Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and pain. We discuss appropriate dosing, cannabis formulations, and most importantly - seeing a specialist versus experimenting on your own.

Dr. Yafai stumbled into the world of medical cannabis while working in the ER, with patients mentioning using cannabis for issues like arthritis pain and chemotherapy side effects. She was skeptical at first but dove into the research to learn more. Now she consults with patients to create personalized cannabis treatment plans to replace or enhance traditional pharmaceutical options.

Episode Highlights:

[09:42] - Coming "out of the closet" to colleagues about being a cannabis doctor.

[15:39] - Why doctor recommendation makes cannabis legitimate medicine vs. recreational.

[22:22] - Using THC for improved sleep-in dementia patients.

[28:55] - Risk of addiction/dependence with medical cannabis.

[32:26] - Various formulations like chocolate, honey, tea.

[35:47] - Start low, go slow philosophy with dosing.

[43:31] - Reach out for professional guidance from a cannabis clinician.

Connect with Dr. Sherry Yafai:

· Website: https://sherryyafaimd.com/

· The Releaf Institute: https://thereleafinstitute.com/

· Cannabis Clinicians: https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of dementia. Dr. Gabby explains how she can perform cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and denture fittings in clients' homes and residential facilities. She also shares creative strategies for providing oral hygiene care to those who refuse it or cannot do it themselves.

About my Guest: Dr. Gabrielle “Dr. Gabby” Mahler

Dr. Gaby has been practicing mobile dentistry for 14 years. She started working with retirement homes early in her career which exposed her to the immense need for at-home dental care options for older adults and people with disabilities. She now owns a mobile practice serving clients throughout LA.

Episode Highlights:

[05:11] - Transitioning from traditional dentistry to mobile dentistry.

[10:49] - The surprisingly wide range of procedures possible in the home.

[16:41] - Attempting dentures on dementia patients.

[23:21] - Preserving patients' joy of eating.

[24:56] - How medical insurance applies to mobile dentistry.

[35:01] - Educating caregivers on proper oral hygiene routines.

[43:15] - Detecting dental issues in uncommunicative patients.

[48:39] - How to prepare food for safe eating.

[53:21] - Caring for removable dentures and partials.

[1:01:02] - The differences treating dementia patients.

Connect with Gabrielle Mahler, DDS:

Website - https://www.inhomedentalcare.com/

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.

Joining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who was diagnosed with dementia, which led him to start this organization. He provides an in-depth look at the various types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk.

About My Guest, Kevin Jameson

Kevin started the Dementia Society of America after his wife was diagnosed with dementia in her late 50s. He became her primary caregiver and realized there were few resources available, prompting him to start this nonprofit organization. As a leading voice in the dementia field, Kevin is dedicated to providing education, improving quality of life, and funding research.

Episode Highlights:

[00:55] - Introducing my guest, Kevin Jameson, Founder of the Dementia Society of America.

[04:14] - Kevin shares his emotional story of his wife Ginny’s journey to a dementia diagnosis.

[10:50] - After the diagnosis, Kevin and his wife started traveling the world, seizing the day.

[12:24] - The emotional transition from home care to a care facility and hospice.

[15:20] - The Dementia Society of America was founded in 2003.

[16:28] - We discuss the myths about most dementia cases.

[20:18] - Simple lifestyle changes we can make to reduce dementia risk factors.

[25:04] - Minor changes in cognitive impairment are hard to spot, there is no lightning moment.

[32:56] - How clinical trials have advanced.

[33:48] - Overview of the Dementia Society's programs.

Links & Resources:

Dementia Society of America: https://www.dementiasociety.org/

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.