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 fo…
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 r…
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 irration…
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…
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 he…
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 accomplis…
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 …
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…
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. Harve…
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 …
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. Sh…
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....
This week, Barbara is joined by Sara Kaye, Director of Family Services at OPICA. The first Adult Day Program and Counseling Center in Los Angeles, OPICA supports caretakers and patients in every phase of memory loss.
It’s been a rough five years for Snuffy Walden, whose wife Debby was first diagnosed with cognitive problems in 2016. Snuffy says he’s not a natural caretaker. He talks to Barbara about how stressful it was in the beginning;…
Emma and Barbara discuss the challenges of this unexpected chapter in her and her dad’s life, and how the power of positivity can persevere, despite it all.
Today, Barbara welcomes caregiver and loving husband of almost 58 years, Ted Snyder. Ted talks about his wife Rena’s battle with Alzheimer’s. He shares some of the challenges they’ve faced and the different resources and st…
Today Barbara is joined by Susan Howland, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter. Susan tells us about their mission, and the services they offer for people with dementia and their fami…
