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Dementia Discussions

Barbara Hament

A monthly podcast about dementia. Join your host, Barbara Hament every 2nd Tuesday of the month, as she interviews medical professionals, caregivers, and various experts on how to better understand and cope with this challenging and complex disease.

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  • 22 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 49 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S2 · E17
    Jul 9, 2024 · 46 min

    Love and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia

    In this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her journey as the sole caregiver for her husband, Monty, who's facing a multitude of health challenges, including multiple system atrophy (MSA), diabetes, and dementia. Through our candid conversation, Melanie opens up about the daily struggles and joys of caring for her beloved husband while striving to maintain her own identity. Her story is one of resilience, love, and finding gratitude in the face of adversity. Monty is a former composer, musician, and rabbi who was diagnosed with MSA in 2019. In addition to MSA, Monty also has type 1 diabetes, mild to moderate dementia, and is currently undergoing dialysis for stage five kidney failure. Episode Highlights: [1:14] - Melanie introduces her husband, Monty, and his background as a composer, musician, and rabbi. [3:14] - Monty's diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) and its two subtypes, MSA-C and MSA-P. [6:36] - Monty's age and retirement shortly after his diagnosis. [8:22] - The progression of Monty's dementia and its impact on his work and daily life. [11:30] - Challenges with eating and Melanie's strategies to help Monty maintain his dignity. [16:49] - The impact of Monty's retirement on his mental health. [23:17] - Melanie's exhaustion and the importance of support groups in her life as a caregiver. [26:56] - Melanie's strategies for self-care, including naps, living in the moment, and finding humor. [32:28] - The lack of support from family members and the strain it puts on Melanie as the sole caregiver. [38:45] - Melanie's fear of losing her own identity and holding on to personal interests. [44:03] - Melanie's plans to start her own MSA support group for caregivers in the Pacific Time Zone. [45:16] - The importance of being of service to others and finding gratitude in the face of adversity. 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.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E16
    Jun 11, 2024 · 1 hr

    A Daughter's Journey Through Dementia Caregiving

    In today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Kim's story is not just moving—it's filled with insights that only a dedicated caregiver can offer. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or just someone interested in understanding the reality of living with dementia, this episode promises to enrich your perspective. Episode Highlights: [00:25] - Kim shares how the podcast has been a lifeline in dealing with her mother's dementia. [02:11] - Kim talks about her mother's initial symptoms and the onset of her dementia journey. [05:27] - Discussion on managing dual caregiving roles as Kim's mother's condition progresses alongside her boyfriend's Parkinson's diagnosis. [08:38] - Exploring the effects of sensory loss on dementia symptoms. [14:59] - Kim recounts the emotional decision to move her mother into assisted living. [19:11] - Adjustments and challenges with her mother's care in the assisted living facility. [25:21] - Evaluating the necessity and timing of transitioning to memory care. [30:35] - Managing complex family dynamics and the impact of caregiving on personal lives. [39:56] - The personal toll of caregiving and maintaining a balance in personal life. 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.

    • Transcript
Showing 21–22 of 22 episodes