In Gutpunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards dives deep into the world of caregiving, offering practical advice, emotional support, and a candid look at the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. In this episode, Jeff revisits crucial caregiving principles and shares insights that can make a difference in navigating the tough journey of dementia care.

He starts by revisiting some of the fundamental rules caregivers need to follow:

1. Prioritize your own well-being — if you don't take care of yourself, who will take care of your loved one?

2. Recognize that you can't do it alone; support is essential. Connect with caregiving groups or your network of friends and family.

3. Create a practical list of people who’ve offered help and list tasks you can’t manage yourself due to the overwhelming nature of caregiving. Then, use that list to get things done efficiently, tackling the top priorities first.

4. A special tip: Create a "Help Signal" to ease your loved one’s anxiety when outside help comes in. It could be a specific phrase or cue that your loved one can recognize, helping them feel more comfortable even if the helper is unfamiliar.

The episode also touches on three key topics:

• How increasing daytime sleepiness may be an early sign of dementia.

• A new blood test that can diagnose and track Alzheimer’s disease.

• Four valuable suggestions for caregivers at any stage of the journey.

With humor, heart, and a dose of reality, Jeff Edwards offers caregivers practical tools and emotional validation while helping them maintain their own mental and physical health. Whether you're in the early stages of caregiving or in the thick of it, this episode is full of helpful tips and reassuring advice for anyone supporting a loved one through Alzheimer’s.

In this moving and deeply personal episode of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards brings us into the heart of caregiving with former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber, who lovingly cared for his wife Elaine for nearly two decades following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Their story, captured in his powerful memoir My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, is part love story, part survival guide — and wholly unforgettable.

Jeff opens the episode with warmth and honesty, offering listeners timely reflections and new caregiver "rules" — practical, compassionate tools for navigating the emotional and logistical weight of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Rule #4 is especially poignant: Create a Help Signal, a gentle yet empowering strategy to give those with memory loss a sense of safety and choice when receiving care.

Then, Marty shares the raw, often painful journey of loving both versions of his wife — the woman he married, and the woman Alzheimer’s slowly reshaped. With grace, humor, and remarkable humility, he reflects on the heartbreak of being forgotten and the quiet joys that still managed to bloom through the fog of the disease. At 85, Marty doesn’t just talk about caregiving — he lived it, and he shares hard-won wisdom that challenges, heals, and uplifts.

Jeff doesn't hold back when he says this conversation touched him in ways few others have. It’s more than a podcast episode — it’s a reminder that even amid loss, there can be meaning, connection, and yes… even joy.

Visit MyTwoElaines.com to learn more about Marty’s book, and keep an eye out for it on GUTPUNCHED.COM soon.

This one’s for the caregivers — past, present, and future. You are not alone.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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Welcome back to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, where we don’t sugarcoat the challenges of caregiving—but we do walk through them together.

In this episode, host Jeff Edwards starts with a check-in: Are you remembering the caregiver rules? Are you making those lists, seeking support, and taking care of you? Because, as always, Rule #1 stands strong—you can’t care for someone else if you’re not caring for yourself first.

Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or just joining in, Jeff revisits the three simple but vital guidelines that keep caregivers grounded, connected, and sane:

1. Take care of yourself—because your well-being is essential to your loved one’s.

2. Don’t go it alone—support groups, friends, and family are your lifeline.

3. Make a list—and use it. You’ll be surprised what happens when you ask for help.

Then we move into something hopeful: an exploration of how stem cell treatment may offer new promise in improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. It’s a developing field—but one that’s worth paying attention to.

We also hear from Morgan Van Dyke of Assisting Hands, who shares a wealth of practical caregiving insights—especially helpful for those navigating the early stages of Alzheimer’s. From small adjustments to bigger-picture planning, Morgan’s advice is something every caregiver will want to jot down.

So take a breath. Grab something to write with. And let’s dive in—because information is power, and you don’t have to face this journey alone.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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Gut Punched: Alzheimers and Caregivers

In this milestone 50th episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards dives into two important topics that have a significant impact on those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia.

The episode starts with a discussion on shingles- not the kind that affects your roof, but the viral infection that can be much more dangerous than most people realize. Jeff explains how shingles can increase the risk of dementia, making the shingles vaccine an important tool for reducing that risk. It's an eye-opening segment for caregivers and anyone concerned about their health.

The second half of the episode focuses on the emotional and psychological toll that the progression of Alzheimer's can have on caregivers. Jeff discusses how each stage of Alzheimer's brings new challenges, both for the person with the disease and for the caregiver. As the disease progresses, it can trigger different emotions, forcing caregivers to adapt constantly and plan for the changes ahead. This segment provides practical advice for those navigating this difficult journey.

Jeff also takes a moment to remind caregivers of the fundamental rules they should follow:

1. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to care for others.

2. Seek help from caregiver groups, family, and friends.

3. Make a list of people who have offered help and create a list of tasks you

can delegate to ease the overwhelming burden of caregiving.

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone in the caregiving community, offering both practical tips and emotional support as caregivers face the ever-evolving challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

In this light-hearted yet informative episode of GutPnched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes a look at some surprising, sometimes quirky studies about Alzheimer’s, all while reminding caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.

