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AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

By: AlzAuthors Featured on The Whole Care Network
  • Summary

  • Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.

    Featuring Marianne Sciucco, RN

    Podcast producer and host Marianne Sciucco is a co-founder and director at AlzAuthors and a registered nurse who cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20-year career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. Her novel, "Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story," is based on a couple she met through her work and is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease.

    Learn more about Marianne at AlzAuthors.com.

    Purchase "Blue Hydrangeas"

    Featuring Christy Byrne Yates, M.S., LEP

    Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation” recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.

    Learn more about Christy at AlzAuthors.com.

    AlzAuthors is an Amazon Affiliate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you.

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Episodes
  • Launching "Poetry for the Dementia Journey": An AlzAuthors Anthology
    Jul 23 2024
    In this podcast, host Marianne Sciucco is joined by an ensemble of talented poets to officially launch our anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey. This collection brings together caregivers who have personally navigated the complexities of caregiving, diagnosis, and emotional upheavals tied to Alzheimer's and dementia. They write about many of the situations common to caregivers: the impact of the initial diagnosis, moving into assisted living or memory care, saying goodbye. From touching moments with loved ones to the nuanced challenges of caregiving, these poems offer solace, understanding, and a break from the isolating silence often surrounding dementia. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or someone seeking to understand the impact of Alzheimer's, this anthology and today’s episode provide a profound sense of connection and empathy. You'll experience a myriad of emotions, from sadness to joy, despair and hope. In the end, you will be comforted in knowing that you are not alone. Takeaways: · Gain insight into the profound impact of personal storytelling on Alzheimer's. · Understand the unique challenges and emotional impact of early onset Alzheimer's on families. · Explore the benefits of creative expression in providing holistic care for individuals with dementia. Purchase Poetry for the Dementia Journey Timestamps and page numbers: 2:30 Mariana Mcdonald, Diagnosis, p.30 5:06 Austin Alexis, Dementia Intrigue (not in book) 7:12 Sue Fagalde Lick, You Dance, p.80 8:42 Gail Thomas, A Daughter's Garland, p.114 10:28 Judith H. Montgomery, Mother's Day at Aspen Ridge Assisted Living, p.101 12:10 Ann Campanella, Child Mother, p.62 13:43 Margaret Stawowy, Mother Country, p.162 15:33 Eileen Kennedy, Ritual, p.59 16:41 Joy Johnston, At the Crossroads, p.167 17:47 Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the Neighbors, p.147 20:37 Patricia McKernon Runkle, Given the Mother Word PURE, p.119 21:52 Alan Bern, Boxae, p.17 24:59 Kelly Dumar, Mrs. Bean's Snow, p.158 29:00 Renee Terry Mucci, Life, p.127 30:55 Eileen Kennedy, End of Day, p.60 31:59 Mariana Mcdonald, All the Books, p.31 34:10 Austin Alexis, The Patient, p.95 36:58 Gail Thomas, Alchemy, p.116 39:47 Alan Bern, Dream of Tangles, p.15 40:40 Judith Montgomery, Sometimes, p.103 43:56 Kelly Dumar, How He Asks, p.157 45:15 Ann Campanella, Beyond Words, p.63 47:01 Margaret Stawowy, Signs of Her Decline, p.163 About the Moderator Marianne Sciucco About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store
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    59 mins
  • Two Diagnoses, One Love Story: Dissociative Identity Disorder & Alzheimer’s
    Jul 16 2024
    How would you navigate the complication of having your spouse display Dissociative Identity Disorder - previously called Multiple Personality Disorder - alongside symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Today, we delve into the memoir "Don't Forget to Dance" with Marc Alderdice for our June Books & Chit Chat with Aging and Amazing. Marc takes us on a poignant journey through his wife Mary's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's, starting at age 59, and the extraordinary challenges they faced together, including her struggles with dissociative identity disorder. We explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped Marc's narrative, his wife Mary’s determination to do all she could to prepare herself for a dementia diagnosis and how his scientific background influenced their approach to Mary's care. Marc also shares how he embraced the role of a male caregiver in a predominantly female sphere, the importance of self-care, and the insights gained from support groups continuing to meet virtually since Covid. You'll hear about the significance of activities and physical gestures in communicating with nonverbal loved ones, the inspiration behind the book's title, and how Mary, despite her diagnosis, found joy in new hobbies and activities. Join us as we uncover themes of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of happiness amidst the trials of Alzheimer's. Quote: I think our journey is positive and encouraging in the sense that it shows you really can make the best out of a bad situation. The person with Alzheimer's and the loved ones can be as happy as possible. It may take some work, and it may take a little bit to change your mindset for how you approach things, but it certainly worked for us. - Marc Alderdice In this episode, you will: Understand the unique experiences of the Alzheimer's journeyPrepare yourself emotionally and mentally for the impact of Alzheimer's,Discover strategies to arm yourself with the resilience and coping strategies needed to face the journey ahead.Explore the relationship between dissociative identity disorder and Alzheimer'sDiscover valuable techniques for communicating with nonverbal Alzheimer's patients, fostering deeper connections and understanding. After the Podcast Buy the Book Listen to Previous Podcast with Marc Find more about Marc Follow Marc on Social Media: LinkedIn Facebook About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Life After Loss: Sue Fagalde Lick's Journey After Caregiving
    Jul 2 2024
    Welcome back to the podcast where we share the powerful stories of those who have been impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia. In this episode, Christy and Marianne sit down with Sue Fagalde Lick, a remarkable poet, author, musician, and dog lover from the Oregon coast. Sue shares her deeply moving story of caring for her husband, Fred, throughout their Alzheimer’s journey until his passing. We dive into Sue's earlier work, Childless by Marriage, and explore her latest writings on widowhood and life after dementia, including her poetry anthologies and newly published memoir, No Way Out of This: Loving a Partner with Alzheimer’s, which beautifully intertwines the romance and challenges of life with Fred. Sue opens up about the support she unexpectedly received from friends, the therapeutic value of writing, and the importance of maintaining agency and preparedness as a caregiver. Sue's candor about the hardships of caregiving in a rural area, the emotional impact of rehoming pets, and the solace she finds in music and community will resonate deeply with listeners. We also discuss the creation of our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey, for which Sue volunteered to serve as editor and formatter. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights resilience, love, and the importance of support systems in the caregiving journey. Key Takeaways Living Through Dementia TwiceCoping with a Spouse’s Alzheimer'sEmbracing the Caregiver RoleThe Difficulties of Relocating for Medical CareThe Healing Power of Writing The Role of Pets in Caregiving and Therapy Learn more about Sue at AlzAuthors.com Connect with Sue Website Blog Facebook author page Twitter Can I do It Alone? on Substack Purchase Sue’s books No Way Out of This Gravel Road Ahead Childless by Marriage Blue Chip Stamp Guitar Dining Alfresco with My Dog About the Hosts Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store Purchase our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey
    Show more Show less
    49 mins

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