Sometimes the most important thing we can learn is that we don't know what we don't know. Or, as host Jeff Edwards puts it a little more simply: “You Don't Know Nuttin'.”

In Episode 119 of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, Jeff sits down with longtime friend Peggy Sealfon, a board-certified health coach, award-winning author, educator and entrepreneur who, in her late 70s, is still learning and currently pursuing her doctorate in Natural Medicine.

Their conversation explores some thought-provoking territory surrounding healthy aging, regenerative medicine, the mind-body connection and caregiver health.

They also tackle an especially important question for families facing Alzheimer's and dementia: Is there room for hope? But hope and hype aren't the same thing.

With miracle cures, anti-aging promises, and wellness claims seemingly everywhere, Jeff asks Peggy how caregivers can separate legitimate science and worthwhile possibilities from clever marketing. And for the caregiver who is so overwhelmed that taking care of themselves feels like just one more thing on an impossible to-do list, where do they even begin?

Plus, Dr. John Huffaker joins Jeff for another edition of What's New with Alzheimer's, answering this week's question: What is the blood-brain barrier, and why is it so important when it comes to medications used to treat Alzheimer's?

It's an episode about curiosity, questioning assumptions, taking care of the caregiver, and remaining open to possibilities, while remembering the GutPunched philosophy:

Hope Without Hype.

Because sometimes the first step toward learning something new is admitting...

You Don't Know What You Don't Know.
Or Maybe... You Don't Know Nuttin'.....

#GutPunchedPodcast #Alzheimers #Dementia #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverHealth #HealthyAging #BrainHealth #StressManagement #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaCare #HopeWithoutHype

Available on Podcast Playground, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart, Podbean, YouTube, and GUTPUNCHED.COM.

After eight and a half years on the Alzheimer’s caregiving journey, Jeff Edwards knows firsthand how overwhelming a diagnosis can be.

But this episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast is different.

This is an ALL-POSITIVE story.

Host Jeff Edwards welcomes back Christine LaConte, CEO of The Dubin Center, an organization that helped him tremendously shortly after his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Christine talks about how The Dubin Center has grown, expanded its reach, added staff and facilities, and continues providing caregivers and families with what they need most:

Education. Resources. Support. And HOPE. HOPE WITHOUT HYPE.

Jeff reflects on what The Dubin Center meant to him eight and a half years ago—and why he considers their mission “Hope Without Hype.”

Later, Dr. John Huffaker joins Jeff for another edition of “ tackling an important question about why someone with Alzheimer’s can appear to fluctuate between different stages of the disease.

No negativity. No doom and gloom.

Just a good story about good people doing good things.

Episode 118 is a reminder that caregivers don't have to do this alone.

Hashtags: #GutPunched #Alzheimers #AlzheimersCaregiver #Dementia #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #TheDubinCenter #HopeWithoutHype #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverLife #YouAreNotAlone #DementiaSupport #Hope

What could hurricanes possibly have in common with Alzheimer’s caregiving?

More than you might think.

In Episode 117 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers, Jeff Edwards takes a timely look at the surprising parallels between preparing for a hurricane and navigating the unpredictable world of Alzheimer’s caregiving.

Hurricanes can change direction. They can intensify with little warning. They require preparation, patience, a good support system, and the understanding that some things are simply beyond our control.

For Alzheimer’s caregivers, every day can bring something different. There are good days, difficult days, unexpected changes, emergencies, exhaustion, and sometimes a feeling that you're facing the storm alone.

Just as we prepare for hurricane season before storms arrive, caregivers can prepare for difficult situations before they arise. That means having plans for medications, medical appointments, finances, respite care, and emergencies, and knowing who to call when you need help.

And later in the program, Dr. John Huffaker joins us for another edition of “What’s New with Alzheimer’s.”

This week’s listener question focuses on Leqembi: After experiencing ARIA while taking Leqembi, what options might be available moving forward?

Dr. Huffaker discusses ARIA — Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities —

Real Talk. Real Help. Real Hope. Hope Without Hype.

