The Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
This podcast is the story of Ken and Shanna, a married couple who's lives have been forever changed (for the better) because we have learned to live with and ultimately Survive Alzheimer's disease. We have learned many lessons in our 12+ year journey together down Dementia Road. Our mission is to help caregivers and families who have been changed by Alzheimer's disease. We share our experiences on how we both eventually rediscovered joy and gained a peace that passes all understanding, all while dealing with our lifes greatest challenge.
Episodes
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
In this first episode I will give you some of background information and introduce you to the people that this podcast is about. I'll also introduce you to how we have survived Alzheimer's disease so far.
It's my hope that you'll be able to connect with us, thus, be able to relate your experiences to ours in doing this. I hope that you can learn from our experiences.
Why ...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Surviving Alzheimer's: Reflections on Early Signs and Coping Strategies
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's podcast, host Ken Cardita shares his journey alongside his wife, Shanna, who has been battling Alzheimer's disease. He reflects on their early life together, identifying initial signs of cognitive decline, and the crucial lessons learned during their journey. The podcas...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Navigating Denial and Driving: A Caregiver's Journey
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's podcast, host Ken Cardita recounts his personal experiences dealing with denial and the challenges of getting his wife, Shanna, to stop driving once it was no longer safe for her to drive. He shares valuable insights and resources for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of overcoming d...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Navigating Early Stage Alzheimer's: Personal Reflections and Advice
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's podcast, host Ken Cardita delves into his personal experiences during the early stages of his wife Shanna's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Ken recounts the emotional challenges and adjustments needed to manage caregiving duties effectively. He discusses common symptoms such as repe...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Navigating Diagnosis and Acceptance: A Journey through Moderate Alzheimer's
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's podcast, host Ken Cardita delves into 2016, a pivotal year in his 12-year journey with his wife Shanna's Alzheimer's. Ken shares the challenges of undiagnosed moderate Alzheimer's, the life upheaval from early retirement, and the financial planning that shaped his t...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
EP 6 I have Grieved 100 Losses ..
Thoughts on Grief, Guilt, and Ambiguous Loss as a Dementia Caregiver
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer’s podcast, host Ken Cardita shares his personal journey of caregiving for his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's. Ken delves into the complex emotions of grief, guilt, and ambiguous loss that caregivers often face. By reflec...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Moderate Stage of Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Journey
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer’s podcast, host Ken Cardita shares his experiences and lessons learned while caring for his wife Shanna at home during the moderate stage of Alzheimer's. Ken discusses various challenges encountered, such as increased memory loss, language difficulties, and handling unexpected outburs...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Leading Your Caregiving Team: Insights and Experiences
In this episode, the Ken draws an analogy between the role of a football quarterback and that of a primary caregiver in managing the needs of a loved one with dementia. He provides an overview of the different aspects involved in leading a caregiving team, sharing personal experiences of assembling 'Team Shanna'—a support ne...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Advanced Alzheimer's: Lessons Learned in Caregiving
In this episode, Ken reflects on a listener's comment before delving into their personal journey of caregiving for their wife, Shanna, who transitioned from moderate to advanced Alzheimer's between late 2019 and early 2020. The host shares observations and experiences from their journals, describes the symptoms and daily challenges o...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Facing the Decision: A Journey Through Alzheimer's Care Transitions
In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita delves into the heart-wrenching decision to move his wife, Shanna, to a long-term memory care facility after 12 years of battling Alzheimer's. Ken recounts the emotional stages leading up to the move, sharing journal entries detailing Shanna's rapi...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
The Hardest Transition: Moving a Loved One to Memory Care
In this heartfelt and emotional episode, the host reflects on the difficult decision to move his wife, Shanna, to a memory care facility 18 months ago.
I will tell the story of the hardest thing I've ever done. That is moving my best friend and wife to a Memory Care Facility. I discuss the anxious week before this happened...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Memory Care: Lessons and Challenges from Our Journey
In this episode , host Ken shares his and his wife Shanna's experiences during the 11 months they spent transitioning Shanna into her first memory care facility. Ken discusses the initial expectations and realities of the memory care environment, the importance of dedicated caregivers, and the frequent turnover that impacted Shanna'...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Embracing Change: Ken and Shanna's Journey with Alzheimer's
In this episode Ken shares the heartfelt story of moving his wife Shanna to a new memory care facility, recounting their eight-month journey of adjusting to the transition.
He delves into the emotional challenges and victories they experienced, from finding the right place with a caring and competent staff to ove...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Finding Hope and Support in the Journey through Dementia
In this episode, the host reflects on his journey and experiences over the last decade, specifically focusing on the challenges and emotional toll of being a caregiver to his wife, Shanna, who has Alzheimer's.
He shares his past despair and recent uplifting moments, including the profound realization of acceptance a...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
The Power of Connection: Rediscovering Joy Amidst Alzheimer's Challenges
Ken shares his journey and lessons learned from over 12 years with his wife, Shanna, who has Alzheimer's disease. He recounts a touching visit from Shanna's long-term friends, Judy and Wanda, and highlights the emotional connections that remain despite the disease.
Through personal anecdotes, Ken exp...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Navigating Holidays with Alzheimer’s: Finding Joy and Managing Emotions
Ken discusses the emotional challenges and practical adjustments required during the holiday season when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
Sharing personal experiences from his journey with his wife, Shanna, over the past 12 years, Ken offers tips and advice for managing holiday stress and cr...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Finding Joy and Gratitude Amidst the Challenges of Alzheimer's
The episode focuses on finding peace and joy during the holiday season despite the challenges posed by the disease. Ken shares his unique anti-depression plans for Thanksgiving, reflecting on their success and the lessons learned about the power of giving thanks and doing things differently.
Listener feedback,...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
A Second Home, A Second Family: Finding Comfort and Community in Memory Care
Ken shares their emotional journey of moving his wife, Shanna, to a memory care facility. Initially filled with anxiety and worry, the experience eventually became comforting as both Shanna and Ken adapted to their new environment.
Over time, the memory care facility transformed into a second hom...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Reflecting on 2022: Lessons and Insights from the Journey Down Dementia Road
In this final episode of 2022, Ken reflects on the past year of his and his wife Shanna's 12-year journey with Alzheimer's. He shares personal anecdotes and key lessons learned from their experiences and deep discussions with friends who are also navigating similar paths.
Ken introduces a model that b...
Send Ken a Text Message about the Podcast
Understanding and Managing Caregiver Burnout
Ken explores the heavy toll that caregiving can take on individuals tending to loved ones with Alzheimer's or related dementias. With 57% of family caregivers providing care for four or more years and 40% experiencing depression, the physical and emotional impacts are significant.
Host Ken shares alarming statistics from the CD...
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