Spotlight on Care: Alzheimer's Caregiving

In this episode, Steve and Virginia speak again with Marty Schreiber about the deeper emotional side of dementia care. Marty explains why simple things like holding hands or singing are so important for staying connected with a loved one. He shares advice on how caregivers can "join their loved one's world" instead of trying to correct them, and discusses the ongoing grief that come...

In this episode, Steve and Virginia speak with former Wisconsin governor, author and Alzheimer’s advocate Marty Schreiber about his personal caregiving journey with his wife, Elaine, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Marty shares how the experience transformed his life and led him to become an advocate for caregivers. Drawing from both heartbreak and wisdom, he reflects on the physical and emoti...

In this episode, Steve and Virginia speak with elder law attorney Fay Blix about the critical importance of early legal planning after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Fay explains how stigma, fear, and denial often delay planning, and emphasizes involving the diagnosed person in decisions while they still have capacity. She outlines key tools such as durable powers of attorney, advance healthcare direct...

In this episode of Spotlight on Care , hosts Virginia Naeve and Steve O’Leary are joined by Deborah Kan, the founder of Being Patient , a leading digital resource for Alzheimer’s and dementia information. Drawing from her personal experience as a caregiver and her background as a journalist, Deborah explains how her platform serves as a comprehensive roadmap for families through three core pillars...

This special holiday episode of Spotlight on Care offers practical, compassionate guidance for planning celebrations with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Co-hosts Virginia and Steve share personal stories and helpful tips for creating calm, meaningful gatherings—from keeping events small and familiar to preparing guests in advance. They discuss the value of routines over tra...

Join Steve and Virginia for an enlightening conversation with renowned dementia care educator Teepa Snow as we explore how to cope with challenging situations when supporting people living with dementia. Teepa shares her compassionate, person-centered approach to understanding the why behind these challenges, and offers practical techniques for de-escalating tense situations, identifying common tr...

In today’s episode of Spotlight on Care, co-hosts Steve and Virginia welcome Dr. Bryce Mander for an in-depth conversation on the critical role of sleep in healthy aging and dementia prevention. Drawing on his expertise in sleep science, Dr. Mander explains how and why sleep changes as we age, the impact these changes can have on memory and overall brain health, and why caregivers are particularly...

In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Virginia welcome back Valerie George and Sonia Sehgal to discuss the GUIDE program (Guiding and Improved Dementia Experience), a groundbreaking care initiative launched by CMS in 2023. The GUIDE program offers comprehensive, long-term support for both people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers, recognizing the significant burden caregivers face. Ove...

Steve and Virginia sit down with Andrea Hughes, a dedicated caregiver whose mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Featured in the PBS documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s , Andrea shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of caregiving at a young age, balancing work and family responsibilities, and finding strength through community and storytelling. To learn...

Steve and Virginia explore the vital role that geriatricians play in diagnosing and managing dementia and other cognitive symptoms in older adults. The co-hosts are joined by Valerie George, a certified physician assistant with UCI Health, and Sonia Sehgal, MD, a board-certified geriatrician and internist with UCI Health, who discuss how geriatric care should take a whole-person approach—addressin...

In this episode, Steve and Virginia explore the emotional and practical differences between caring for a parent versus a spouse with dementia. Virginia emphasizes the role reversal and challenges of managing her mother’s daily needs and finances, while Steve opens up about the loss of companionship and adapting intimacy in his relationship with his wife, Patty. They discuss the importance of commu...

Virginia and Steve are joined by Ruth Ann Rousseau, a caregiver and support group leader, to discuss the vital role that support groups play for dementia caregivers. Ruth Ann highlights how these groups provide resources, confidence, and community while addressing the challenges of participation. She compares online and in-person meetings and encourages caregivers to seek support, stay open to lea...

In this episode of Spotlight on Care, Steve and Virginia explore the complex and often distressing experience of delusions in dementia with David Sultzer, MD, the Clinical Research Director at UCI MIND and professor of Psychiatry & Human Behavior. Dr. Sultzer explains how and when delusions, such as paranoia and misidentification, develop in individuals with dementia and the impact they have o...

Virginia and Steve discuss the legal concerns that arise after a dementia diagnosis with Orange County probate attorney, Stephen Magro, JD, who has 30 years of experience in elder law.  Mr. Magro outlines the legal steps needed to help protect loved ones with dementia including setting up a will and trust and establishing an advanced health care directive.  For more information about Stephen Magro...

Co-hosts Virginia and Steve are joined by Renée Brown Harmon, MD, a retired family physician, who shares her eight-year journey as a caregiver for her husband, Harvey, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at age 49. Dr. Harmon discusses the challenges of caregiving, the stages and types of grief, and the coping strategies she used. She also highlights the emotional and physical toll caregiv...

(From the Archives) Virginia and Steve speak with Dr. Galindo, who cared for her father with Alzheimer's disease and helps the listeners understand the importance of simplifying the holidays to maximize enjoyment for everyone.  She gives tips on focusing on one or two traditions and recruiting help  instead of trying to balance caregiving with all of the pressures of maintaining family tradit...

(From the Archives) Dee Ransom joins Steve and Virginia to discuss some of the adjustments she has had to make being a caregiver for her husband, John, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Dee shares her experience learning to advocate for her husband, adapting to changes in their relationship and the difficulty and hidden blessings involved in placing him in a residential facility. Send us Fan Mai...

In this episode of Spotlight on Care, co-hosts Steve and Virginia are joined once again by caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson to discuss the challenges adult children face when caring for parents who were absent, abusive, or neglectful. They explore emotional struggles, complicated family dynamics, the importance of setting boundaries, and the question of whether total forgiveness is necessary. Pa...

In this episode, Diana Marquez-Siemers and Rachel Smyth from the Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) provide expert insights on the challenges and solutions for families caring for loved ones with dementia. Join Steve and Virginia as they learn about the CRC’s commitment to supporting caregivers. They also discuss the development of their personalized care plans to address each caregiver’s unique need...

Virginia and Steve are joined by Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA.– an international resource for caregivers with over two decades of experience in aging and caregiving– known for her consultations, advocacy, and her book, "The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life's Unexpected Changes," as well as her own podcast called “The Caring Generation.” Together, they discuss the challen...

Virginia rejoins Steve in this concluding 2 part series on caregiving strategies. In this episode, they provide insights into activities and products that can be utilized to enhance daily living and simplify routine tasks. Tune in for valuable information that aims to elevate the day-to-day experience for both caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   Send us Fan...

Steve interviews Virginia  about tips she has compiled over the years to improve the caregiving journey. Listen along as they delve into topics on healthcare visits, money matters, safety, and mood changes. This is part 1 of a 2 part series of tips and tools that can help improve quality of care for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Mentioned Episode in Podcast w...

Virginia and Steve are joined by Nathaniel Chin, MD, a geriatrician, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine, Medical Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and host and creator of the popular Dementia Matters podcast.  Dr. Chin recounts how his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and dementia journey inspired his career choice. ...

Steve and Virginia sit down with Ahmad Sajjadi, MD, PhD, associate professor of Neurology at UC Irvine and research clinician at UCI MIND, to discuss some of the recent advances that have been made in Alzheimer’s disease research and care. He discusses the newly approved drugs, diagnostic tests and coverage of some of those tests, and care navigator programs.  Send us Fan Mail

Steve and Virginia are joined by Dr. Michelle McDonnell, a neuropsychologist at UCI MIND, who discusses the importance of cognitive testing. She discusses the process involved in the testing, tips to encourage your loved one to participate, and the benefits of tracking Alzheimers as it progresses.  Send us Fan Mail