#GutPunched #Alzheimers #AlzheimersCaregiver #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #Dementia #DementiaCaregiver #HurricanePreparedness #CaregiverPreparedness #Leqembi #ARIA #AlzheimersResearch #WhatsNewWithAlzheimers #HopeWithoutHype #RealTalkRealHelpRealHope

Available on:

The Podcast Playground, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, iHeart, YouTube, and GUTPUNCHED.COM

For many caregivers, the words "memory care" can bring fear, uncertainty, and countless questions. What is it really like? When is the right time? Will my loved one receive compassionate care?

In Episode 116, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Dr. AmberRose Reale from Lee Health's Memory Care Program for an honest conversation about the services they provide and how they help individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

This episode is especially personal. Jeff shares that his own wife's condition has changed, and she will soon begin receiving care through Lee Health's Memory Care Program. Like many caregivers, he admits he knew very little about the program before reaching out. What he discovered gave him something every caregiver needs: peace of mind and hope.

Together, they discuss what families can expect from a comprehensive memory care program, how specialized care can improve quality of life, and why asking questions early can make all the difference.

Also in this episode:

• Dr. John Huffaker returns with "What's New with Alzheimer's," answering an important listener question: How many of the Alzheimer's treatments promoted on social media are legitimate and how many are simply scams?

• An update on the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's and ways you can become involved in your community.

As always, GutPunched is committed to bringing you Hope Without Hype: real conversations, practical information, and encouragement for caregivers who are facing one of life's greatest challenges.

Because no caregiver should ever feel alone.

#Alzheimers #Caregiver #Caregiving #MemoryCare #Dementia #LeeHealth #HopeWithoutHype #GutPunchedPodcast #FamilyCaregiver #AlzheimersAwareness #WhatsNewWithAlzheimers #WalkToEndAlzheimers #SeniorCare #BrainHealth #SupportCaregivers

There’s a lot of discussion, and sometimes confusion, surrounding amyloid plaques, tau buildup, and the newer Alzheimer’s treatments designed to target amyloid. In this episode of Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, we take a closer look at some fascinating research that may help us better understand the connection.

A brain autopsy provided researchers with interesting information about what may happen after amyloid plaque is removed from the brain, including its possible effect on tau buildup and neurodegeneration. What might this tell us about Alzheimer’s disease, and about treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla? We’ll break it down without the hype and try to make the science a little easier to understand.

Then, Dr. John Huffaker joins us for another edition of “What’s New with Alzheimer’s.” This week, he answers a listener question: What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia? While the conditions can share some symptoms, there are important differences caregivers and families should understand.

We’ll also update you on the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s and talk about ways caregivers, families, and friends can get involved.

And because caregiving is about much more than medical information, we return to the Five Tenets of GutPunched: take care of yourself, don’t try to do this alone, accept help when it’s offered, create a help signal with your loved one, and remember that caregiving, love it or hate it, is your life until it isn’t. Give it your all.

We also highlight resources available to caregivers and families, including The Dubin Center; Zacharia Frey Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys; and memory care services available through Lee Health.

It’s another episode built around what we believe in at GutPunched:

Real Talk. Real Help. Real Hope.

And, as always, Hope Without Hype.

#GutPunched #Alzheimers #AlzheimersDisease #Caregivers #Caregiving #Dementia #AlzheimersResearch #Amyloid #Tau #Leqembi #Kisunla #LewyBodyDementia #WalkToEndAlzheimers #HopeWithoutHype #RealTalkRealHelpRealHope

Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, iHeart, YouTube, and GUTPUNCHED.COM

Caregiving isn't easy—but you don't have to face it alone.

In Episode 114 of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards shares another program focused on practical help, trusted information, and encouragement for caregivers and families navigating Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

This week, Jeff talks about attending two caregiver support groups that offered valuable insights, renewed hope, and a reminder that there are people who truly understand what caregivers experience every day.

On this episode:

🧠 Do brain exercises really help?
We'll explore several activities and mental exercises that may help keep your loved one's mind active and engaged while discussing what current research says about cognitive stimulation.

📖 A special encore conversation with Martin J. Schreiber
Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber, author of My Two Elaines, joins us once again to share the lessons he learned caring for his wife, Elaine, through Alzheimer's disease.

