Caring for a Loved One with Dementia | Dr. Beverly Thorn’s Guide to Resilience & Healing

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Dr. Beverly Thorn — psychologist, author, dementia caregiver, and certified end-of-life doula.

Dr. Thorn spent decades as a clinical psychology professor at Ohio State and the University of Alabama, publishing hundreds of articles and books on chronic illness. But when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her professional expertise collided with personal reality. She became a full-time caregiver and, later, an end-of-life doula, documenting her journey in her powerful book: Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver

This episode dives into:

• The hidden emotional toll of dementia caregiving and why so many feel alone.

• Why caregivers must care for themselves — not just for their loved ones, but because they matter too.

• Practical tools like journaling, meditation, and support groups to reduce stress.

• Why it’s vital to plan for end-of-life care and set clear boundaries as a caregiver.

• The surprising role of music, movement, and memory in dementia care.

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⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Dementia caregiving: the hidden struggle

02:30 – Dr. Beverly Thorn’s journey from psychologist to caregiver

05:00 – Writing Before I Lose My Own Mind

10:00 – Loneliness, stigma & the emotional cost of dementia

20:00 – Why caregivers neglect their own health

28:00 – Planning for end-of-life & honoring wishes

37:00 – Journaling, meditation & coping with grief

43:00 – Support systems, respite care & “the club”

50:00 – Research, resilience & final advice for caregivers

55:00 – How to connect with Dr. Thorn

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🔗 Links & Resources

• 🌐 Dr. Beverly Thorn’s website: www.drbeverlythorn.com

• 📖 Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver

– Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Ask your local bookstore

• 🎧 Free relaxation & meditation audio guides: www.drbeverlythorn.com

• 📚 Alzheimer’s Association statistics & caregiver resources: www.alz.org

• 🌐 Host’s website: www.kellybuckley.com

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📌 Key Topics

• Dementia caregiving myths & truths

• Why caregivers often neglect their own health

• Coping with grief before, during & after loss

• Building a reliable care team

• Finding resilience in brokenness