Hello Alzheimer’s

As we savor the final days of summer, we're returning to a conversation about the beauty of becoming a "Dementia Friend." And we begin this episode with a tribute to the best kind of friend to those living with any form of dementia (my partner in this mission, Ron Stover).

As for the overall summary...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Colleen Fritsch, the Volunteer Dementia Friends Champion Coordinator. If we've lost yo...

We're revisiting an important conversation today, because summer is busy... but that doesn't mean we should miss the information that could make a profound difference for us, our loved ones or anyone on the Alzheimer's or other dementia marathon. Enjoy, friends. And please... savor these waning days of summer.

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Robbin Frazier, a committed community leader and dedicated daughter. Robbin se...

If you've ever wondered what's behind the "Alzheimer's gender gap," then this conversation is for you... Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Madeline Cross, a neurologist at HealthPartners. Dr. Cross covers why women are especially vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease, touching on the most popular theories related to hormones, the immune system and social factors. And, most importantly, Dr. Cross shares more about the hop...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Peter Zubert, a sales executive, husband, dad and son who's today walking alongside his mother during her dementia journey.

But this "Voices of Dementia" conversation also touches on Peter's own journey to reduce his risk of later developing dementia by addressing his hearing loss.

Together, Karla and Peter cover some of those lingering reservations listeners may have related to taking t...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult reunites with expert and friend, Dave Fabry, Ph.D., the Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey. The two catch up on Karla's ongoing transition to life with hearing aids (spoiler alert: she can now hear the responses of her strong, sassy and beloved teen daughters). Most importantly, Dr. Dave dives into the latest research related to hearing loss and dementia.

You can find discussions related to th...

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Stephen Shuman, DDS, MS, professor and director of the Division of Hospital and Special Care Dentistry and the Oral Health Services for Older Adults Program at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The two discuss a new, online training course that represents a milestone in overall care for those living with dementia: Creating a Dementia-Friendly Dental Practice: An In-depth T...

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Linda Knebel Pruden, author of From Fear to Peace: Growing Spiritually as a Dementia Caregiver. Linda herself describes the book as part spiritual memoir, part love story and part dementia caregiver’s guide – and we think that aptly describes this conversation, too. In both her beautiful book and this compelling conversation, Linda shares how she and her beloved husband, Rob, searched fo...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Sara Barsel, founder of the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group. The group is committed to uplifting – pun intended – the airplane travel experience for everyone affected by any form of dementia. Truly, their mission is a profound one, given the inherent challenges of navigating airports and the flying experience, especially when we -- or our loved ones -- may be living with Alzheim...

Happy 4th of July, friends! A humble reminder this holiday -- like others -- can pose a unique challenge for those living with dementia. Consider a smaller, quieter and calmer celebration that may involve only "muted" fireworks. You can find more 4th of July suggestions here.

Meantime, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations featuring a courageous mother and daughter. Please enjoy the love and laughter of Shirley and ...

As we near the end of June - which is both Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month AND Pride Month - Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Lance Kocherhans. Lance offers a raw and real perspective based on his multiple connections to dementia: As a son, nephew and son-in-law, he's walked alongside his loved ones during their dementia journeys; as a husband of Clint, father of four and grandfather of 11, he's also started his o...

Hello Alzheimer’s host Karla Hult talks with Robbin Frazier, a committed community leader and dedicated daughter. Robbin serves as the Associate Director of Equity and Community Engagement at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, Center for Healthy Aging & Innovation. Translation: Robbin’s a changemaker through her work in addressing our persistent societal inequities, especially those related to Alzheimer’s an...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rick Henkin, the committed care partner of his wife, Sonia, and founder of the Caregiver Mastery Course and a related Facebook group for family caregivers.

Rick's perspective on his Alzheimer's journey alongside Sonia is a beautifully raw, pragmatic and hopeful one: As a husband, he struggled with all the natural emotional setbacks that come with a dementia diagnosis; but as a care partn...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Kelly Grosklags, international speaker, therapist and author. This time, Kelly answers YOUR grief-related questions related to the Alzheimer's and other dementia journey.

As a reminder: Kelly brings compassion, empathy and education to every conversation about grief, by drawing upon her own profound loss as a child and decades of walking alongside families and individuals experienc...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rosie Gaston, an end-of-life social worker, researcher, educator and founder of "A Better Ending." The two delicately discuss a topic we all seem to avoid, even as it applies to absolutely all of us: how we and our loved ones want to die.

You're still reading? That's fabulous... because this conversation will benefit every single one of us who want to help guide our loved ones on our fin...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Annabelle Singer, a neuroscientist at Georgia Institute of Technology or Georgia Tech. The conversation covers the science, mechanics and hope of Singer's latest goal: "To understand how neural activity produces memories and spurs the brain’s immune system."

Dr. Singer shares more about how she has: "Established and continues to develop a new therapeutic approach to Alzheimer’s disea...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Gov. Martin Schreiber, the 39th governor of Wisconsin, husband of Elaine, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In a conversation that covers both policy success and personal heartbreak - along with inspiring lessons for all of us - Gov. Marty shares about his career, his advocacy and his life. As a public servant, Gov. Marty advocated for older adults by pushing for improved long-t...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Kelly Grosklags, international speaker, therapist and author.

Kelly brings compassion, empathy and education to every conversation about grief, by drawing upon her own profound loss as a child and decades of walking alongside families and individuals experiencing their own grief. She's a Board-Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, holds fellowships and has published podcasts, blogs...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Susan Parriott, Chief Executive Office and Regional Vice President of the Alzheimer's Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. Sue addresses the key facts featured in the annual report from the Alzheimer's Association, from the number of Americans now living with Alzheimer's disease (7.2 million), to the overwhelming majority of people (9 in 10) who would both want a simple diagnosti...

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Trish Cook. According to her website, Trish is an "Anishinaabe Comedic Raconteur." But her brilliance doesn't stop at the stage. Trish brings her talents, kindness and wisdom to her many professional and personal roles -- including her cherished role of daughter. 

In this captivating conversation -- that yes, may make you both laugh and cry -- Trish shares her insights from walking along...