In our final episode of 2025, it is my greatest honor to welcome our third international star: Nicola Jacobson-Wright, a dementia practice development coach and professor at the University of Worcester based in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Nicola is a gifted dancer and she shared with us her lovely journey into dementia care. Our conversation touched on her initiative, Dance and Dementia, where she aims to engage those living with dementia through movement and dance. Moreover, we discussed the state of dementia and care in the UK as well as the infamous Namaste Care approach that Nicola and her colleagues developed at the Association for Dementia Studies. Nicola shared the latest research, implementation techniques, and delivery approaches of Namaste Care.

Looking forward to you joining our lovely conversation! 🤍

#dementia #dance #namaste #sensory

In this episode, I am pleased to welcome our second international guest: Dr. Cecilia Chan, an imaginative gerontologist, dementia advocate and activist based in Malaysia. Our conversation focused on the rising aging population in Malaysia, the stigmatized discourse surrounding dementia in Malaysia, and how innovative community-based projects that she lead such as the Forgotten Mutiara Café plays a key role to transform the perception and culture of dementia care. I also had the privilege to learn about her other beautiful initiatives including the Totsu-Totsu Therapeutic Arts and Dancing with Dementia Retreat, which have been featured in national and international media.

You surely do not want to miss this beautiful conversation! ✨ Together, let’s uncover this majestic but forgotten Mutiara!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cecilia Chan and Her Work
04:29 Understanding Aging in Malaysia
09:50 The Stigma Surrounding Dementia in Malaysia
14:31 Community-Based Advocacy Initiatives
16:40 The Forgotten Mutiara Cafe
21:02 Therapeutic Arts and Dance Retreats
22:10 Pharmaceutical vs Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches
24:42 Building Relationships in Care
25:59 Supporting Families in Dementia Care
27:01 Mindfulness and the Future of Dementia Care

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome our very first international guest: Dr. Dimity Pond, a renowned general practitioner and dementia researcher from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Dr. Pond shared her beautiful journey into aged care and dementia research. We discussed existing challenges and innovations in Australia’s healthcare system, including implications of the new Aged Care Act. We discussed how respect and dignity play a key role in dementia care. Dr. Pond also shared exciting research into preventive activities for dementia care and offered invaluable clinical perspectives.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Constance Dimity-Pond
02:38 Journey into General Practice and Research
08:04 Understanding Dementia: Personal and Professional Perspectives
12:36 The Stigma of Dementia and Societal Views
17:33 Communicating a Dementia Diagnosis with Compassion
20:12 Tailoring Care Approaches for Dementia Patients
22:26 Navigating Non-Pharmaceutical vs. Pharmaceutical Interventions
26:59 Cultural Perspectives on Dementia Care
30:52 The New Age Care Act: A Paradigm Shift
33:40 Preventive Activities in Dementia Care
38:05 Respect and Dignity are Key

Link to Website: The Memories Podcast

In today's episode, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Courtney Kloske, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association. She discussed her journey into Alzheimer’s research, the significance of the APOE4 gene, advancements in diagnostic tools, and the importance of early diagnosis. She shared novel insights from the US Pointer study on lifestyle interventions and their impact on cognitive health, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association’s role in pushing the boundaries of Alzheimer’s science through research.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Alzheimer's Research and Dr. Kloke's Role
03:28 Inspiration Behind Pursuing Alzheimer's Research
06:20 Understanding the APOE4 Gene and Its Impact
09:05 Advancements in Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Biomarkers
11:40 Importance of Early Diagnosis in Alzheimer's
14:26 Insights from the US Pointer Study
17:07 Lifestyle Interventions for Cognitive Health
19:36 Alzheimer's Association's Role in Research Funding
22:28 Future Directions in Alzheimer's Research
25:08 Hope for a Cure and Changing Care Approaches

Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to sit down and chat with the renowned Dr. Allen Power, a geriatrician, published author, and clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester.

