Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: What Now? Caregiver Support, Survival and New Discoveries (Part 2)

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: What Now? Caregiver Support, Survival and New Discoveries (Part 2) Brain Health, Memory Changes, and Alzheimer’s  Welcome to Part 2 of our special series on Senior PrimeTime, where real people and real conversations come together. In this episode, host Bonnie Keith continues the discussion with featured specialists Sivana Lavine Waller from the Alzheimer's Association and Geriatric Care Manager Ronda Wilkin to explore actionable strategies, medical evaluations, caregiver support, and emerging hope in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, this episode tackles the difficult moments families face when cognitive changes become apparent. The experts address the complex challenge of denial and anosognosia, explaining how brain changes often prevent individuals from recognizing their own deficits. To help families navigate these sensitive situations without destructive arguments, the guests introduce compassionate communication techniques, including the Art of the Fib, therapeutic white lies, and the LEAP method of listening, emphasizing, agreeing, and partnering. Listeners learn why arguing with a progressive brain disease is a battle caregivers will always lose, and how shifting communication strategies preserves dignity while ensuring safety. The conversation examines what a comprehensive cognitive evaluation entails, from ruling out reversible medical causes to conducting physical workups, mood assessments, and MoCA testing. The specialists discuss groundbreaking advancements in diagnostic medicine, such as FDA-approved blood biomarker tests like p-Tau 217, which enable early detection and allow individuals to access disease-modifying treatments that slow disease progression. The episode emphasizes why early intervention is critical for buying precious time and quality of life. Finally, the episode closes with a powerful message of optimism. With expanding research pipelines, findings from the landmark US POINTER study, and an unprecedented array of community support resources, families are reminded that they do not have to navigate this journey alone. Guest Contact Information: Sivana Lavine Waller, MPH Senior Program Manager, Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter Direct Phone: 818-446-1573 Email: [email protected] Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Website: alz.org Ronda Wilkin Geriatric Care Manager and Senior Advocate, Dementia and Alzheimer's Specialist Direct Phone: 818-667-9133 Email: [email protected] Presented by The Foundation for Senior Services: Senior PrimeTime is proudly brought to you by The Foundation for Senior Services, connecting seniors and families with trusted education, valuable resources, and vetted specialists. Special thanks to CEO and Co-Founder Joyce Robertson and the Foundation's AgeWell Academy for providing essential community education to help older adults and families better understand the issues that affect aging. The Foundation for Senior Services Toll-Free Phone: 855-836-0807 General Email: [email protected] Website: FoundationForSeniorServices.org  Senior PrimeTime is brought to you by the Foundation for Senior Services and hosted by Bonnie Keith. Each episode features conversations that help seniors and their families live with purpose, vitality, and confidence in Act Three. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or YouTube Music so you never miss an episode. Learn more:  FoundationForSeniorServices.org