In this special episode, our hosts Bob, Dennis, and SuAnne—who are all living with a memory loss diagnosis—are joined by renowned Alzheimer’s researcher, Dr. Gregory Jicha.

Dr. Jicha offers a powerful and hopeful look at the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, including the new FDA-approved drugs Leqembi and Kisunla, which are changing the biology of the disease for the first time. He also provides an exciting update on the potential of GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide (often used for diabetes and weight loss) and the clinical trials that could make it a new tool in the fight against memory loss.

This episode is packed with encouraging insights, but remember: this is not a substitute for medical advice. We are not doctors, and any treatment options discussed should be explored in consultation with your physician.

• The evolution of Alzheimer’s treatment, from symptom management to disease-modifying therapies.
• A closer look at the new FDA-approved drugs Leqembi and Kisunla.
• The groundbreaking research into Semaglutide and its potential benefits for brain health.
• Why a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to brain health is key.
• The importance of getting a specific diagnosis for the cause of your memory loss.

In this episode, our hosts Bob, Dennis, and SuAnne are joined by special guest Dr. Gregory Jicha, a leading researcher in Alzheimer’s and related cognitive diseases, a professor of neurology at the UK College of Medicine, and a senior investigator at the Sanders Brown Center on Aging.

Today, we dive deep into the crucial connection between diet, Alzheimer’s, and overall brain health. Dr. Jicha shares insights from the latest studies, discussing:

• The fundamental impact of diet on cognitive function.
• Why Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are essential for keeping nerve cells fluid and forming new connections.
• How to identify healthy fats (like plant-based oils) versus saturated fats (and that “congealed bacon grease” analogy!).
• The benefits of the Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets for brain and heart health.
• Why maintaining a healthy diet is still incredibly important, even after a memory loss diagnosis, to help delay progression.
• The complex role of cholesterol in the brain.
• Practical tips for adapting your diet as tastes change, including creative ways to enjoy healthy foods.

In this powerful episode, our hosts Bob, Lori, Dennis, and SuAnne are joined by special guest Sallie Gentry, a licensed clinical social worker based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sallie shares her deep passion for supporting caregivers and individuals navigating cognitive disorders, drawing from her personal experiences.

This conversation dives into crucial topics, including:

• The vital importance of purpose for individuals living with cognitive decline and how to maintain engagement.
• The caregiver’s role: How to balance support and empowerment, avoiding the common “doing too much” trap, and strategies like chore lists to foster independence.
• Cultivating patience, grace, and dignity in care partnerships, and how to avoid “parent-child” dynamics.
• Acknowledging and adapting to day-to-day fluctuations in abilities for those with memory loss.

This episode offers invaluable insights for both individuals with a diagnosis and their caregivers, emphasizing that true support nurtures emotional well-being, preserves dignity, and fosters a sense of purpose.

Welcome to the second part of our conversation with Mike Zuendel. Hosts Lori, Bob, and Dennis speak with Mike, founder of NotDemented.com, who dives deep into his mission to eliminate the word “dementia” from our vocabulary due to its profound stigma and negative impact.

In the first part of a powerful two-episode special, hosts Lori, Bob, and Denis are joined by the inspiring Mike Zuendel. Mike shares his deeply personal and proactive journey with memory loss. He opens up about his family’s history with Alzheimer’s and his own genetic predisposition, carrying both APOE4 genes. Discover his “moment of truth” that prompted him to seek an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.

This episode highlights why early detection and proactive healthcare are so crucial. Mike discusses how timely treatment, including 36 monthly infusions, successfully removed pathological beta-amyloid plaque from his brain. He’s a living testament that a diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of a vibrant, active life.

Mike continues to run businesses, engage in public speaking, enjoy skiing, and traveling the world. Join us to hear Mike’s powerful message of hope and action, proving that it’s possible to live your best life, even with a memory loss diagnosis.

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 has been cancer-free for over 24 years!

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Sam reveals his own diagnosis with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and later, Alzheimer’s disease. He candidly discusses the relief of a diagnosis after initial dismissals and how his memory challenges became evident while performing his first play. Inspired once again, Sam created a second one-man show, this time as a patient living with Alzheimer’s.

He passionately advocates for: Living a meaningful life with memory loss: Strongly opposing assisted suicide, Sam believes individuals with Alzheimer’s still have valuable contributions to make, even if it’s just a “nanosecond” towards finding a cure. The necessity of accommodations: He champions “cognitive navigators” and increased accessibility for those with cognitive impairments, highlighting tools like the “hidden disability” lanyard used in airports.

Changing the narrative around memory loss: Sam expresses his strong dislike for the term “dementia,” finding it degrading and dehumanizing, preferring “memory loss” to emphasize the human being behind the diagnosis.

Join us for this deeply moving and insightful discussion that challenges perceptions, advocates for dignity, and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

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. She explains how making one phone call to the Alzheimer’s Association became her “blessing,” connecting her to a community and a support system that she and Larry desperately needed.

This episode is a vital listen for anyone touched by Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment. Whether you are a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, a person living with a diagnosis, or someone who wants to help, Donna and Sarah’s message is clear: You do not have to do this alone. There is hope, there is help, and there is a community waiting for you.

➡️ Get Involved or Find Help: If you or someone you know needs support or wants to volunteer, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at: https://www.alz.org/volunteer

In episode 2 of season 3, we continue our discussion with Dr. Brent Forester and Thomas Harrison on navigating the complexities of memory loss and cognitive challenges.

Hosts Lori, Bob (living with MCI due to Vascular Disease), Denis (living with Early Onset Alzheimer’s), and SuAnne (living with MCI due to Multiple Sclerosis) are again joined by special guests Dr. Brent Forester (Geriatric Psychiatrist) and Thomas Harrison (Author & Former Caregiver), authors of “The Complete Family Guide to Dementia: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself.” We pick up where we left off, diving deeper into the practical and emotional aspects of considering and choosing a care facility for a loved one.

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 (living with MCI due to Multiple Sclerosis) are joined by special guests Dr. Brent Forester and Thomas Harrison. They discuss their motivations behind co-authoring the insightful book, “The Complete Family Guide to Dementia: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself,” and why proactive planning is key to navigating the journey ahead.