EPISODE 19 SHOW NOTES

“Acceptance & Adjustments”

Living with Alzheimer’s means facing changes you didn’t choose — and figuring out how to keep living well anyway. In this episode, Janna and Larry talk honestly (and with humor) about what it feels like to accept what’s changing and how small adjustments can make daily life calmer, safer, and more joyful.

They explore how things like recognizing faces, finding words, moving through the house, or staying engaged can require new strategies — and how companionship, music, routine, and creativity can make a big difference without taking away dignity.

If you’re living with Alzheimer’s, loving someone with it, or both, this episode offers a realistic but hopeful look at how acceptance and adaptation can protect the things that matter most.

You’ll hear about:

· what acceptance feels like from the inside

· why adjustments aren’t surrender — they’re tools

· how companionship and support help keep purpose alive

· the surprising value of music, reading, and humor

· and what it means to “decide to thrive” even as the brain changes

Helpful Resources

Alzheimer’s Association — “I Have Alzheimer’s: Resources for Support”

This main page is written for people living with Alzheimer’s. It gathers simple, practical information on what to expect, how to live well, and where to find support without drowning you in medical language.

Alzheimer’s Association — Tips for Daily Life

Offers down-to-earth ideas to make everyday life a bit easier when you’re living with memory and thinking changes — things you can try at home, at your own pace.

Alzheimer’s Association — Taking Care of Yourself

Focuses on the person with Alzheimer’s: your health, stress, rest, and emotional well-being, with suggestions for staying as strong and independent as possible.

Alzheimer’s Society (UK) — Coping with Memory Loss

A friendly guide for people who are noticing memory problems, with practical ideas for routines, organizing things at home, and handling the feelings that come with it.

Forward With Dementia — Getting Support & Adjusting to a Diagnosis

Written in plain language for people with dementia, this page talks about the emotional side of getting the diagnosis and how support, counseling, and peer groups can help you adjust.

“Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up — it means making room for what’s still possible.”

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Alzheimer’s Thriver™

In this episode, Janna and Larry share recent changes in their Alzheimer’s journey — from slower mornings and occasional disorientation to accepting help with more peace and humor. They discuss how companionship, gentle support, post-surgery recovery, and small daily moments (like seeing children or laughing together) all shape their ongoing commitment to thrive rather than feel defeated. The episode encourages both patients and care partners to embrace patience, teamwork, and gratitude as the condition progresses.

• Mornings now take longer, and Janna uses calm self-encouragement to get oriented.
• Accepting help has become easier and strengthens their partnership. Companions are now helping with flute practice — and learning flute themselves.
• A recent surgery and medications temporarily affected mobility and cognition.
• Palliative care is being introduced for additional support. Humor, shared routines, and noticing small joys help them continue thriving.

Helpful References & Studies

1. Sleep problems & morning confusion – NIA ⁠https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers-disease⁠

2. Companionship & meaningful activities – Alzheimer’s Society ⁠https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/activities-dementia⁠

3. Dementia risk after surgery (peer-reviewed, Lancet EClinicalMedicine)⁠https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2822%2900457-6/fulltext

4. Sleep & behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s Association ⁠https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/for-sleep-changes⁠

5. Hospice & palliative care – NIA ⁠https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

“Each New Day, A New Page: Embracing Optimism While Living with Alzheimer’s”

📝 Show Notes for Episode 17: Embracing Inspiration and Optimism

In this heartfelt episode, Janna, an Alzheimer's thriver, and her husband Larry share an intimate anniversary conversation that turns into something truly profound. Through reflections on memory, environment, and emotional overwhelm, Janna reveals a powerful epiphany she received in a dream: that each new day is a page in the continuing story of her life.

No longer focused on what she has lost, Janna is choosing to embrace what she still can do—with joy, humor, and clarity. The episode touches on:
- How sound and sensory overload affect Alzheimer's communication
- A breakthrough with nighttime muscle cramps (thanks to a new salt supplement!)
- The creative process of reframing daily life as an evolving story
- The difference between passive acceptance and active embracing of one’s reality
- Living with intention, purpose, and spiritual awareness in Alzheimer’s

This episode is a celebration of resilience, love, and the human spirit’s ability to reframe challenge into creativity.