Our conversation challenged the status quo regarding the current culture of care and how pills, such as antipsychotics, are currently used as a bandage approach to manage symptoms associated with dementia. Dr. Power shared his 40+ years of experience in geriatric care and dementia, advocating for an experiential approach that prioritizes well-being of individuals. We discussed how a systemic change is needed to truly transform our existing institutionalized model of care to ensure all patients receive the dignity, respect, and positive quality of life they deserve.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Allen Power
02:17 Journey into Geriatrics and Dementia Advocacy
04:28 The Medication-Driven Approach in Dementia Care
09:00 The Impact of Antipsychotics on Patients
15:07 Case Study: Charlie's Experience in Two Nursing Homes
17:11 Balancing Pharmaceutical and Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions
18:39 The Role of Non-Pharmacological Approaches
22:27 Understanding Well-Being in Dementia Care
27:31 Systemic Changes for Better Care
32:03 Unmet Needs and Communication in Dementia
35:20 Unlocking Memory Care: A New Perspective
37:01 The Institutional Model of Care: Challenges and Characteristics
40:59 Transforming Nursing Homes: The Greenhouse Project
45:48 Accessibility in Care: Bridging the Gap
49:06 Rethinking Aging: Community and Inclusivity
50:43 The Experiential Model of Care: A Shift in Perspective
01:01:02 Overcoming Obstacles: Changing the Narrative
01:04:03 Finding Hope: Transforming the Culture of Care

In today's episode, I had the honor to speak with Julie McMurray, the senior manager of the Central MA Region of the Alzheimer's Association. As the title suggests, no patient living with dementia is alone on this journey. We discuss the importance of understanding dementia, recognizing warning signs, and the impact of stigma on diagnosis. We discuss the empowerment that comes with early diagnosis and the need for effective communication strategies in caregiving. Our conversation also highlights the significance of community support, healthy habits for brain health, and the vital role of the Alzheimer's Association in providing resources and advocacy.

📌 The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) that offers support and guidance to those living with dementia, caregivers, and families at free of charge. Help is available in over 200 languages. Anyone can contact the helpline, day or night.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, dementia, caregiving, support, awareness, community, research, diagnosis, stigma, brain health

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Alzheimer's Awareness
02:51 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's
05:55 Warning Signs of Dementia
08:36 Risk Factors for Alzheimer's
11:35 The Stigma of Diagnosis
14:44 The Importance of Early Diagnosis
17:49 Future of Alzheimer's Research
20:51 Caregiving Culture and Training
23:33 Communication Strategies for Caregivers
27:41 Understanding Body Language in Caregiving
30:00 The Importance of Presence and Connection
31:44 Utilizing the Five Senses for Engagement
33:39 Recognizing Purpose in Dementia Care
36:44 Community and Inclusivity in Care
37:29 Healthy Habits for Brain Health
41:48 The Role of the Alzheimer's Association
45:53 Getting Involved with Alzheimer's Advocacy
48:56 Breaking the Stigma Around Alzheimer's
51:32 Key Takeaways for Caregivers
53:34 Looking Ahead: Future of Alzheimer's Care

In today's episode of The Memories Podcast, I had the honor to speak with Dr. Beth Nolan, a chief public health officer and lead speaker at Positive Approach to Care. Dr. Nolan to discuss powerful communication strategies to care for our loved ones with dementia. Our conversation explores the complexities of behavioral expectations in social settings, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and energy matching in communication to best care for those living with dementia.

In today's episode of The Memories Podcast, I had the honor to sit down and chat with Dr. Krystal Culler, who is a holistic brain health expert and founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. She shares her journey into brain health advocacy as well as incredible strategies and practical tips to best take care of our brain in this hustling and bustling world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Crystal Culler and Her Work
02:25 The Personal Journey to Brain Health Advocacy
05:30 Evolving Understanding of Brain Health
08:09 Mission: Brain Care for All
09:53 Defining Brain Health
11:53 Neglected Aspects of Brain Health
13:12 Misconceptions About Brain Health
14:33 The Connection Between Heart and Brain Health
15:41 Lifestyle Choices for Long-Term Brain Health
19:55 The Importance of Rest and Mindfulness
22:30 Navigating the Brain Health Supplement Market
25:51 Navigating Brain Health Supplements
28:00 Prioritizing Brain Health
30:54 The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
32:57 Behavior Change and Brain Health
38:02 Technology's Impact on Brain Health
40:57 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's
43:33 Lifestyle Interventions for Brain Health
46:21 Caring for the Brain with Neurodegenerative Diseases
48:44 One Simple Daily Action for Brain Health