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Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers

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  • Navigating the insidious illness of Alzheimer’s is something nobody asks for. The disease sneaks up on you and your loved one, and it feels like you’ve been sucker-punched in the gut when you get the diagnosis from a doctor. So many things race through your mind: why us? What do we do? We worked so hard to get to this point in life. We just moved here after we both worked for 30 years, sold our house up North, and retired to Florida to enjoy our “golden years”. It’s not fair! Who’s going to take care of her/him? I don’t know a thing about this illness. She’s always done the cooking; I don’t even know how to boil water. He's always taken care of me and everything else like Finances. I don’t even drive! And it goes on and on. Facing this disease will bring you to your knees. Once you get over the initial shock (GUT PUNCHED), the questions and fears take hold. Where do we turn for help? Who do I call? What do I do? How do you take care of someone with Alzheimer's? Are there support groups? And questions like these just keep coming. I am a caregiver. I wasn’t before. Well, not this kind of caregiver. My wife was officially diagnosed in January of 2018. I had a sneaking suspicion that she might have something like this about 2 years earlier. So, when I brought it to my Neurologist, he sent us to a very nice Psychologist who specializes in testing patients to determine more accurately what is going on. It was a question-and-answer session, followed by a very detailed testing procedure that usually takes 3 or more hours. The patient has to complete the test comprising of questions, simple actions, and memory tests, then give them a couple of numbers or words then move on, going back to the numbers or words a short time later.

    So moving forward, I asked all the same questions as mentioned earlier. What are my options? So I “sucked it up”-Manned up so to speak. It's part of the deal for better or worse, right? So began my quest for information on support groups, doctors, anything I could get my hands on. It's been 6 years, and I am still looking for everything and anything that will help me crawl through this unchartered path to enlightenment. I was very fortunate to live in a city that has numerous resources to tap into. Most importantly, it's a place named after someone who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His wife provided the money to start the Alvin Dubin Center: The Dubin Center for short. Their mission is to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. And boy do they. I leaned on them for everything I could find. Took all kinds of classes to learn what I needed to do to be the caregiver I have to be. Their caregiver class took about 6 weeks. The material we learned from, and the instructors, were top-notch. I still go back to the notes I took, and the books we used: both as refreshers and inspiration. Hopefully, no matter where you are listening to this, there will be a place like the Dubin Center. If not, don’t despair. The info is out there. That’s what this podcast is about. We’d like to share our resources, our experiences, our heartbreak, and our little victories. From time to time, we’d like to bring in Physicians, Nurses, Experts, and people like you and me, who are going through this disease with our loved ones who are willing to share their journey. The first thing that really stuck with me, and hopefully it will be with you. If you are a caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. Because this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And if you are run down, get sick, or worse.... Who’s going to take care of your spouse, mother, father, or child? Think about that for a few seconds. It’s you, the Caregiver. It’s me the Caregiver. That’s why we’re here. Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers! Thanks for joining us...now let's get going.

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Episodios
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers EP 16
    Jul 1 2024

    In Episode 16 of "Gut Punched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers," hosted by Jeff Edwards, the focus was profoundly personal and deeply informative. Jeff delved into the critical connection between brain toxins and the vital role of deep sleep in Alzheimer's and dementia care, drawing insights from an enlightening article featured in Vital Signs.

    However, the heart of the episode shone through in Jeff's poignant interview with Mark, a devoted husband navigating the complexities of caring for his wife with Frontotemporal Dementia. Mark's story resonated with raw emotion as he shared the lengths he has gone to in order to ensure his wife receives the best possible treatment and care. His unwavering commitment painted a vivid picture of love's endurance in the face of relentless challenges.

    Throughout the episode, Jeff underscored two pivotal rules that every caregiver must internalize. The first, a heartfelt plea to prioritize self-care, echoed with sincerity: "You have to take care of yourself because if something happens to you, who will take care of your loved one?" This resonant reminder struck a chord, emphasizing the caregiver's essential need for physical and emotional well-being.

    The second rule, equally poignant, emphasized the necessity of seeking support: "You can't do it alone. You need help." Jeff encouraged caregivers to actively engage with caregiver groups, lean on supportive networks of friends and relatives, and maintain a practical list to stay organized amidst the chaos.

    In essence, Episode 16 of "Gut Punched" not only delved into the scientific complexities of dementia care but also touched the soul with Mark's touching narrative and Jeff's heartfelt wisdom. It served as a beacon of empathy and guidance for caregivers, reinforcing the profound truth that compassion, support, and self-care are indispensable pillars in the journey of caregiving.

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    33 m
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 15
    Jun 24 2024

    In this episode of "Gut Punched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers," hosted by Jeff Edwards, the focus is on crucial information and practical advice for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Jeff begins by discussing the significant topic of exposure to heavy metals and its link to dementia. He explores how certain metals can contribute to cognitive decline and emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to them.

    Moving on, Jeff delves into the intriguing area of trace metals that may actually mitigate the risk of dementia. This segment sheds light on potentially beneficial elements that could play a role in cognitive health and offers hope amidst the challenges of Alzheimer's care.

    A highlight of the episode is Jeff's interview with Amy Schenk from NRCP (Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida). Amy shares invaluable insights for caregivers, such as the effectiveness of making lists, the importance of asking for help, and strategies for finding support. Her practical advice is aimed at easing the burden on caregivers and improving the quality of care provided to Alzheimer's patients.

    Furthermore, the episode covers groundbreaking research on dementia treatment, specifically the promising results of cell-plasmalogen treatment in reviving memory and cognition among dementia sufferers. This segment provides a glimpse into potential future treatments and gives caregivers reasons to remain hopeful.

    Overall, Jeff Edwards delivers a comprehensive and informative episode that is essential for anyone involved in caring for Alzheimer's patients. The combination of research updates, practical caregiving tips from Amy Schenk, and insights into emerging treatments makes this episode a valuable resource for caregivers seeking to enhance their understanding and support for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease.

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    33 m
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 14
    Jun 17 2024

    In Episode 14 of "GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers," hosted by Jeff Edwards, viewers are informed about a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment. A newly approved drug, endorsed by the FDA, shows promise in slowing the disease's progression. This development is explored in depth, providing hope and insights into its potential impact on patients and caregivers.

    To delve deeper into the challenges faced by caregivers, Jeff interviews Dan Moser, a certified Dementia Care Specialist and facilitator of Dementia Caregiver Support Groups. Dan shares invaluable tips and strategies for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support in managing the demands of caregiving.

    Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to explore resources and support networks available to caregivers through the links provided:

    Learn more about the FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug Learn more about the FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug

    Learn more about the FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug

    Connect with Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

    y highlighting these advancements and support systems, Episode 14 of "GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers" aims to empower caregivers with knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's caregiving effectively.

    This version includes active links to relevant resources and emphasizes the two rules: staying informed about treatment advancements and leveraging support networks for caregivers.

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    28 m

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