Today Barbara is joined by Marty Stevens-Heeber, founder and CEO of Clear Home Solutions. An accomplished business woman and entrepreneur, Marty tells Barbara…
- Dementia Discussions
When we were listening to music, everyone else got a break
Today Barbara is joined by Bobbie Schwarcz to talk about Bobbie’s father-in-law, Chuck, who died several years ago. When Bobbie met Chuck, he’d already been…
Dementia DiscussionsCutting-edge technology designed to help people with dementia and their families
Today Barbara is joined by social gerontologist Benjamin Surmi. As director of culture, training and Koelsch Innovation Lab for Koelsch Communities, Benjamin…