Dual Diagnosis: When Both Parents Have Dementia at the Same Time

AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

We’re excited to share a powerful new episode: "Dual Diagnosis: When Both Parents Have Dementia at the Same Time,” a replay of a live panel discussion held on November 19, 2024.

Host Marianne Sciucco guides us through a powerful conversation with guests Vicki Tapia, Frank Silverstein, and Jean Lee, along with podcast co-host Christy Byrne Yates.

Highlights:

Vicki Tapia recounts her deeply personal experience of navigating her parents' aging and dementia, which included her father’s Parkinson’s Disease and her mother’s Alzheimer’s. She delves into the challenging decisions regarding her mother’s resistance to accepting help, overseeing their care without the help of her only sibling, and her parent’s eventual move to assisted living. She’s the author of Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia.

Filmmaker Frank Silverstein shares the profound narrative of documenting his parents' dementia journey, initially through cell phone recordings, which eventually transformed into a powerful film project, Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia. He opens up about the emotional challenges, capturing moments of humor amidst the pain, and the ethical considerations involved in their care.

Jean Lee, author of the memoir Alzheimer’s Daughter, discusses the guilt and emotional turmoil of turning her private family journey into a published book. She shares how writing became a transformative healing process, which has also brought hope and understanding to many others facing similar challenges.

Christy Byrne Yates, author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, provides insightful tips on managing family dynamics and maintaining communication as the primary caregiver. Drawing from her personal experience and professional knowledge, she emphasizes the importance of creating memories and the lasting impact caregiving has on younger generations.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover effective strategies for caring for parents with dementia that enhance their quality of life.
• Learn how to foster better communication and cooperation among siblings in the challenging role of caregiving for a parent with dementia.
• Explore the importance of documenting the dementia journey and learn how to create a meaningful record of your caregiving experience.

Buy the books:

Somebody Stole My Iron

Alzheimer’s Daughter

Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.

Watch Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia

About the Podcast

We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others.

Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

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Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

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