The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and because of that is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association as symbolic day for those affected by Alzheimer's and their caregivers because it represents the long and challenging journey they face together.
We get some insight into the long and challenging journeys dementia caregivers are on from two men who became caregivers themselves after their wives were diagnosed with dementia.
Dan Moser’s wife Maria was diagnosed with what’s called Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) in 2015 and he was her caregiver until she passed away about two years ago. During that time, he pivoted away from his work as a bike and pedestrian safety advocate toward dementia caregiving, a role he continues to this day.
And Jeff Edwards’ wife Bunny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and he’s still taking care of her. Jeff retired from a 50-plus year in radio a couple of years ago and since then has been producing a podcast called GUTPUNCHED that explores the challenges of dementia caregiving, and shares resources they've found, and as he puts it “their heartbreaks and their little victories.”
Over more than 50 episodes now he’s also talked to physicians, nurses, and other experts to try and help others who are going through similar experiences with their loved ones.
Click here to visit Jeff's website. Click here to connect with the Dubin Center and here to the Alzheimer's Association.
You can listen to our conversation on Sept. 25, 2024 with Dan Moser, and Christine LoConte, Executive Director of the Dubin Center here.
Guests:
Dan Moser, Certified Dementia Care Specialist, Dementia Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, and Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration Ambassador (AFTD)
Jeff Edwards, host/creator of the GUTPUNCHED podcast.
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