Help For Dementia

Global Edmonton news anchor and care partner Erin Chalmers joins us to share her personal experience supporting her mom, who lives with dementia. She reflects on what it was like in the early days after diagnosis, how relationships changed over time, and what helped her most along the way. Erin speaks openly about the emotional impact of caregiving, how she navigated moments of guilt and frustration, and why staying connected, even...

Dementia navigator Annmarie and caregiver support specialist Sarah join a live Q&A to answer real questions from families supporting someone living with dementia. They explain what to expect at each stage, how to respond to behavioural changes and why care partner emotions like guilt, grief and anger are common and valid. The conversation includes practical tools, stories from care partners, and reminders that no one needs to g...

Karen McLean describes life after her husband Scott was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 52. She recalls the first subtle changes, the rapid decline that followed and the decision to move Scott into full-time care. Karen speaks openly about exhaustion, care-partner burnout and the support she receives from the Alzheimer Society community.

• Early Signs and Diagnosis – Subtle mood and behaviour shifts ...

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the l...

In Part 2 of this conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora continues to explore financial scams with a focus on phishing, business impersonation, and issues related to care partner or family fraud. Drawing on her extensive legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris explains how scammers use urgency and pressure to push for quick decisions. She provides practical tips to verify suspicious communications and safeguard your fi...

In this first part of our special conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora discusses the most common financial scams targeting seniors, including government impersonation, tech support fraud, and emotional manipulations like the “grandparent scam” and “romance scam.” Drawing on her decades of legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris offers insight into why older adults, especially those living with dementia, are more vuln...

We’re joined by Julie Desautels, Palliative Care Learning Specialist, to introduce the helpfordementia.ca resource for those supporting family or friends living with dementia. Julie shares practical tools and educational resources, all designed to make navigating the care journey easier. Whether it’s finding answers to pressing questions, using the Seeds of Hope Learning Series, or planning ahead with easy-to-use checklists, this e...

Lynn Ferguson shares her personal journey with young onset dementia. She discusses how her sister first noticed changes in her behavior and how they sought medical help. Lynn talks about the shock of receiving the diagnosis and the initial feelings of sadness and fear. However, she emphasizes that life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis and that there is still so much to live for. Lynn shares her daily routine, coping strategies...

Al Matheson is a dedicated care partner who has been caring for his wife, Joanne, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2015. Al has been with Joanne for over 50 years and shares his experience and insights into the challenges and lessons he has learned throughout his caregiving journey. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from organizations like the Alzheimer's Society and highligh...

Jag's journey began when his wife, Carol Lynn, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Jag discusses the journey from the initial signs and symptoms to the diagnosis and the rapid progression. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing dementia.

Jag also highlights the role of the Alzheimer Society in providing support, resources, and a supportive community for care partners. He sha...

Cindy McCaffrey, co-founder of YouQuest, a charity that operates a wellness day program for individuals under the age of 65 living with dementia. Cindy shares her personal journey with her husband's diagnosis of young onset dementia and how it inspired her to create a program that provides socialization, stimulating activities, and respite for care partners. She discusses the challenges faced by young onset dementia patients and th...

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the l...

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew from a small music event to a seven-hour festival with multiple bands. Brenda also tal...

Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasizes the need for culturally inclusive resources and services that can support individ...

Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon and heartfelt connections made, Jason provides insights into the wide impact of the AF...

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma and reframing the reality of people  with dementia. She shares her research on using art to promote a better quality of life and the importance of recognizing the abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of arts in creating connections and raising fundamental questions about our perception o...