🔗 Resources & Related Studies

- Sense of Purpose & Lower Dementia Risk – NIH/PMC:

- Purpose and Brain Health – Rush University:

- Fewer Behavioral Symptoms with Greater Life Purpose – Taylor & Francis:

- Positive Psychology in Cognitive Decline

- Narrative Identity & Life Story Tools – Springer:

- Reminiscence Therapy in Dementia – PMC Review:

- Daily Meaningful Activities for Alzheimer’s – Dementia UK:

- Art & Identity – “I Remember Better When I Paint” Documentary: https://www.irememberbetterwhenipaint.com/

🌐 Visit Us

For more stories and ways to stay connected, visit:

https://www.alzheimersthriver.org

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

“Afraid to Share the Diagnosis? How Janna Told Her Family and Took Back Her Voice”

Not sure when or how to tell loved ones about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? You’re not alone. The early stage is often filled with confusion, self-doubt, and fear of being treated differently. But hiding it only makes things harder. In this powerful episode, Janna shares how she broke the news to her sons and grandkids, and the surprising freedom that came with naming the diagnosis out loud. You’ll also hear the simple communication shift that helps her stay present and engaged in fast-paced conversations, even with memory challenges.

You’ll discover:

• Why telling others isn’t just about informing ...it’s about reclaiming power.

What to consider before speaking with children or grandchildren

• The gentle language Janna uses when she doesn’t want to say “Alzheimer’s”
• A unique “echoing” technique that keeps her focused during conversations
• How to advocate for your needs without shame or apology

If you or someone you love is wrestling with how much to say—and when—this episode offers real-life wisdom from someone walking the journey with courage, humor, and grace.

1. European Geriatric Medicine (2021)

“Family members’ attitudes towards telling the patient with Alzheimer’s disease their diagnosis: a 20year repeat study”

• In Ireland, family members surveyed in 2021 were over 4× more likely to favor disclosing the diagnosis compared to two decades earlier Mayo Clinic Press+4SpringerLink+4PubMed+4.
• The shift reflects broader recognition of patient autonomy, with disclosing seen as facilitating proactive planning rather than evoking negative reactions SpringerLink.

2. Physicians Postgraduate Press (2019)

“Disclosure of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Patient and Care PartnerCentric DecisionMaking and Communication”

• This evidence-based consensus emphasizes that early and timely disclosure, paired with psychoeducation and care planning, improves quality of life, allows shared decision-making, and reduces harm by enabling earlier intervention PubMed.

3. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions (2024)

“Personal value of Alzheimer’s disease biomarker testing and result disclosure from the patient and care partner perspective”

• Disclosure of biomarker results (e.g. CSF/amyloid tests) provided diagnostic clarity, reduced anxiety, and motivated lifestyle changes and future planning, both for patients and care partners Verywell Health+12Alzheimer's Journals+12PubMed+12.
• Some noted that patients hesitated to share to avoid burdening others, but families often appreciated the information and wanted to support planning PMC+3Alzheimer's Journals+3PMC+3.

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

In this heartfelt episode, Janna and Larry explore the challenges and realities of conversational flow when memory loss and slower speech patterns are present. They discuss the tension and humor of being interrupted, how interruptions can feel both frustrating and necessary, and the ways they’ve learned to “embrace the lag” to stay connected in family and group conversations.

Highlights from this episode:

· How interruptions can both hurt and help when navigating memory changes.

· Why “embracing the lag” opens up space for deeper connection.

· Practical tools Janna uses—like signaling and echoing—to stay engaged.

· What families can do to create patience and respect in conversations.

Listeners will walk away with fresh insight into the importance of slowing down, giving grace, and making room for every voice at the table—especially for those navigating Alzheimer’s or other memory challenges.

Further Reading & Studies on Patience in Conversations with Alzheimer’s

Collins et al., 2022 – Methods and approaches for enhancing communication in dementia. Published in PMC/NCBI. Shows that slower, patient communication and simplified methods help people with dementia be better understood. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9109550

Tappen et al., 2002 – Conversation Intervention with Alzheimer’s Patients. Published in PMC/NCBI. Found that giving patients more time to respond and avoiding interruptions improved communication abilities. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2239260

Sunjaya et al., 2025 – Communication strategies for delivering personalized dementia care. Published in Ageing (Oxford Academic). Highlights patience, pauses, and individualized pace as essential in dementia care conversations. https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/54/5/afaf120/8131738

Additional Authoritative Resources:

National Institute on Aging – Communicating With Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-changes-behavior-and-communication/communicating-someone-who-has-alzheimers

Alzheimer’s Association – Communication tips: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

Harvard Health – Bridging the Gap: Dementia Communication Strategies https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/bridging-the-gap-dementia-communication-strategies

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

In Episode 14, Larry and Janna open up an honest and uplifting conversation about rediscovering self-esteem while living with memory challenges.

