Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Beyond the Diagnosis

Listen to Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Beyond the Diagnosis, a special podcast series by the Network of National Library of Medicine Region 3, in collaboration with UNT Health Fort Worth Health Center for Older Adults.

In this special edition of the Health Bytes with Region 3 podcast series, we learn from a woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the height of her nursing career, a neuropsychologist who diagnoses patients with memory concerns, and a spouse who finds herself becoming a caregiver. They share their stories, revealing the personal side of the disease.

Each of the estimated 6.9 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s and their care partners have a story to tell. Spend 30-minutes with these remarkable people who help us understand the early stages of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

1. Still Me: A Journey Through Alzheimer’s
What does it feel like to live with Alzheimer’s? In the first podcast episode we meet Holly, a remarkable woman who was diagnosed at the age of 50 with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Holly courageously shares her journey from realizing something was seriously wrong to getting a diagnosis, and then to getting on with her life. 

2. Knowledge is Power, Compassion is Healing
Understand what Alzheimer’s and dementia are – and what they aren’t. Listen as Dr. April Wiechmann describes the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s, how she makes a diagnosis and the best chances for preventing the disease. 

3. The Silent Strength of Caregiving
Few people are prepared for the role of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, especially when their loved one is in the prime of adulthood. Hear from Liz Miller about what it’s like to walk alongside a spouse through the journey, the emotional toll of becoming a caregiver and the resilience it takes to show up every day.

4. Jane Oderberg: The Journey Through Alzheimer’s
Social worker Jane Oderberg has supported many individuals who are walking the journey with Alzheimer’s. She shares important resources, expert insights and valuable advice.

5. Karen and Jim Thompson: Coping as a Family
Married for approaching 50 years, Karen and Jim Thompson share about Karen’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how they are coping as a family, and how support groups have been an important part of their journey.

6. Dr. Sarah Ross: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Technology
In the final episode of the series, by Dr. Sarah Ross  helps us better understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, and what new technologies are helping to treat and even diagnose the disease.