Speaking of Alzheimer's

On today’s episode we’re joined by Dr. AZA Allsop, artist, neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and founder of the AZA Lab at Yale University, to explore the powerful connection between music, the brain, and dementia care. Dr. Allsop discusses the latest research on how music can support memory, mood, social connection, and overall well-being for people living with cognitive impairment. He also shares in...

In this episode, Elizabeth Potempa of Niagra County, NY, shares her experience as a sandwich caregiver—raising young children while caring for her husband living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She opens up about the early signs she began to notice, the path to diagnosis, and how she and her family navigated difficult conversations. Elizabeth also opens up about balancing a full-time teaching...

On today's episode we're joined by Mary Crowe, Director of Professional and Community Education at Care Dimensions, for a compassionate, practical conversation to help demystify care options during difficult times. Mary breaks down the differences between hospice and palliative care, when these services may be needed, and how they can improve quality of life for both individuals and famili...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ted Huey, Director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, to explore the critical role of tau in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. As research into Alzheimer’s advances, tau is emerging as a powerful piece of the puzzle. Dr. Huey breaks down the science behind tau, how it impacts the brain, and what the latest research could mean for earlie...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by John Chandler of Long Island, NY, who is living with MCI, and Christine Burnett of Meriden, CT, who is living with Alzheimer’s, for a candid conversation about what it means to live well after a diagnosis. The two share how they stay active and engaged — prioritizing exercise, routine, connection and advocacy to maintain purpose and quality of life. They also op...

Today we’re joined by Olympic gold medalist and hockey legend AJ Mleczko Griswold for a deeply personal conversation about Alzheimer’s and the impact it has had on her family. AJ opens up about her mother’s journey living with Alzheimer’s, her grandmother’s experience with the disease, and navigating what she calls “the long goodbye.” She also shares how those experiences inspired Ice Out ALZ, a f...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the powerful role sleep plays in cognitive function and dementia risk. Joined by Dr. Jennifer Langstengel, Director of the UConn Health Sleep Center, we explore what happens to the brain when sleep is disrupted, how conditions like sleep apnea can affect long-term brain health, and simple, practical steps you can take to improve your sleep and protect your...

When you haven’t seen a loved one in a while, holiday visits can bring unexpected questions. On today's episode, Nicole McGurin, Programs and Services Director for the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, helps us understand the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias that may become more noticeable during the holidays. We walk through what’s normal aging, what may be a red flag, and wh...

On today's episode we're joined by Dr. Heather Snyder, Senior Vice President of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, to break down the newly released ancillary study findings from the U.S. POINTER trial. We discuss how lifestyle interventions, ranging from nutrition to physical activity, can improve brain blood flow, reduce sleep apnea events, and increase cogni...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Kristina Zdanys, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the UConn School of Medicine, and Stacey Tucci, a veteran and Executive Director of a memory care community, for a powerful conversation about the connection between military service and dementia risk. Stacey reflects on her experience in the Air Force and her family’s personal journey with Alzheimer’...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Peter Rabins, co-author of The 36-Hour Day – a book that has guided millions of families through the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia care for more than 40 years. Dr. Rabins shares how this essential resource came to life through his work with caregivers and the Alzheimer’s Association, and how it continues to evolve with the latest research and real-w...

In this episode, we’re joined by licensed counselor Mary Boucher, LICSW, to discuss how an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can impact couples relationships. She shares insights on maintaining open communication, coping with grief and guilt, and navigating intimacy. She offers guidance for couples navigating the emotional and practical challenges of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Need assistance? Call the Alzheim...

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we sit down with Adolis Ramos to hear her family’s journey with Alzheimer’s. From her grandmother’s dementia diagnosis to her mother’s role as a 24/7 caregiver, Adolis shares the cultural dynamics that often make conversations about dementia difficult and why access to resources in Spanish is so critical. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 H...

Today we continue exploring the stories behind the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Promise Garden flowers. Joining us is Lauralee Denler of Old Saybrook, CT, who carries the blue flower, representing those living with Alzheimer’s. We’re also joined by Katherine O’Malley of Newton, MA, who holds the orange flower, symbolizing supporters committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and standing wi...

On today’s episode we’re exploring the stories behind the Walk to End Alzheimer’s flowers. We’re joined by Nancy Poulos of St. Johnsbury, VT who carries a purple flower symbolizing the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s, and Frank Spinella of Middletown, RI who carries a yellow flower representing his role as a caregiver for his father. Together, Nancy and Frank open up about love, loss, caregiving...

On today's episode, we take a closer look at the groundbreaking U.S. POINTER study through the voices of those directly involved. Dave Quinn, a study participant, shares what it was like to make meaningful lifestyle changes as part of the clinical trial — from the challenges he faced to the impact it’s had on his daily life. Joining him is Angel Garcia, a study navigator who guided and supported p...

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Salloway, principal investigator for the Rhode Island site of the U.S. POINTER study, joins us to discuss new findings showing that lifestyle changes can protect brain health and improve cognition in older adults at risk for dementia. This groundbreaking clinical trial highlights the power of structured support — including exercise, nutrition, cognitive training, and s...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Fanny Elahi, associate professor of neurology and neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, to help us unpack vascular dementia and the role vascular pathologies play in cognitive decline. She discusses why diagnosing vascular dementia remains complex, and how lifestyle factors like exercise can help reduce risk. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s As...

Today we’re joined by two powerful advocates - Sean Terwilliger, who was recently diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and Tonya Maurer, a caregiver for her mother since 2017. Both attended the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., where more than 1,000 advocates from all 50 states came together to make their voices heard. In this episode, Sean and Tonya share what the experience meant...

On today’s episode, we explore a common but often overlooked challenge for people living with Alzheimer’s: depression. While memory loss and confusion are widely recognized, the emotional impact often goes undiscussed. We’re joined by Dr. Julia Salinas, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Tufts Medicine’s Memory Care Program, to discuss how overlapping symptoms can make a diagnosis diff...

Today we’re joined by Alison Dvorak, a registered dietician and certified nutritionist, to explore how everyday nutrition choices can support brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. She discusses the elements of brain-healthy diets, choosing smarter snacks, and tips for making better choices when eating on the go or dining out. For more information on brain-healthy nutri...

On today’s episode we explore younger-onset Alzheimer’s and how a diagnosis at this stage impacts the whole family –especially children and teens who may struggle to understand and cope. We’re joined by Diana Cose, founder of Lorenzo’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and Patti LaFleur, a daughter who navigated her mother’s diagnosis. Toget...

Today we're joined by country artist Jay Allen who turned his personal pain into powerful purpose after losing his mother to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Jay shares how her diagnosis changed his life, led him to write the viral hit “Blank Stares,” and sparked a nationwide movement for awareness and fundraising. Jay also discusses the healing power of music and how he's using his platform to ho...

As he prepares to retire after 27 years as the leader and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, Jim Wessler joins us to reflect on decades of progress in Alzheimer’s awareness, care, and public policy. Jim shares the stories and people who inspired his work, pivotal moments in the fight against Alzheimer’s including research breakthroughs, and the critical work that still lies ahead in...

On today’s episode, we explore the power of art as a way to process, connect, and cope while navigating Alzheimer’s. We’re joined by abstract artist Nat Connacher of Stamford, CT who shares how his "Connecting Moments" series became an outlet for processing his mother’s Alzheimer’s journey. We discuss how how creativity can be an effective tool for anyone facing Alzheimer’s — whether you're a care...