Art, Memory, And The Power Of Care;

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What if Alzheimer’s didn’t close a life, but opened a new way to see it? That’s the question at the heart of our conversation with author and advocate Marilyn Raichle, whose book “Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey” chronicles how a reluctant daughter discovered joy, humor, and dignity alongside her mother living with dementia. We move from fear to curiosity as Marilyn shares the moment a simple painting class changed everything—the hum of focus, the pull of community, and the art that silenced stigma with beauty.

Together we explore how language shapes care. Saying “living with dementia” invites partnership; saying “suffering from” reduces people to symptoms. Marilyn breaks down the practical shifts that follow: stop asking “Do you remember?” start asking open questions; measure success by connection, not recall; design small rituals—walks, music, Scrabble—that build attention and trust. Her mother’s creativity becomes a north star, showing that purpose and pleasure can bloom even as memory fades. The result is a human, hopeful roadmap families can use right away.

We also zoom out to the systems level. Marilyn’s exhibits for The Art of Alzheimer’s drew thousands and sparked the most powerful response of all: “I had no idea.” That spark fuels her work with Maud’s Awards, which fund innovative Alzheimer’s care and publish free handbooks so anyone can adopt ideas that work. From drumming circles to intergenerational programs, these solutions prove that when we see value, we invest—and when we invest, people thrive.

If you’re a caregiver, a health professional, or simply someone who wants to show up better for others, this episode offers tools you can use today: smile first, ask before telling, create low-barrier choices, and protect dignity at every turn. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find stories that change the way we care. What small ritual will you try this week to spark joy for someone you love?

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“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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