Episodes

Today Barbara talks to Anna Ivara, whose son George, age 61, suffers from Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Anna explains how FTD hit the language centers in George’s brain, rendering him unable to speak or make any facial expressions. They discuss the differences between FTD and Alzheimer’s, and how Anna found resources and support. To learn more about FTD, visit The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or watch the 60 Minutes special

Dotti tells Barbara about the early signs, when her husband Brian was having trouble following conversations, losing his train of thought, and forgetting basic things. They discuss the progression of his cognitive decline, and how Dotti struggled to keep up...

Today Barbara is joined by Bryan Wing whose wife, Patricia, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 56. Bryan describes Patricia’s progression, from the early signs when she’d move things around in the kitchen (items that belonged in the refrigerator appeared in the cabinets, etc.) to when she had her first seizure in 2013. They discuss the challenges Bryan and his family experienced to get an accurate diagnosis, and the time when Patricia was prescribed the wrong medication ...

Barbara welcomes Deb Kurtz, whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. They discuss how the disease gradually changed Deb’s relationship with her mother -- the “slow role reversal” as she realized her mother couldn’t take care of herself.

Today Barbara welcomes Yael Wyte, program director at the Alzheimer’s Association (CA, Southland Chapter). They discuss the association’s mission, and the exciting brain studies and research happening all around the world. They also discuss the association’s deep resources -- and how “going virtual” actually inspired new opportunities for collaborations and programs. To learn more, please visit ALZ.org or call 1-800-272-3900.

Roz describes her husband Jay -- a talented and successful screenwriter and Hollywood producer -- as deeply feeling and exceptionally articulate; a “big man” both in stature and personality...

Bonnie Waddles discusses the concept of brain health and how one out of three Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented through life-style changes and interventions.

Today Barbara is joined by Bruce Ettinger whose wife, Honey, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and then dementia. With the diagnosis, Bruce says that Honey sank into a deep depression that she’s never come out of. They discuss the unpredictability of her mood swings -- one day she’ll wake up happy and loving, then the next day in a panic attack. “Her struggles make me love her more,” he says.

Now 26, America Garza started noticing something was wrong with her 81-year-old father when she was still in high school. She joins Barbara to talk about the early signs of Alzheimer’s, and how, as a child, she struggled to interpret the symptoms. They discuss her journey, when she knew something was wrong but was too young to trust her own judgement or to have the vocabulary to define what she was noticing.

Today Barbara is joined by Jill Davis,* whose father is battling dementia on the east coast. Jill says at first, the symptoms seemed mild: he was mixing pronouns and forgetting words. But from there, it progressed quickly. She describes the shock and confusion she felt when she realized her dad had lost most of his memories, and how she struggles to understand their relationship now that he has no memory of her childhood. *not her real name

It was Ramona Garza’s daughter who first noticed that George (Romana’s husband) seemed different. A fastidious engineer, he was ignoring bills and letting important things fall through the cracks. George was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 but looking back, Romana says the signs were there much earlier. Romana joins Barbara to discuss the early signs of memory loss, and how sometimes a spouse can be too close to see them.

By the time Chris Zenner’s mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, she had lost her short-term memory, her concept of time, and her ability to rationalize and reason. Chris joins Barbara to talk about caring for his mother, who was a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman, as her personality radically changes and she can no longer take care of herself.

Barbara is joined by Megan Dobkin on the day she learns her father is moving into the memory unit of an assisted living facility. Megan talks about how hard it was in the early days, when her father was cognizant enough to realize something was happening to his brain. She and Barbara discuss the limitations of testing for diseases like Alzheimer’s, particularly when doctors don’t have a baseline to compare their patients’ responses. Megan says one of the biggest struggles for her and her family ...

Today Barbara is joined by Kenneth Mitchell, whose wife Mary Ann was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and Lewi bodies dementia in 2016. Ken recounts how hard it was for him to accept the diagnosis, and the irrational lengths he went to in the beginning trying to help her. Looking back, he says that accepting that she won’t get better has been one of the hardest parts. As Mary Ann’s condition declines, Ken is overwhelmed by what she’s forced to endure: “She’s my hero, I don’t know what ...

Marina Day joins Barbara to talk about her husband, Paul, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago. She describes how difficult it was in the beginning, when Paul realized he coudn’t drive anymore and had to shut down his law office. “The world opened up in a dark way for him,” she says, “he became really depressed.” Marina tells Barbara about hiring their first caregiver, and telling Paul he was his driver. She also describes techniques she used to help Paul remember things -- detailed c...

Bill Coleman returns to talk to Barbara more about caring for his wife, Deborah, who was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy eight years ago. Deborah was a talented and beloved architect, but this condition affected her ability to draw, read plans, organize her thoughts, and process information. After decades of deciding things together, Bill talks about how hard it is to make all the decisions by himself, and how painful it was to close down Deborah’s architecture firm. For more informati...

In her first episode with both spouses, today Barbara is joined by Bill and Deborah Coleman. Eight years ago, Deborah was diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s which affects visual and spatial relationships. An accomplished architect, Deborah had to stop working. “It feels like part of my brain is missing,” she says. They discuss the challenges of managing her disease, and the importance of maintaining a sense of structure and routine.

Today Barbara is joined by social worker and co-facilitator of her Alzheimer’s support group, Monica Moore. They talk about how isolating the world of dementia is for the caretaker, and how it’s helpful to know other people are going through the same thing you are. They discuss how to find the right group and why it’s so powerful to hear someone else tell your story.

When Linda’s mother Grace was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) in 2019, Linda felt sadness and relief at the same time. (LBD is a degenerative condition with many similarities to Alzheimer's disease, but it takes hold much more quickly.) LBD is difficult to identify, and now they had an answer for why Grace seemed different -- why she was repeating stories and feeling depressed and bored. Linda and Barbara discuss the difficult transition of moving her parents from their home on the east ...

UCLA science professor Harvey Hershman talks to Barbara about the biggest challenges he’s faced as a caretaker. It was in 2010 when Betty, his talented and creative wife of 50+ years, first showed signs of memory loss. Harvey says he was in denial for years -- it wasn’t until joining Barbara’s support group in 2016 that he came to terms with her illness. At first, Harvey was sceptical about the group and what it had to offer. He and Barbara discuss how much he has benefitted from the group and h...

Betty Wlikes and Barbara discusses her experiences with her late father-in-law and assisted living, and what she’d do differently if she had to go through it again.

After years of healthy meals and daily exercise, it was a surprise when Rhonda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her adoring husband, Owen, tells the story of their life together, and his strengths and struggles as he navigates her dementia. He and Barbara discuss how caregivers need to educate themselves about the disease and get the help they need.

This week Barbara talks to NYU professor and filmmaker Linda Mills, whose mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2011. Linda describes her mother’s traumatic escape from Nazi Vienna as a small child in the 30s. She and Barbara discuss how hard it is for dementia sufferers to articulate their frustrations -- and how caretakers need to learn how to listen to their loved ones in a new way. They also discuss the complexities of transitioning loved ones out of the home or between different...

Winston tells Barbara how joining an Alzheimer’s support group saved him by making him feel less alone. They also discuss the important advocacy work the couple does on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association....