In this hopeful and eye-opening conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Jayanth Peddi, a UK-based GP and integrative/functional medicine practitioner. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing realities for dementia families and professionals alike: chronic caregiver stress. Dr. Peddi explains how stress reshapes the brain–body connection, why mindset and sleep are non-negotiable, and simple, practical steps caregivers can take today to feel calmer, stronger, and more in control.

👤 Meet Dr. Jayanth Peddi:

Dr. Jayanth Peddi, MBBS, MRCGP is a family physician (GP) in Leeds, UK, practicing integrative and functional medicine. He leads Lifecare Functional and Integrative Medical Clinic and is associated with Serenity Health & Wellness in Leeds, offering adjunctive wellness therapies.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- The brain as a “frequency generator” and how thoughts influence physiology

- What long-term high stress does to caregivers (nervous system, hormones, fatigue)

- Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic: why balance matters and how to restore it

- Practical resets: meditation, breathwork, sleep timing, movement, nature

- Nutrient basics for stressed bodies: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and minerals

- Vagus-nerve support and neural therapy as a rapid “calm-down” intervention

- Why genetics ≠ destiny for most chronic conditions; the empowering role of lifestyle

- Water quality, environmental load, and starting small (one habit at a time)

- Emotional detox: releasing stored stress and how it accelerates physical healing

- Hopeful perspectives on dementia care and areas for future deep dives

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome & Laura’s intro to Dr. Peddi

02:40 – From illness to integrative medicine: Dr. Peddi’s journey

08:10 – Caregiver stress 101: what constant stress does to the body

14:45 – Mindset, meditation, and brain “frequency”: changing your state

21:30 – Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic; vagus-nerve reset tools

27:00 – Practical basics: sleep window, breathwork, daily movement

32:10 – Foundational nutrients for caregivers (D/K2, B’s, magnesium, minerals)

38:35 – Water quality & environmental load: realistic upgrades

44:20 – Emotional detox & releasing stored stress

50:15 – Hope for dementia families; why genetics isn’t destiny

56:00 – Where to learn more & how to connect with Dr. Peddi

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Your thoughts are biochemical. Changing your mindset shifts stress chemistry.

- Calm is trainable. Short daily meditation + breathwork can reset your system.

- Protect your sleep window. Earlier lights-out supports brain detox overnight.

- Replenish what stress depletes. Consider Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and multi-minerals (consult your clinician).

- Vagus-nerve support helps. Interventions like neural therapy may create a rapid, felt sense of balance.

- Start small. Pick one habit (sleep, breathing, water, or a 5-minute practice) and build from there.

- You’re not powerless. For most people, genetics ≠ destiny—daily choices matter.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Practices: meditation, guided breathwork, daily movement/walks, sauna, emotional release work

Nutrient foundations: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, multi-mineral support

Topics to explore: vagus-nerve stimulation, neural therapy, water filtration, photobiomodulation

🤝 Connect with Dr. Jayanth Peddi:

Clinic: Lifecare Functional & Integrative Medical Clinic

Wellness: Serenity Health & Wellness

Website: lifecarefunctionalandintegrativemedicine.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt...

In this deeply compassionate and insightful conversation, Laura welcomes back licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore one of the most personal and universal experiences of caregiving: losing yourself in the process.

Together, they unpack what it means to lose your sense of identity while caring for someone you love — and how to slowly, intentionally begin to rediscover yourself. From the brain science behind chronic stress to practical mindfulness tools and emotional reframing, this episode offers validation, comfort, and hope for anyone who’s ever thought, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

👤 Meet Laurie Thompson:

Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselor and longtime collaborator on Laura’s clinical team. With nearly 15 years of experience supporting caregivers and families impacted by dementia, Laurie specializes in helping individuals manage chronic stress, reclaim a sense of self, and build emotional resilience. Her compassionate approach blends practical brain-based strategies with deep empathy for the caregiving experience.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- The emotional and neurological impact of chronic caregiving stress

- Why caregivers often feel like they’ve “lost themselves”

- The brain’s ability to rewire and heal through mindfulness and reframing

- Small daily practices that help you reconnect with your identity

- The concept of “identity anchors” and how to find yours again

- Managing guilt and grief when life no longer feels familiar

- How to bring your authentic self into caregiving moments

- The power of holding space for both caregiving and self-care

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction and Laura’s connection with Laurie

02:15 – Why caregivers often lose their sense of self

06:30 – How chronic stress rewires the brain and impacts identity

12:00 – The opportunity to “reprogram” your brain through awareness

18:30 – Finding small ways to reconnect to yourself

25:00 – Mindfulness, sensory awareness, and grounding practices

31:00 – The unrealistic expectations placed on caregivers

38:45 – Grief, loss, and the “spiritual journey” of caregiving

45:00 – Reclaiming identity through small wins and “what went well” moments

52:00 – Integrating your authentic self into caregiving

58:00 – Closing reflections on empowerment, balance, and self-compassion

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Losing yourself as a caregiver is a common — and completely human — experience.

- Chronic stress physically reshapes the brain, but healing and rewiring are always possible.

- Your thoughts are not your identity — you have the power to reframe and redirect them.

- Start small: one mindful breath, one grounding moment, one positive note in a jar.

- Bring yourself into caregiving — your creativity, humor, and personality are part of what makes your care meaningful.

- You can hold both truths: caring for others and caring for yourself are equally vital.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky

Mindfulness and sensory grounding practices

“What Went Well” Jar exercise for daily positive reflection

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share the episode with another caregiver who might need to hear it 💛 Every listen helps us reach more caregivers who deserve to feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure where to start or what’s “normal” vs. “not normal.” In this episode, Laura walks you through the signs to watch for, how to know when it’s time to seek answers, and why getting a diagnosis can actually bring relief and clarity. You’ll also learn about common treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, and how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment so you feel supported and informed.

👤 Meet Laura Vaillancourt:

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and the host of the Life on Repeat Podcast. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families navigating dementia, Laura’s mission is to provide caregivers with education, encouragement, and resources so they never feel alone on the journey.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What’s “normal” forgetfulness vs. concerning memory changes

- Red flags that signal it may be time to seek medical evaluation

- Treatable conditions that can look like dementia (depression, delirium, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and more)

- Who can provide a diagnosis — from primary care to specialists

- How to prepare for a medical appointment (questions to ask, what to bring, and how to track concerns)

- What to expect after receiving a diagnosis and how to begin building your care team

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Why people wait to seek a diagnosis

04:30 – What’s normal aging vs. not normal memory loss

08:10 – Treatable conditions that mimic dementia symptoms

13:25 – Who can provide a diagnosis and what to expect

19:40 – How to prepare for an appointment

27:15 – What happens after diagnosis and building your care team

34:45 – Resources, planning, and next steps

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Memory impairment is not a normal part of aging.

- Many treatable conditions can cause memory changes, so don’t assume dementia.

- Early evaluation helps rule out reversible causes and provides peace of mind.

- Preparation is key — bring detailed examples, a list of medications, and questions to appointments.

- Getting a diagnosis is not the end; it’s the beginning of support, planning, and resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Annual wellness exam (Medicare-covered screening)

Cognitive assessments (MoCA, MMSE, SLUMS)

Local Area Agencies on Aging

Alzheimer’s Association resources

Geriatric care managers and elder law attorneys

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

If you’ve been feeling unsure about your loved one’s memory changes, this episode is for you. Take a deep breath — you don’t have to walk this path alone.