Alzheimer's Speaks

Today we are lucky to have Dawn Fields is the director, producer, editor and co-writer of the multiple award-winning short film Fragile Storm, starring Lance Henriksen, a heartbreaking caregiver story. She is currently focused on promoting the short film, which is now available for free at www. FragileStorm.com and she is also in development on her first feature film. Contact Information For Dawn...

Today we are so lucky to have Deborah Shouse back with us. Deborah is a very collaborative and supportive partner of those living and dealing with dementia. She is a writer, speaker, editor, former family caregiver, and all around dementia advocate. Deborah’s latest book, Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together, features dozens of experts in the field of creativ...

Today we have Corey Rotella who began her work in long term care 2008, starting as a caregiver on the memory care unit. It quite literally changed her life. She is now a member of the Alzheimer's association, a co-author of both the blog and book CNA edge: A voice from the trenches of long term care. Corey was also a keynote speaker along side her co-authors at the 2016 Pioneer Network convention....

Today we are lucky to have Brian Van Buren is a 66 year old black gay man living in Charlotte NC., who was diagnosed with vascular dementia and later Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2015. Come listen and learn from his journey with dementia. Contact Information For Brian Van Buren: Email: brpvb@aol.com Additional Resource Information: Alzheimer’s Speaks Resource Website: https://www.alzheimersspeaks.co...

Today we have Peter Rabins, MD, MPH, who is the Author of “The 36-Hour Day.” He is a professor of the practice in the Erickson School of Aging Management Services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He was the founding director of the geriatric psychiatry program and the first holder of the Richman Family Professorship of Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders in the Department of Ps...

Today we have Celia Koudele’s whose Mother, Grandmother, and an Aunt all died from Alzheimer’s. She worked at the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas for 9 years as a Helpline Specialist. Celia is the author of, “The Little Book for Alzheimer’s Caregivers” to help other families based on her experiences. Contact Information For Celia Koudele Website: www. AlzCaregivers.net Instag...

Today we are lucky to have Cameron J. Camp, Ph. D., is a noted psychologist specializing in applied research in gerontology. He currently serves as Director of Research and Development for the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, and gives workshops on designing cognitive and behavioral interventions for dementia internationally.  Elizabeth Kaufman is a Regional Director of Life Enrichment wit...

Today we are lucky to have Lola Fraknoi the creator of an Art Kit for people with memory loss and a professor of art in the Older Adult Program at the City College of San Francisco. Lola has over 25 years of experience in the aging field and as the founder and director of Ruth’s Table (a center for multi-generational creative learning) She trained as a professional artist who always finds a way to...

Today we are lucky two have representatives from Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) with us today to discuss their upcoming conference in Atlanta. Karen Love is the Executive Director of DAA a non-profit, charitable organization working to make dementia symptoms better understood, accommodated and ensuring full inclusion in all matters concerning living with dementia. Robert Bowles is a retired pharma...

Today we are lucky to have Michael Gordon Bennett, the author of “Rusty’s War: A Battle of the Mind.” This story tells of Michael’s mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and how she’s come to depend on her dog for support. Contact Information For Michael Gordon Bennett Website: www.michaelgordonbennett.com Email: contact@michaelgordonbennett.com Additional Resource Information: Alzheimer’s Speaks Resou...

Today we are lucky to have Judy Cornish an elder law attorney, author and founder of the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (or DAWN), and the creator of the DAWN Method of dementia care. Judy believes that if we look at dementia as a psychological condition rather than a disease, a simple pattern of abilities and cognitive losses appears that makes dementia care easier and happier for every...

Thursday we will have Sam Rinke, Director of Sales and Marketing for Gable Pines. Sam has been in senior living for 6 years. He says the best part about his job is being able to sit down with families and talk about how Gable Pines can meet their needs and then seeing them so happy with the results of their senior living community. Learn about Heartfelt Connections Gable Pines is doing different....

Today we are lucky to have Stacie Dooreck is an Author of “SunLight Chair Yoga” and Certified Yoga Instructor “Breathing new life into South Florida seniors."  CBS Miami News. She started practicing hatha yoga in high school due to an injury and she continued as healing occurred from a simple daily yoga practices. Stacie found the physical benefits and mental peace it brought to her were life chan...

