Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Part 1: Early Signs and How to Support Brain Health

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Part 1: Early Signs and How to Support Brain Health Part 1 of our two-part series on Alzheimer's and dementia: the difference between the two, normal memory changes vs. early warning signs, and practical ways to support brain health and cognitive decline prevention. Continue with Part 2: Dementia Caregiver Support: Navigating an Alzheimer's Diagnosis, Caregiver Survival and Finding Hope (Part 2). Welcome to the first episode of a special two-part series on Senior PrimeTime, where real people and real conversations come together. In this insightful discussion, host Bonnie Keith is joined by featured specialists Sivana Lavine Waller from the Alzheimer's Association and Geriatric Care Manager Ronda Wilkin to provide clear answers, practical guidance, and empowering hope for families navigating memory changes, brain health, and cognitive decline. This episode breaks down the core concepts every family needs to know about aging and cognitive vitality. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, learning that dementia serves as an umbrella term for a range of cognitive symptoms, while Alzheimer's is a specific progressive brain disease. The experts explore the physical reality of brain atrophy, using relatable visual concepts like the Swiss cheese analogy to explain how brain tissue loss impacts memory, reasoning, behavior, and daily independent function. Beyond medical definitions, the episode focuses heavily on proactive prevention, brain longevity, and lifestyle risk reduction. Drawing from clinical research and landmark studies like US POINTER, the specialists share actionable ways to build cognitive resilience up to twenty years before symptoms appear. Key topics include the critical heart-brain connection, the cognitive benefits of physical exercise, adopting a Mediterranean diet, and keeping the mind active through social engagement. The conversation also highlights overlooked health factors, explaining how untreated hearing loss places extra strain on the brain and accelerates social isolation. Listeners will also learn practical steps for establishing baseline cognitive health, including how to request free annual cognitive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits starting at age sixty-five. Finally, the guests guide families through distinguishing normal age-related forgetfulness, such as occasionally misplacing car keys, from early warning signs of dementia, such as forgetting how keys work or becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings. By recognizing mild cognitive impairment early, older adults and caregivers can access timely support and take proactive control of their health journey. M5UG6owCjolNZuHN6P7E 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   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