Originally featured in Episode 52, this conversation continues to resonate because of Marty's honesty, compassion, and practical wisdom. As GutPunched has grown, many newer listeners have never heard this remarkable interview. Jeff explains why it changed the way he approached caregiving—and why he believes it can help you, too.

🩺 What's New with Alzheimer's
Dr. John Huffaker answers a listener's question:

What's the difference between Leqembi and Kisunla—and which treatment may be the better option?

Learn about these newer Alzheimer's medications, how they compare, and what patients and caregivers should understand before discussing treatment options with their physicians.

🚶 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Walk season is approaching! We'll talk about why participating in your local Walk to End Alzheimer's is an important way to honor loved ones, support research, raise awareness, and connect with others who understand the caregiving journey.

Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or simply someone wanting to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, Episode 114 offers practical ideas, expert guidance, and real encouragement.

Because here at GutPunched... it's always Real Talk. Real Help. Real Hope.

#GutPunched #Alzheimers #Caregiver #Caregiving #Dementia #BrainHealth #MemoryCare #FamilyCaregiver #HopeWithoutHype #Leqembi #Kisunla #WalkToEndAlzheimers # MartinSchreiber #MyTwoElaines #AlzheimersAwareness #RealTalkRealHelpRealHope

Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, iHeart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM

An Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel overwhelming for both the person receiving it and the family members who suddenly become caregivers. Questions begin immediately: What happens next? Where do we start? Who can help?

In Episode 113 of GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards shares practical guidance from the Alzheimer's Association on what families should expect after an Alzheimer's diagnosis, as well as the important first steps that can help make the journey a little less confusing.

Then Jeff sits down with Matt Field, owner of three Right at Home home care agencies in the Chicago area. Matt shares his experience working with families facing Alzheimer's and dementia, offering practical advice, encouragement, and insight into how caregivers can better navigate the challenges ahead.

Also in this episode, Dr. John Huffaker returns with another edition of "What's New with Alzheimer's," answering a listener's question:
"Why do Alzheimer's symptoms vary so much from one person to another?"

Plus, we'll remind you about the upcoming 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's and why now is the perfect time to get involved.

Real Talk. Real Help. Real Hope.

Because no caregiver should have to make this journey alone.

#GutPunchedPodcast #Alzheimers #Caregiver #Caregiving #Dementia #AlzheimersAssociation #MemoryCare #FamilyCaregiver #HomeCare #WalkToEndAlzheimers #HopeWithoutHype #RealTalkRealHelpRealHope

Available on The Podcast Playground: Thepodcastplayground.com/gut-punched/

Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, iHeart, YouTube, & GUTPUNCHED.COM

In this episode of Gut Punched, Alzheimer's and Caregivers, we dive deep into the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. I, Jeff Edwards, your host, emphasize that caregiving can feel overwhelming and isolating, but it's crucial to remember you are not alone on this journey.

We reflect on the positive feedback from our previous episode featuring Dr. Rie Aihara, who discussed the intriguing connection between gut health and brain function. If you missed it, you can catch up anytime at gutpunch.com.

Today's discussion centers around maintaining relationships with loved ones affected by Alzheimer's, drawing insights from a WebMD article. We explore how the disease alters emotional and behavioral responses, underscoring the need for caregivers to adapt their expectations and approaches. Dr. Virginia Wadley Bradley's insights remind us that understanding the disease is key to providing empathy and support.

I share five practical tips for relationship-centered care, including recognizing familiar sparks of joy in your loved one, rolling with the unpredictability of Alzheimer's symptoms, redefining expectations, maintaining closeness with family, and, most importantly, taking care of yourself as a caregiver.

We also hear from Dr. John Huffaker, who addresses a listener's concern about an elderly father's increasing forgetfulness, highlighting the importance of consulting a neurologist when memory issues affect daily life.

Lastly, I provide updates on the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's events and share valuable resources for caregivers, including support networks and community programs. Remember, this journey may be challenging, but with the right support and knowledge, we can navigate it together. Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you find encouragement and hope in our discussion.