Janna shares a breakthrough moment—realizing how often she viewed herself through loss (not being able to read, drive, or orient like before). Instead of staying in that place, she chooses to reframe her story: to see her intelligence, her creativity, and her gift of deep listening as strengths that deserve recognition.

Together, Larry and Janna explore:

• How comparing ourselves to others erodes self-worth.
• Simple shifts in perspective that build confidence, even on “down days.”
• The role of memory, past accomplishments, and technology in rekindling self-esteem.
• Why replacing the word “no” with encouragement can change how we relate to each other.
• The importance of affirming dignity, listening, and joy—even in the midst of Alzheimer’s.

This episode is a gentle reminder that self-esteem is not about perfection or the abilities we’ve lost. It’s about reclaiming value, celebrating what remains, and finding new ways to thrive.

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

In this follow-up to Part 1, Janna and Larry continue their heartfelt conversation about the everyday realities of living—and thriving—with Alzheimer’s. While Part 1 focused on recognizing both the gains and losses that come along this journey, Part 2 digs deeper into an unexpected truth: sometimes help isn’t really help at all.

From hanging clothes to loading the dishwasher, they share how small acts of “help” can unintentionally accelerate loss of skills—and how choosing when to step back can actually slow the trajectory of decline. They talk candidly about the tension between efficiency and independence, the emotional moments that come with relearning tasks, and the importance of adapting routines to keep life both manageable and meaningful.

You’ll also hear about:

• How to recognize when helping may actually foster dependence
• The role of patience, humor, and faith in navigating daily challenges
• Practical adjustments that preserve skills and dignity
• Why partnership—not overprotection—matters most in care relationships

This episode is as much about love and teamwork as it is about Alzheimer’s—reminding us that thriving together means sharing the load in a way that lifts both people up.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there to get the full context before diving into this insightful and inspiring continuation.

Link to a study related to This Podcast

The development of the Promoting Independence In Dementia (PRIDE). Intervention to enhance independence in dementia. PMC

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Living with Alzheimer’s – Losses, Workarounds, and Unexpected Gifts

In this heartfelt and hopeful episode, Janna, a self-described “Alzheimer’s Thriver™,” and her husband Larry open up about their journey navigating the losses and surprising gains brought on by Alzheimer's disease. Together, they explore how humor, adaptation, gratitude, and love have helped them cope with challenges and find joy in unexpected places.

Topics Discussed:

• Physical and sensory losses (vision, smell, taste)
• Memory loss (short- and long-term)
• Emotional regulation and self-talk
• The power of legacy and storytelling
• Using audiobooks as a memory aid
• Music, empathy, and increased emotional sensitivity
• Finding meaning in small joys (birds, children, fresh air)
• Using mental routines and daily disciplines to stay sharp
• Viewing Alzheimer’s as an “adventure” and not just a decline

Highlights:

• Janna describes how she manages low vision and memory changes with creative workarounds and positive inner dialogue.
• Larry discusses how the loss of one ability can give rise to another—like Janna's improved musical ear and increased empathy.
• The couple shares how listening to Janna’s own published audiobook has helped her preserve and reconnect with cherished memories.
• Emphasis on staying present, practicing daily gratitude, and focusing on what one still can do.

Supporting Articles & Research:

Here are related studies and expert articles to deepen your understanding of the ideas discussed in this episode:

1. Memory Loss and the Power of Reminiscence

• Title: Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia
  Source: Verywell Health
  This accessible article outlines how reminiscence therapy gently encourages individuals to recall and share positive memories using familiar prompts like photos, music, or meaningful objects. It presents evidence that the therapy can enhance memory, mood, and overall well-being, which aligns with the themes of connection and resilience that Janna and Larry explore.

2. Creativity and Self-Expression in Alzheimer’s

• Title: Art and Music Therapy in Alzheimer’s
  Source: Alzheimer's.org
  Music and art therapy sessions can be held in groups or individually.

3. The Power of Gratitude in Coping with Chronic Illness

• Title: Gratitude and Well-being: The Benefits of Being Thankful
  Source: Harvard Health Publishing
  Research supporting the mental and physical benefits of gratitude, even in the face of illness.

4. Maintaining Daily Structure with Cognitive Decline

• Title: Tips for Daily Routines for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
  Source: Alzheimer’s Association
  Suggests how daily structure, mental cues, and small goals can improve quality of life and reduce stress.

5. Audiobooks and Legacy Projects for Dementia Patients

• Title: The Benefits of Journaling
  Source: Bella Grove
  Examines how recorded personal histories can aid memory recall and offer emotional comfort.

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.