In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph discusses sundowning with Claudia Schwenzer, a Care Counselor for https://www.alz.org/ (Alzheimer’s Association) Michigan Chapter. Care counselors help families develop individualized caregiving plans that fit the specific needs of their family member impacted by dementia. Their help can be requested at Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Sundowning is a state of confusion that occurs for people with dementia, typically in the late afternoon. It can cause a number of behaviors such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or wandering. We discuss the impact, causes and resources for dealing with the phenomenon of sundowning. Claudia also talks about safety considerations and research projects related to dementia and sundowning. Then I speak with my friend Jordan Gilliam who describes his experiences as a caregiver in long-term care facilities. He shares his insights about and approaches to increasing personal dignity and reducing agitation for people living with dementia. Finally, I speak with Ginger about her perceptions and awareness of sundowning as well as how I can help her when she’s dealing with the confusion that occurs when sundowning happens for her.

In this episode on the Living with Alzheimer's podcast, Christoph interviews Sarah Lewan, Alzheimer's Association Volunteer Program Manager, about current volunteer efforts and the many volunteering opportunities to help support families dealing with dementia. You can read about volunteer opportunities and sign up to help at https://volunteer.alz.org/home (volunteer.alz.org). And, you can reach Sarah with questions by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800.272.3900. After the interview, Christoph's sister Celeste joins in with Ginger to share memories of Ginger's past volunteer work and upcoming volunteer opportunities available to her now.

In this episode of https://www.lwalz.com/ (Living with Alzheimer’s), I speak with Caitlin Goyer, Helpline Program Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, about Alzheimer’s Association’s call-in helpline and the resources it provides families and caregivers. The Alzheimer's Association provides a 24-hour dementia helpline is available at (800) 272-3900 and provides: Local referrals for medical professionals familiar with dementia Living communities for people with dementia Information about respite for caregivers Information about respite scholarships Informational pamphlets about dementia and caregiving best practices Advice for dealing with issues related to caring for someone with dementia Care consultation to create individualized caregiving plans Support groups for families and caregivers Then we celebrate a special birthday and speak with Ginger about turning 80.

In this episode of https://www.lwalz.com/ (Living with Alzheimer’s), I interview Kayla Jakel, Community Connect Program Manager for Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, about the work her program is doing to engage people with dementia. Kayla manages the Bruce H. and Rosalie N. Rosen Community Connect Program, which provides people living with dementia and their care partners a broad range of social and cultural opportunities. You can read about and register for these programs at https://www.alz.org/gmc/helping_you/social_engagement (https://www.alz.org/gmc/helping_you/social_engagement). And, you can reach Kayla with questions or ideas at [email protected]. Afterwords, I speak to Ginger about social engagement programs she would be interested in attending and we talk about some of her memories related to the programs being offered by Community Connect. You may note that Ginger begins experiencing sundowning toward the end of our conversation and that remembering recent events and word recall become more challenging for her. This is an everyday occurrence for Ginger and other’s suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode of Living with Alzheimer’s, I speak with Neuropsychologist Dr. Michael Lawrence, who is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist operating as the section chief and director of training in clinical neuropsychology and specializing in conducting evaluations of people with potential epilepsy, dementia and concussions. Dr. Lawrence describes three major types of dementia, their typical symptoms and how they differ from each other. We also discuss the science of dementia diagnosis and how it has developed over recent decades. Afterwards, I speak with Ginger about her battle with recurrent urinary tract infections, how they have impacted her dementia symptoms and what we are doing to help prevent future UTIs.

In this episode of Living with Alzheimer’s, I speak with Kristin Rossi, Vice President of Development at Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, about her role generating revenue to help fund Alzheimer’s Association research and support efforts. We also talk about the association’s mission and the many services it provides to the public. Kristin shares how Walk to End Alzheimer’s events bring so many people together to support the association and each other. You can find walk events in your area at http://alz.org/walk (alz.org/walk). And you can donate directly at http://act.alz.org/donate (act.alz.org/donate). Kristin shares information about support for caregivers and families and how Alzheimer’s Association’s support hotline at 800.272.3900 provides resources for them. And we talk about the association’s https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/the-alzheimer-s-association-science-hub (Science Hub app), which provides the public access to Alzheimer’s Association research news.

Christoph and Ginger discuss yoga and its benefits with yoga instructor Melissa Tungl. Melissa is instructor and owner at http://sevayoga.net/ (Seva Yoga) (www.sevayoga.net) in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Seva is a Sanskrit word often associated with the facet of yoga meaning service. The episode covers the system of yoga and how it can benefit people of all walks of life. It highlights how yoga can benefit people with dementia as well as their caregivers. It covers how Melissa modifies her instruction to meet Ginger’s needs, and it includes some snippets of a live yoga session to illustrate points made in the discussion.

Christoph and Ginger discuss holding onto and recalling memories. Ginger shares stories about her memories of travel. And Christoph and Ginger interview Alzheimer's Association care counselor Brandi Becker-Wright, who shares several insights about how Alzheimer's impacts the brain's ability to store and retrieve memories. The Alzheimer's Association provides a 24-hour dementia helpline at (800) 272-3900.

Christoph and Ginger kick off the Living With Alzheimer's podcast. In this episode, Christoph explains what a podcast is and they have a conversation about her dementia diagnosis. Ginger shares some personal stories and life insights.