McGregor Dementia Podcast

What do you actually do when the person you love becomes aggressive, when family refuses to talk about the diagnosis, or when you want to know your own genetic risk?

Dr. Ed Shaw, Dr. Benjamin Mast, and elder care strategist Cynthia Perth Hughes take questions from the room in this live panel from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar, recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. The panel addresses how to respond to aggres...

The person caring for a loved one with dementia is carrying a burden that rarely gets noticed. How does the church come alongside them well?

David and Tamar Miller answer that question out of their own four and a half years caring for David's father through dementia, alongside parenting their son Carson, who lives with autism. David serves as Pastor of Membership and Missions at McGregor. Their breakout from our Alzheimer's and Dem...

When your loved one resists the very care they need, how do you respond with patience and wisdom?

Dr. Ed Shaw returns for this breakout from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar, recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. In We Are on the Road, he addresses the behavioral changes that often accompany dementia, including agitation, aggression, paranoia, wandering, sundowning, and resistance to care. He teaches caregivers...

A diagnosis is not the finish line. It is the starting line.

Elder care strategist Cynthia Perth Hughes and elder law attorney Aaron Frye team up for this breakout from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar, recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. Together they walk families through the decisions that come next. They cover the difference between remaining at home, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, wha...

How do you know when it is time to ask for an evaluation, and how do you get one for someone who does not want to go?

Dr. Benjamin Mast takes on those questions in this breakout from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar, recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. He helps families think carefully about when cognitive changes move beyond normal aging, the warning signs that should not be ignored, and how to navigate a di...

Is there a superfood, a supplement, or a secret trick that can prevent dementia?

Elder care strategist Cynthia Perth Hughes answers honestly in Fact or Fiction: Scientific Research for Vibrant Brain Aging, a keynote from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. She separates hopeful headlines from solid research, taking on the myths around aluminum cookware, flu shots, red wine, co...

What happens to faith when memory fails?

Dr. Benjamin Mast, author of Second Forgetting, carries that question into his keynote from our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar, recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church. He draws a careful distinction between the first forgetting, the memory loss caused by Alzheimer's, and the second forgetting, the spiritual amnesia that all of us are prone to when life feels overwhelming. Dr...

When should forgetting a name worry you, and when is it just getting older?

Dr. Ed Shaw opens our Alzheimer's and Dementia seminar with the keynote families have been waiting for. Recorded February 21, 2026 at McGregor Baptist Church, Normal Cognitive Aging vs. Dementia walks through what typical brain aging actually looks like, when changes cross the line into mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, and what the last few years o...

In this special episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, host Mark Bricker sits down with Dr. Edward Shaw and Dr. Benjamin Mast to talk about hope, truth, and care in the midst of dementia.

Together, they preview the upcoming Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and the Gospel seminar happening Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at McGregor. The conversation explores the difference between normal cognitive aging and dementia, how...

In this episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, Cynthia Hipp Perthuis, an Elder Care Strategist from Senior Care Authority, shares her personal journey and professional insights into finding suitable care solutions for individuals with dementia. Drawing from her family's experiences with Alzheimer's, Cynthia discusses the emotional and logistical challenges faced when seeking appropriate living arrangements. She explains various ...

In this insightful episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast titled "Why Should I Get a Memory Screening," guest Mrs. Lee discusses the significance of early memory screening and detection. At 83 years old, Mrs. Lee shares her personal journey with memory concerns and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and socially engaged lifestyle. The episode covers practical advice on early detection and proactive steps to take u...

In this enlightening episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, host Mark Bricker engages in an in-depth Q&A session with keynote speakers Dr. Benjamin Mast and Dr. Edward Shaw. They explore the increasing prevalence of dementia, strategies for preparing for a loved one's decline, and ways to address safety concerns like driving. The experts also provide compassionate advice on handling challenging situations, such as denial or ...

In this enlightening episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, titled "Living Faithfully with Alzheimer’s Disease," Dr. Benjamin Mast addresses faith-related questions that arise when facing Alzheimer's. Drawing from biblical scripture and experiences, Dr. Mast explores profound questions about faith, salvation, and behavioral changes in those living with dementia. He emphasizes the enduring nature of God's love and grace, even ami...

In this enlightening episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, Dr. Edward Shaw delves into the "8 Central Needs of Dementia Care Partners." Sharing insights from his book, the Dementia Care Partners Workbook, Dr. Shaw discusses the essential needs of caregivers, ranging from the importance of telling your story to adapting to changing relationships and the necessity of self-care. He highlights the emotional and physical challenges ...

In this enlightening episode of McGregor Dementia Podcast titled "Healthy Living for your Brain," guest speaker Dr. Deborah Coe Silver from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Florida explores the multifaceted approaches to promoting brain health amidst the challenges of aging and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Silver emphasizes the importance of personalized care, early diagnosis, and fostering a dialogue with primary health care pr...

In this enlightening episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, "Not All Dementias are Created Equal," Dr. Edward Shaw shares his personal journey and professional insights into the complexities of dementia. Drawing from his experience as a caregiver for his first wife, Rebecca, who suffered from early onset Alzheimer's, Dr. Shaw discusses the nuances and challenges of various types of dementia. He elaborates on different neurodegen...

In this episode of McGregor Dementia Podcast titled "Navigating the New World of Alzheimer," guest Dr. Benjamin Mast delves into the intricate landscape of Alzheimer's disease. He begins with an overview of Alzheimer's and its distinguishing features from other types of dementia. Dr. Mast highlights the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, focusing on the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within ...

In this episode of the McGregor Dementia Podcast, host Mark Bricker sits down with Dr. Edward Shaw, a physician and mental health counselor, for an enriching discussion ahead of the upcoming Alzheimer's Dementia and the Gospel seminar. Dr. Shaw shares his profound journey from being a distinguished oncologist to a dedicated dementia care advocate following his late wife's diagnosis with early onset Alzheimer's. The conversation del...