Speaking of Alzheimer's

Today we’re joined by Teresa Pineau of Connecticut, whose lifelong friend Toni was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 47. From high school memories to motherhood and beyond, Theresa shares how their friendship changed as the disease progressed—and what it means to truly show up for a friend facing Alzheimer’s. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

Today we’re joined by Dr. Gillian Coughlan, a research fellow in neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, for a conversation on menopause, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Coughlan breaks down the link between menopause and Alzheimer’s risk, plus sex differences in the disease. She also shares insights from her recent study on the timing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and it...

On today’s episode, we continue our conversation about Alzheimer’s treatments—this time, from a patient’s perspective. Tracey Collins from Portland, ME, joins us to share her journey, from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment options and receiving Leqembi. She opens up about what the treatment process is like, her hopes for the future, and even how she’s found a unique way to reframe he...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Daniel Press, Chief of the Cognitive Neurology Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), who has been administering Leqembi (lecanemab) to patients since its FDA approval. He discusses his experience delivering the treatment — the process from administering the infusions to monitoring for side effects. He also offers insights into managing expectations, the ch...

On today’s episode we’re joined by Dr. Carl Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s on communities of color and the need for equitable access to diagnosis, care, and support. Dr. Hill discusses the cultural and systemic challenges contributing to these disparities and what work needs to be done to h...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Katherine Amodeo, a Movement Disorders Specialist for the Department of Neurology at Westchester Medical Center, to shed light on one of the often overlooked types of dementia, Lewy Body Dementia. We explore the two related conditions—dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD)— and discuss how they differ from Alzheimer’s, as well as the unique...

On today's episode, as we close out Season 1, we're sharing some of the most powerful, moving, and inspiring clips from our very first season of Speaking of Alzheimer's. Hear some of the unforgettable moments from people living with the disease, caregivers, researchers, advocates, and so many remarkable individuals who have let us in. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 2...

On today's episode we're joined by daughter of the legendary Tony Bennett, Antonia. She shares her powerful story of love, music, and navigating her father’s journey with Alzheimer’s. She also discusses how their musical bond became a source of strength and connection. Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900).

On today’s episode we’re continuing our conversation on navigating the holidays. We’re joined by Jo Cotto, Sr. Programs Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association VT Chapter, and Annie Murphy, Sr. Programs Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter, to discuss subtle signs that can arise during holiday gatherings when you might notice a loved one struggling with memory, focus, or familiar rou...

On today’s episode, as we enter the holiday season, we’re discussing navigating this time of year with a loved one living with dementia. We’re joined by our very own experts, Nicole McGurin, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter and Esther Pearl, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter. We explore strategies to make these gatherings meaningful and mana...

Today's episode is a bonus episode in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month. We're joined by Tufts Medicine's Dr. Brent Forester and journalist Tom Harrison who share invaluable insights on how families can "care smarter, not harder" to help maintain the best possible quality of life for their loved ones affected by dementia. The two discuss why caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer'...

Today’s episode explores a compelling yet underrecognized connection — the link between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. We’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Santoro and clinical social worker Clo Cottrell from the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. We discuss why individuals with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, how symptoms may present differently, and...

On today’s episode we’re joined by Officer Steven Duqette with the Manchester Police Department and Lt. Col. Mark Davison with the Connecticut State Police to discuss protecting and serving the older adult population and individuals living with dementia. The two share their experiences with wandering, scams targeting older adults, hoarding, and how dementia training is critical for first responder...

Today we’re joined by Jennifer Pollina, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and former caregiver for her mother, to discuss the financial burden of Alzheimer’s disease and how to plan ahead. Jennifer shares financial planning strategies for families after receiving a diagnosis, tips on how to begin conversations about finances with family members, preparing for the costs of long-term care faciliti...

On today’s episode we’re continuing our discussion on caregiving and how each caregiver’s journey is unique. We’re joined by Betsey Bianchi from Killington, VT and Virginia O’Leary from Pittsfield, MA. Betsey is a caregiver for her mother, Jenny, and Virginia is a caregiver for her partner, Kirk. The two share their unique experiences, challenges, and tips for other caregivers. They also chat abou...

On today’s episode we’re discussing caregiving and how each caregiver’s journey is unique. We’re joined by Amanda Caroluzzi from Newtown, CT and John Newby from Harpswell, ME. Amanda is a “sandwich generation” caregiver currently caring for her mother who is living with Alzheimer’s while also raising a one-year-old son. John is a caregiver for his wife, Venus, who is living with younger-onset Alzh...

Today we’re joined by Sarah Barclay from Newport, Rhode Island and Stuart McLeod from Needham, Massachusetts who both faced the heartbreak of a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and turned their grief into action. Sarah’s family founded the Block Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s in honor of their mother, Sandy, and Stuart began his own fundraiser called The Washburn Challenge in honor of...

On today’s episode, we’re unpacking the latest breakthroughs in dementia research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia last week. We’re joined by Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, Vice President of Scientific Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss developments in blood tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, how GLP-1 drugs (a class of drugs...

Today we're joined by Kerry Dennis from Auburn, NH, and Leah Farley, from Hopkinton, NH, who are both living with younger-onset Alzheimer's and found friendship with one another in an unexpected way. The two discuss how they met and how they've been able to lean on each other while at similar places in their journey with the disease. They also share some advice on how you can show up f...

On this special episode we’re discussing the new FDA-approved drug Kisunla (donanemab) for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. We’re joined by Dr. Margarita Reyes, a physician at Bristol Health Group in Connecticut, who explains how Kisunla works, the difference between Kisunla and Leqembi, side effects, and much more.  Need assistance? Call the Alzheimer’s A...

On today’s episode we’re joined by Katie Brandt from Portsmouth, RI, whose husband Mike was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at 29 years old. Her difficult journey led her to become a passionate advocate and a professional in the dementia and caregiver space – Katie is well known as a dementia care expert, powerful public speaker and educator. We discuss the difference between Alzheime...

Today we’re joined by Barbara Meehan from Wareham, MA, a former caregiver for her late partner Faye who launched an LGBTQ caregivers support group. We’re also joined by Neil Babitch, a member of Barbara’s support group and caregiver for his partner Roger. The two share their experiences navigating their journey with the disease as members of the LGBTQ community, and how the support group has helpe...

On today's episode, we're joined by Boston-based neurologist, researcher, and author, Dr. Andrew Budson, for a conversation about normal aging and dementia in honor of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. We discuss memory changes due to normal aging versus the warning signs of dementia, why you should go to the doctor if you're experiencing memory concerns, and the theory of c...

Today we’re highlighting the younger generation pursuing careers in the field of aging and dementia research. We’re joined by Elizabeth Kensinger, psychology and neuroscience professor at Boston College (BC), Victoria Fisher, a researcher at BC, and Josue Velasquez Higueros, a graduating student at the BC School of Social Work & a Spier Fellowship recipient. We discuss the interest of younger...

On today’s episode, we’re taking a look at Alzheimer’s and dementia through the lens of the Hispanic community. We’re joined by Evelyn Miranda from West Hartford, CT, who is a caregiver for her husband, Eddie, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease and Maria Canales from New Haven, CT, who is a longtime volunteer, community educator - presenting programs in both English and Spanish - and board mem...