Help For Dementia – Details, episodes & analysis

Karen McLean describes life after her husband Scott was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 52. She recalls the first subtle changes, the rapid decline that followed and the decision to move Scott into full-time care. Karen speaks openly about exhaustion, care-partner burnout and the support she receives from the Alzheimer Society community.

• Early Signs and Diagnosis – Subtle mood and behaviour shifts pointed to something deeper.

• Care-Partner Strain – Physical fatigue and emotional stress build quickly; burnout is real.

• Community Response – Positive support from neighbours, professionals and friends matters.

• Family Impact – Loved ones grieve before a physical loss, and Karen’s daughter feels she “lost Dad twice.”

• Role of the Alzheimer Society – Education, counselling, and peer groups provide critical relief

• HelpForDementia.ca – Information, support, and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners

• Alzheimer.ab.ca – Free education and services for families and care partners

• AlzheimersFaceOff.ca – Edmonton-based hockey tournament that raises funds for free dementia education, support services and research

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the latest in dementia research, and the importance of reliable information sources. Dr. Poulin also shares personal stories with his own family's journey with dementia.

Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia

Reducing Stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds

Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support

Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the latest in dementia research, and the importance of reliable information sources. Dr. Poulin also shares personal stories with his own family's journey with dementia.

Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia

Reducing Stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds

Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support

Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew from a small music event to a seven-hour festival with multiple bands. Brenda also talks about the importance of community support and the impact of volunteering. She shares her experience organizing the event and the satisfaction she derived from it. Brenda emphasizes the need for more awareness and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Resources:

ASANT Cafe: alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support Seeds of Hope: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/help-support/programs-services#Seeds_of_Hope_Family_Learning_Series Brain Hub: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/node/1716 Reducing stigma: alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasizes the need for culturally inclusive resources and services that can support individuals and families affected by dementia. She also discusses the significance of representation and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding dementia in South Asian communities.

Resources Leave a Legacy: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate/leave-legacy Care Partner resources: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia Reducing stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en Phone Number: 1-866-950-5465

Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon and heartfelt connections made, Jason provides insights into the wide impact of the AFO tournament in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Through his personal experiences, Jason invites listeners into the world of hockey coming together for a meaningful cause.

Resources: Alzheimer’s Face Off: https://alzheimersfaceoff.ca Champions Luncheon: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TicketingCatalog.aspx?eventid=385710&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=https%3a%2f%2fadmin.e2rm.com%2f AFO Volunteering: https://form.jotform.com1/231635357859266 Learn about the Alzheimer Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWd0ox-OZMA&ab_channel=HelpForDementia

Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including young onset, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding their unique needs and emphasizes the role of modifiable risk factors in reducing risk.

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma and reframing the reality of people  with dementia. She shares her research on using art to promote a better quality of life and the importance of recognizing the abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of arts in creating connections and raising fundamental questions about our perception of dementia.

Dr. Sutherland, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He focuses on understanding the pathology of the disease and discusses the role of proteins, the immune system and things he has found surprising in his research.

Christine discusses her role as the lead for the ASANT Cafe, an online learning community platform that has since become a valuable resource for education, webinars, and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She shares her background in social work and how she became involved in dementia care and highlights the importance to combat misinformation online and encourages individuals to reach out for accurate information and support.