Help For Dementia

Dr. Robert Sutherland, neuroscientist and director at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, joins us to share how his work and life have been shaped by dementia. He reflects on the impact of dementia in his own family and explains what current science tells us about causes, prevention and treatment. Dr. Sutherland discusses how research is evolving, what surprises him most in the lab a...

Global Edmonton news anchor and care partner Erin Chalmers joins us to share her personal experience supporting her mom, who lives with dementia. She reflects on what it was like in the early days after diagnosis, how relationships changed over time, and what helped her most along the way. Erin speaks openly about the emotional impact of caregiving, how she navigated moments of guilt and frustrati...

Dementia navigator Annmarie and caregiver support specialist Sarah join a live Q&A to answer real questions from families supporting someone living with dementia. They explain what to expect at each stage, how to respond to behavioural changes and why care partner emotions like guilt, grief and anger are common and valid. The conversation includes practical tools, stories from care partners, a...

Karen McLean describes life after her husband Scott was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 52. She recalls the first subtle changes, the rapid decline that followed and the decision to move Scott into full-time care. Karen speaks openly about exhaustion, care-partner burnout and the support she receives from the Alzheimer Society community. Key Takeaways Early Signs and Diagnosis – Subt...

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the signi...

In Part 2 of this conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora continues to explore financial scams with a focus on phishing, business impersonation, and issues related to care partner or family fraud. Drawing on her extensive legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris explains how scammers use urgency and pressure to push for quick decisions. She provides practical tips to verify suspicious c...

In this first part of our special conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora discusses the most common financial scams targeting seniors, including government impersonation, tech support fraud, and emotional manipulations like the “grandparent scam” and “romance scam.” Drawing on her decades of legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris offers insight into why older adults, especially those...

We’re joined by Julie Desautels, Palliative Care Learning Specialist, to introduce the helpfordementia.ca resource for those supporting family or friends living with dementia. Julie shares practical tools and educational resources, all designed to make navigating the care journey easier. Whether it’s finding answers to pressing questions, using the Seeds of Hope Learning Series, or planning ahead...

Welcome to Season 2 of the newly rebrand Help for Dementia Podcast (formerly Cognitive Connections). In this episode, we welcome back Christine McWilliam, the new Manager of Strategy and Projects at the Alzheimer Society. Christine introduces HelpforDementia.ca, the Society’s updated online resource platform. They discuss its key features, including mobile access, a support chatbot, and new educat...

Lynn Ferguson shares her personal journey with young onset dementia. She discusses how her sister first noticed changes in her behavior and how they sought medical help. Lynn talks about the shock of receiving the diagnosis and the initial feelings of sadness and fear. However, she emphasizes that life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis and that there is still so much to live for. Lynn shares h...

Al Matheson is a dedicated care partner who has been caring for his wife, Joanne, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2015. Al has been with Joanne for over 50 years and shares his experience and insights into the challenges and lessons he has learned throughout his caregiving journey. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from organizations like the Alzheimer's Society and hi...

Jag's journey began when his wife, Carol Lynn, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Jag discusses the journey from the initial signs and symptoms to the diagnosis and the rapid progression. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing dementia. Jag also highlights the role of the Alzheimer Society in providing support, resources, and a supportive...

Cindy McCaffrey, co-founder of YouQuest, a charity that operates a wellness day program for individuals under the age of 65 living with dementia. Cindy shares her personal journey with her husband's diagnosis of young onset dementia and how it inspired her to create a program that provides socialization, stimulating activities, and respite for care partners. She discusses the challenges faced by y...

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the signi...

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew from a small music event to a seven-hour festival w...

Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasizes the need for culturally inclusive resources an...

Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon and heartfelt connections made, Jason provides insi...

Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including young onset, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding their unique needs and emphasizes the role of modifiable risk factors in reducing...

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma and reframing the reality of people  with dementia. She shares her research on using art to promote a better quality of life and the importance of recognizing the abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of arts in creating connections and raising fundament...

Dr. Sutherland, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He focuses on understanding the pathology of the disease and discusses the role of proteins, the immune system and things he has found surprising in his research.

Christine discusses her role as the lead for the ASANT Cafe, an online learning community platform that has since become a valuable resource for education, webinars, and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She shares her background in social work and how she became involved in dementia care and highlights the importance to combat misinformation online and encourages in...

Hear from George Andrews, President & CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, as he emphasizes the importance of prevention and delaying the onset of symptoms through lifestyle choices and social engagement. George also shares personal experiences and insights into the stigma surrounding dementia and the importance of creating dementia-friendly communities.

Doris Bonora, a partner with Dentons Canada, discusses the importance of getting legal affairs in order when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Learn the significance of having a personal directive and enduring power of attorney in place to ensure financial and healthcare decisions can be made when the person with dementia is no longer able to, and hear about the benefits of leaving a cha...

We hear from Julie Desautels, the Palliative Care Learning Specialist for the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. With a nursing background and experience in various healthcare environments, Julie is passionate about providing compassionate care and support to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Arlene and Carrie discuss the current state of dementia in Alberta and the various programs and resources available to care partners and those with dementia. They also discuss the difference the importance of community and the impact of stigma on people living with dementia. Arlene also touches on the challenges faced by people with dementia in public spaces, what can be done and the need for more...