AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

By: AlzAuthors Featured on The Whole Care Network
  • Summary

  • Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We're the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.

    Featuring Marianne Sciucco, RN

    Podcast producer and host Marianne Sciucco is a co-founder and director at AlzAuthors and a registered nurse who cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20-year career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. Her novel, "Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story," is based on a couple she met through her work and is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease.

    Learn more about Marianne at AlzAuthors.com.

    Purchase "Blue Hydrangeas"

    Featuring Christy Byrne Yates, M.S., LEP

    Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation” recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.

    Learn more about Christy at AlzAuthors.com.

    AlzAuthors is an Amazon Affiliate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you.

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Episodes
  • Christy Byrne Yates on Raising Kids While Caring for Parents with Dementia
    Sep 17 2024
    One parent with dementia is challenging enough, but when you have TWO parents with dementia while raising young children it’s easy to fall into despair and chaos. When Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist, writer, and speaker, found herself in this situation she learned the necessary skills she needed to not only provide care to her parents and children but also to herself. In this replay of the AlzAuthors Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, she shares her insights, offering practical tips on navigating family dynamics, building a legacy of love in caregiving, and providing emotional resilience and support Christy's openness about her emotional struggles and the lessons learned from her parents offers a profound exploration of the caregiving experience, reminding listeners of the enduring power of love, empathy, and self-discovery within the caregiving journey. Her unique perspective and heartfelt reflections make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking valuable insights and guidance in managing the complexities of caregiving for aging parents, especially those dealing with dementia. Author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she’s a member of the AlzAuthors management team, and co-host and producer of the "Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia" podcast. In this episode, you will: Discover the power of self-care while caring for parents with dementia.Uncover the secrets to building a lasting legacy of love in your caregiving journey.Navigate and defuse challenging family dynamics while caring for loved ones.Unlock the top tips for managing the unique challenges of being a sandwich generation caregiver. About Christy Byrne Yates, MS In addition to being an author, Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), a credentialed school psychologist, a speaker, and life coach. As the mother of two – now grown – children, she became an expert in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities, including living in the “Sandwich Generation,” those raising children while caring for aging parents. After the podcast Read Christy’s AlzAuthors post: Christy Yates Helps Caregivers Raising Children Ease the Squeeze Purchase Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation. Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Connect with Christy Byrne Yates Website and blog Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store
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    50 mins
  • A Pot of Sauce, A Pinch of Love: Cooking Through the Challenges of Dementia with Jeanette Fazzari Jones
    Sep 3 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of AlzAuthors, we dive into the emotional and practical aspects of caring for loved ones with dementia, with a special focus on family memories and intergenerational bonds. Jeannette Fazzari Jones shares a particularly touching story about her experiences with her grandparents’ dementia, detailing both the struggles and joys she encountered along the way. She is the author of the beautifully illustrated children's book, Meatballs for Grandpa. We talk about how the many senses like touch and smell impact memory, and how to use sensory activities to connect not just with our person with dementia, but with children who may yearn to stay connected to a beloved person. As an educator, Jeanette speaks to the kinds of activities that can be used with young children who may read or listen to the story. We discuss the traditions of cooking and treasured recipes that are handed down through families that keep family connected. Jeanette is the author of the beautifully illustrated children's book, Meatballs for Grandpa. After listening to this warm and delicious episode, you might just be inspired to cook a big batch of meatballs! Connect with Jeannette Buy Meatballs for Grandpa Read her AlzAuthors blog post - need to add link Website Instagram Facebook Twitter/X About the Moderators Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store
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    47 mins
  • Exploring Alzheimer's Through Fiction: Marianne Sciucco's Journey
    Aug 20 2024
    Christy Byrne Yates moderates an Aging & Amazing book club discussion with co-host Marianne Sciucco on the value of fiction in dementia caregiving. Marianne, a founder and manager of AlzAuthors, and also board president, podcast producer and host, draws from her experiences as a nurse and personal caregiver to share her journey and the inspiration behind her novel, "Blue Hydrangeas: An Alzheimer's Love Story." A registered nurse, she was drawn into the world of Alzheimer's and dementia care through personal experiences with family members affected by the disease. Working in the dementia unit of a nursing home, she found her calling in caring for individuals impacted by cognitive diseases. Her encounters with patients in various stages of memory impairment sparked a deep curiosity and desire to find solutions to improve their comfort and well-being. It was a serendipitous meeting with an elderly couple, where the wife had Alzheimer's and the husband was her devoted caregiver, that inspired Marianne to embark on her writing journey. Fueled by her passion for highlighting the often-overlooked male caregivers, her book delves into the emotional complexities of Alzheimer's and the unwavering love and hope that sustains caregivers through the challenges. Marianne's unique perspective and firsthand experiences bring authenticity to her narrative, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into the world of Alzheimer's and the profound impact it has on those touched by its reach. She believes fiction can be an in important tool in educating people about Alzheimer's and dementia, offering a "soft landing space," where readers can not only find facts but discover the human story found in all dementia situations. In this episode, you will: Explore the process of writing books about Alzheimer's and the impact of storytelling on raising awareness.Gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of dementia diagnosis and care, empowering you to make informed decisions.Understand the impact of Alzheimer's on families and gain insights into fostering resilience and coping mechanisms.Navigate the complexities of dementia diagnosis and care with valuable insights and expert perspectives. After the podcast Read Marianne's AlzAuthors postPurchase Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story About the Moderators Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store
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    1 hr and 5 mins

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