Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia welcomes Dr. Monique Nugent to discuss how caregivers can effectively advocate for loved ones in hospital settings. Dr. Nugent is also the author of Prescription for Admission: The Power and Potential of Hospital Medicine , a must-read for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike. This book offers an inside look at hospital care, breaking down...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Gina and Allie from Care Patrol discussing the complexities of transitioning seniors into retirement communities. They share insights on planning, choosing the right care level, understanding state regulations, and navigating family dynamics to ensure a smooth and suitable move. Allie Spangler, OTR/L, CSA brings extensive experience and deep passion for helpi...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful interview, Annie Guest shares her journey through caregiving, the importance of radical acceptance, and how interior design can support mental health during challenging times. Discover practical tips for managing burnout, decluttering, and creating spaces that nurture the mind and body. Annie Guest had a varied career in book publishing, advertising, and law, be...

Send us Fan Mail This episode covers recent advances in Alzheimer's research, including the potential link between shingles vaccination and dementia prevention, the biological shifts in aging, and promising biomarkers and treatments like lithium. Dr. Mia discusses how these findings could impact future therapies and personal health decisions. Shingles Vaccine: The Wales/Australia Natural Expe...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful interview, Sue Lloyd-Davie s discusses her book Pinkie’s Turnabout (Fitzroy, February 2026), inspired by her own experiences caring for a loved one with dementia and her work with children in caregiving situations. The conversation explores the emotional journey of caregiving, the importance of understanding dementia, and how families can foster open conversatio...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt interview, Karen McGovern shares her personal and professional journey caring for loved ones at the end of life, highlighting the importance of compassion, preparation, and presence. Discover insights into end-of-life care, the role of doulas, and how to navigate grief and caregiving with grace. About Karon Keller McGovern Karon is a Certified End of Life Doula,...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Mia explores the groundbreaking Finger Study, a global research project on brain health and Alzheimer's prevention, and the US version, called POINTER study. Discover why lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and cognitive activities can significantly improve brain resilience and delay cognitive decline. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pointer Study 02:44 Understandin...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Dr. Mia and Dr. Catherine Madison discuss the complexities of caregiving for individuals with dementia, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights. They explore the importance of understanding advanced care planning, and the vulnerability of dementia patients to health challenges. The discussion also covers legal considerations for caregivers...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why the news reports on Alzheimer's causes are so confusing and what's the fuss about these amyloid plaques? This conversation delves into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the shift from traditional diagnosis of exclusion to new definition by underlying pathology.  Dr. Mia explains the differences between Alzheimer's d...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Alex Drane and Dr. Mia discuss the challenges and realities of unpaid caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-identification, data, and community support. They explore how caregivers often overlook their own needs while focusing on those they care for, and the necessity of finding respite and grace in their roles. The discussion also touches on the imp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia talks about the common questions that come up in memory clinic such as:  Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Basics 02:54 Differentiating Between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia 06:19 Exploring Types of Dementia 11:01 Stages of Dementia Explained Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.mi...

Send us Fan Mail The "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" hosts Allison and Jennifer discuss the GUIDE program with Dr. Mia, an innovative Medicare initiative designed to support caregivers and patients through comprehensive services and respite care. Mia Yang, a geriatrician, shares her expertise and insights on GUIDE (GUiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program. Self refer:  GuideA...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jodi Colada, a director of caregiver outreach, about engaging activities for family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. They discuss the challenges caregivers face in getting their loved ones to participate in activities, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and various creative expressions...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Dr. Mia discusses her personal experiences with caregiving and grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role as a caregiver, the challenges of caregiver burnout, and the necessity of seeking support. She reflects on her relationship with her mother and the complexities of love and acceptance in the context of caregiving.  Important Resour...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses the top misconceptions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences between the two, the complexities of diagnosing dementia, and the implications of early diagnosis. She also addresses the common belief that Medicare covers in-home care for dementia patients and clarifies the real...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt discuss their insights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2025) this summer, and the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions. They explore the gut-brain connection, innovative drug research, and the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on cognitive health. The conve...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare and Medicaid, explaining their differences, coverage options, and the implications of recent legislative changes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these programs, especially for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immigrants. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by tho...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia sits down with Tamra Stokes, a transformational life coach, author, speaker, and founder of Reimagining Life Coaching. Known as The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Tamra empowers overwhelmed family caregivers to heal emotionally, rediscover themselves, and find fulfillment amid the demands of caregiving. Drawing from over 20...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia invites her husband, Dr. Alex Fertman, to discuss the nuances of palliative care and hospice, particularly in the context of dementia. They explore the differences between these two forms of care, the challenges families face when dealing with dementia, and the difficult decisions surrounding feeding tubes and end-of-life care. T...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Rohan Ramakrishna, co-founder of Roon, discusses the innovative healthcare technology platform designed to provide patients with reliable medical information.  Roon aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare experts, offering personalized guidance and 24/7 support. Rohan shares insights into the journey of building Roon, the importance o...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia interviews Amanda Gengler, a sociology professor and author, about her personal experiences as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's and her young son. They discuss the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, the emotional labor involved in caregiving, and the challenges of family dynamics. Amanda shares insi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, host Dr. Mia speaks with Sam Simon, a lawyer and playwright diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Sam shares his journey, including the impact of his diagnosis on his family, the importance of communication, and the challenges of navigating legal and financial planning. He discusses the emotional and practical aspects of l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Jane Smith shares her experiences as a caregiver for her mother-in-law, who is facing dementia. The conversation explores the dynamics of caregiving, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the emotional complexities involved in caring for aging family members. Jane discusses her close relationship with her mother-in-law, the division of caregivin...

Send us Fan Mail Pharmacist Molly Hinely talks about how to help those who might forget to take meds with Dr. Mia.   Good vs bad medications for memory Right use of technology in helping to remember meds Potential benefits and risks of various supplements.  Sign up for Dr. Mia's email list to get a medication organization sheet.  Molly Hinely, PharmD, BCPS is the manager for the Atrium Health...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Kristin Beavers discuss the relationship between weight loss and bone health, emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and monitoring bone density through DEXA scans. They explore the impact of new diabetes medications GLP-1 inhibitors (such as ozempic, wegovy) on bone health and provide practical tips for maintaining bone density, partic...