Today we are lucky to have Mindy Bolton back with us. Mindy is a Certified Dementia Communication Specialist. She uses evidence-based creative engagement to help people connect, explore, and create. Mindy refers to her approach as “Shay’s Way”— and declares herself to be the least interesting component of the situations she finds herself in. Contact Information For Email: yesandthankyou@gmail.com,...

Today we are lucky to have author Suzka with us. She is a painter, muralist, set designer for the Monterey Jazz Festival, cartoonist and now… writer. We will have a wonderful conversation about her book “Wonders In DementiaLand,” which is an Intimate and Whimsical Account of Dementia, Memory Loss, Caregiving and Dancing Gypsie. Contact Information For ‘Wonders In Dementialand’ – available on Amazo...

Today we are lucky to have a Mother who is willing to share her story of love, frustration and a passion to expand education, awareness and funding for childhood dementia. You will be amazed at the terrifying journey Lorena Demian is living and how she has learned to look at life differently through their dementia experience. Contact Information For Alzheimer's Association 24 hour line: 1-800-272-...

Today we are lucky to have Lynda Weston who at the age of 50, went back to the university to study spirituality and religion, which led her to Integrate her arts background and her experience with people with dementia and their care partners. Lynda created “Back in Five,” an innovative method based in a belief that caring and connecting are the ‘cure’. Contact Information For You Tube: Back in Fiv...

Today we have Wayne Mesker has been the CEO Worldstock Entertainment since Sept. 2008. He Founded Rock Against Dementia in March of 2014 at Cleveland Film Festival screening of Alive Inside. In 2016, with help of Purple Angel “Friends” Rock Against Dementia became World Rocks Against Dementia. Rock Against Dementia. Contact Information For E-Mail: wm@aliveinside.org PH: 216-375-4920 or 212-433-273...

Today we are lucky to have Joey Chandler, the founder of “You Are Videos” where he turns smart phone selfies into video tributes for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. He is now working with hospice and Alzheimer's organizations to show their patients the impact they have had on the world through the words of family and friends. Contact Information For Joey Chandler, You Are Videos 415-948-395...

Today we are lucky to have Jenn Chan, the founder of the Senior Shower Project which is a project which shows appreciation for care partners. Viki Kind has been on our a show few times and we are thrilled to have her back with us. Viki is a Clinical Bioethicist and a highly sought after speaker and author will share her thoughts about the project with us.   Contact Information For Jen Chan: jenn@s...

Today Jed A. Levine the Executive Vice President and Director of Programs and Services at CaringKind will join us. CaringKind was formerly known as the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter. CaringKind has been New York City's leading expert in Alzheimer's and dementia care for more than three decades. Jed has been at the organization for 27 years. He holds a Masters degree in Applied Hum...

Today we have Dr. Macie P. Smith, a Licensed Social Worker, Certified Social Work Case Manager, and a Social Worker in Gerontology. Dr Macie has over 17 years of experience working with aging and vulnerable populations in South Carolina. She serves as an Adjunct Faculty and a Subject Matter Expert on the collegiate level in the areas of social work, social sciences, and public health. She has also...

Rick Naymark is the Author of the book; “Alzheimer’s Gifts, How Caring For Someone With Alzheimer’s Brought Unexpected Blessings.” Rick lives in Edina, Minnesota where he was the principal family member responsible for his mother’s care during her 8 ½ years with Alzheimer’s. Join us and hear Rick’s story. Contact Information For Rick’s book, is on Amazon The quickest way to find it is through www....

Today we are lucky to have Paul Merenbloom is founder of Concordia Systems in Baltimore, Maryland. Paul is a former Wall Street Analyst, and he changed careers to take care of a 95-year old grandmother after she collapsed following a medication error.    Concordia is focused on health and wellness for the US aging-in-place community, and provides services and tools to connect seniors, their famili...

Today we are lucky to have Becky Watson, a Board Certified Music Therapist and is the Founder and Owner, Music for Wellness. She is former Navy Captain who served our country for over 25 years. Becky has always been passionate about supporting the health and wellness through music. After her Navy retirement, she completed multiple training programs including Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care....