Jeff kicks things off with a playful nod to the approaching April Fools' Day and dives into some offbeat Alzheimer ’s-related research: Did you know that chewing on wood could improve your memory? Sounds like an April Fools’ prank, but according to a new study, it might be true. The episode also explores brain-boosting foods, highlighting the best nuts and seeds to support cognitive health. Plus, Jeff discusses a promising finding that just 35 minutes of weekly exercise can reduce the risk of dementia.

But beyond the fun facts, Jeff offers some crucial advice to caregivers:

1. Take care of yourself

2. Ask for help – You can’t do it alone.

3. Make a list of what needs to be done and stick to it.

As the episode unfolds, Jeff also raises an important point about the flood of sometimes dubious information circulating on social media about Alzheimer’s and caregiving. He emphasizes the importance of checking sources and exercising caution when encountering advice that sounds too good to be true (like some magic cure involving belly rubs and one-legged standing).

So, whether you’re here for some laughs or looking for real, practical tips, Episode 49 of GutPunched delivers both, with a dose of humor and a reminder to keep your critical thinking sharp.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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In this milestone episode, GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers celebrates its first year of navigating the often difficult, sometimes isolating, but always necessary conversations around Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Host Jeff Edwards reflects on the journey that began in March 2024 with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a steep learning curve. What started with a bit of trial and error has blossomed into a platform that’s growing steadily, reaching more listeners each week and touching more lives across the country.

But as Jeff so humbly points out, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from a network of kind-hearted individuals, organizations, and guests. From the Alzheimer’s Association to The Dubin Center, and of course, the caregivers themselves, each has played a crucial role in making the podcast a beacon of hope and resource for those living with Alzheimer’s and caring for loved ones.

Throughout this episode, Jeff takes a moment to thank those who’ve contributed to the growth of GutPunched—from the behind-the-scenes support to the guests who graciously shared their stories and expertise. The podcast has never been about “mass appeal” or trendy topics—it’s about something deeper, a cause that affects millions. It's about reaching those who are often invisible, providing them with the tools, support, and knowledge they so desperately need.

The episode also reflects on the themes covered in past episodes, all centered around the central mission: to ease the caregiver's journey. Whether discussing practical resources, emotional support, or the raw realities of caregiving, GutPunched has been a trusted companion for many. Jeff also revisits a fan-favorite from earlier episodes—a poignant and powerful poem about Alzheimer's, offering a moment of reflection as the podcast continues its mission to not only inform but also to connect.

As the podcast reaches this significant one-year mark, Jeff’s gratitude is clear. It's a year of growth, learning, and most importantly, giving back. The heartfelt message of this episode is one of appreciation—for listeners, for supporters, and for the caregivers who carry the heaviest burden. The journey continues, but as always, it’s a collective effort, and Jeff is honored to be a part of it.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers

In this heartfelt episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards reflects on the power of music and its profound impact on those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. As spring approaches and daylight savings time begins, Jeff humorously shares his personal experience of missing the time change this year, only to wake up refreshed, realizing he didn't lose that precious hour of sleep after all.

Music takes center stage in this episode, as Jeff explores an article discussing how music can soothe depression in dementia patients. He delves into the positive effects that music has on individuals with Alzheimer's disease, offering hope and healing through the power of melody and rhythm. One particularly moving story featured is that of Henry Dyers, a 90-something Alzheimer’s patient who finds joy and connection through the music of Cab Calloway. This story is showcased in the touching video Alive Inside, which Jeff encourages listeners to watch for a heartwarming experience.

In addition, the episode features a conversation with Molly Phillips, a musician, music educator, and board-certified music therapist. Molly leads The Intermezzo Choir, a group created specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia by the Fort Myers Symphonic Masters Singers. She shares insights into the therapeutic power of music and its ability to engage and uplift patients in profound ways.

As the episode draws to a close, Jeff reflects on the first anniversary of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, acknowledging the incredible journey of sharing valuable resources and information with listeners and caregivers. Tune in for this moving, music-filled episode that highlights the transformative power of music for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers

In this episode of GUTPUNCHED, host Jeff Edwards reflects on a meaningful week, having spoken at an Alzheimer’s Association dinner where he met dedicated individuals working to raise funds for crucial research and resources. He highlights the importance of these efforts in supporting those affected by the disease.

Jeff also shares a personal experience—taking a cognitive test. While initially nervous, he was pleased with his performance and uses this moment to stress the importance of early cognitive screening, particularly for those 50 and older. Establishing a baseline now, he explains, can be essential for future comparisons.

The episode then dives into two intriguing topics:

1. Could Ozempic Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Diabetes Patients? – A look at recent research exploring whether this popular diabetes medication might have protective cognitive benefits.

2. Delayed Dream Sleep as an Early Alzheimer’s Indicator – Discussing findings that suggest disruptions in REM sleep could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s.

Finally, Jeff continues his insightful interview with the owner of Heart, Body & Mind Home Care, an award-winning home care company recognized for setting a high standard in the industry. This segment provides a deeper look into how innovative home care services are improving the lives of patients and caregivers alike.

A compelling episode filled with personal reflections, emerging research, and expert insights—one not to miss!

Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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