Hello Alzheimer’s

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Ron Petersen, the world-renowned neurologist and director of both the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And while ANY conversation with "Dr. Ron" is rewarding, this one covers a new tool that can estimate a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear.  Dr. Ron walks us through how Mayo Clinic scientists developed the tool based on decades of data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. And he also shares more about how this tool will help everyone reduce their risk of developing dementia. During the conversation, Dr. Ron references lifestyle factors that can help reduce a person's risk of developing dementia. You can learn more about the POINTER recommendations in this AARP article. And writing of AARP: Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota helped give all Minnesotans the gift of paid leave. Even better, AARP Minnesota wants to help you prepare for what paid leave could mean for you and your loved ones, because caregivers shouldn't have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Starting in 2026, Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program will be here to help. And that means when you need time off to care for family, you can get part of your pay and your job will be there when you return. Please learn more at AARP.org/MNPaidLeave. Thank you, AARP, for helping give this gift for every season of life.

Happy Thanksgiving! During this encore conversation, we explain why you should turn on the music during any holiday gathering.  Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Debbie Richman, a courageous leader, educator and advocate when it comes to Alzheimer's and other dementia care. Debbie started her career as a music therapist and is still bridging the dementia divide with music as the Artistic Director of a Giving Voice Chorus.  This conversation touches on both the scientific reasons why (and how) music helps ourselves or our loved ones remember... AND options for finding the hidden song in all of us. You can click here to learn more about Giving Voice. As always, you can also reach out to us, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. Yes, we still welcome your support -- in the form of following this podcast and through your reviews and word of mouth. And finally on this holiday and every day, please know: You are not alone.

In a powerful conversation, Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Schele Williams, co-director of The Notebook, the Musical, and Molly McMillen, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications of the Alzheimer's Association, MN-ND Chapter. The trio tackle the poignant new production of the beloved romance -- complete with a cast that better represents our greater community and the beautiful, complex characters of "Allie" and "Noah." They also address how dementia is increasingly showing up in many art forms and diverse platforms -- including Hollywood -- all of which provides affirmation and potential for greater outreach and support. And Schele courageously shares from her heart, as a daughter walking alongside her parents... and especially, her mom, who's living with Alzheimer's disease. Please enjoy every wise word of these beautiful guests. And please forgive Karla's raspy voice at the very beginning and end of this episode. :) More importantly: For information on how to get tickets to The Notebook, The Musical at The Ordway in Minnesota, you can just click here. You can learn more about all the other dates and cities on the show's North American Tour here. Most importantly: The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline is 1-800-272-3900. You can also always email Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. Finally... A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Starkey. The team behind this company continues to help all of us hear better, live better - and now more than ever - through Omega AI, the most advanced hearing technology to date. Omega A-I hearing aids can transform the listening experience for people worldwide given its improved sound quality… hardware durability and tools to protect our overall health – all of which help people connect to the world around them. Please go to Starkey.com to learn more about how you, too, can hear better, live better.

Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Brennan Vance, filmmaker and force behind the phenomenal new documentary, How to Care. The 22-minute, 26-second film covers the most critical details related to caregiving: The selfless people who courageously sign up to care; the beautiful people who meet them in this care partnership; and the caregiving crisis, complete with inadequate compensation. To say watching this film is the best 22 minutes, 26 seconds you'll spend all week is an understatement. We encourage you to watch... and then listen to this (a bit longer than usual) conversation with Brennan, who brings both his talents and heart to his work... Because it just so happens Brennan also offers a "Voices of Dementia" perspective, given he lost his own father, Thomas Vance, to frontotemporal dementia in 2017.  Again, you can watch How to Care here or on Twin Cities PBS. Brennan also recommends a unique self-care column, called the Care Collective with Kelsey Peterson.  Please enjoy... and please know... You are not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Rachael Dashiell, the Community Programs Manager at the Animal Humane Society. Rachael recently launched a fabulous new program, Coffee & Companions, which brings together aging adults and animals. And that program leads Rachael and Karla into a conversation about all the cognitive and other health benefits of animals to any person, let alone anyone living with dementia.  The research proving those benefits is vast: From the more anecdotal evidence at England's Alzheimer's Society or our own Alzheimer's Association, to more nuanced research appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. As mentioned during this conversation, please feel free to email Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com -- if you'd like to talk about this research and what it represents (Karla has literally "geeked out" on this subject, given her commitment to both animals and people living with dementia). Again, if you'd also like to learn more about Coffee & Companions, you can either visit their website or call them, at: 763-489-2220. And please remember to review and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying this content, as your support does make a difference. Thank you, friends, and please know... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host, Karla Hult, talks with Maren Levad, the Dementia Friendly Initiatives Program Manager at Trellis, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Maren shares about an amazing new Dementia Friends program -- one that helps younger children (kindergarten through 2nd grade) learn more about how to cope and even help during the dementia marathon. And they do so by modifying the curriculum of the proven Dementia Friends program. Listeners may recognize "Dementia Friends" from one of our earlier episodes, featuring Colleen Fritsch, the Volunteer Dementia Friends Champion Coordinator. Again, this phenomenal curriculum has been adapted to be accessible, comfortable, safe and overall age-appropriate for our kiddos. This new program can also inspire outreach throughout the country, beginning with conversations in a child's own home.  During this conversation, Maren mentions the beautiful children's book, The Remember Balloons. The University of Pennsylvania's Penn Memory Center also offers a list of dementia children's books they recommend; and the Alzheimer's Association has also curated an excellent list. A humble reminder to please like, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying these conversations. We're grateful for your support, and want to remind you... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Nanci Anderson, Co-Founder of Gary's FUB Team and Ambassador for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.  Nanci shares about her life mission to educate the greater community about FTD while also uplifting families and individuals on the FTD journey today... all in honor of her beloved husband, Gary.  Trust us: this conversation is part advice, part love story and ALL parts profound, given it helps shed light on a lesser-known cause of dementia. And yes, this is the same dementia that has changed the life of Bruce Willis and his family. As mentioned during the conversation, you can learn more about FTD and the available resources during the FTD or any dementia marathon by reaching out to the following:  * The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration; * Nanci Anderson, at: nanderson@theaftd.org  or garysfubteam@gmail.com; * Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900; * Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. P.S. If you're wondering what the 'FUB' refers to, you simply need to listen to this conversation. 

Yes! We're returning to this conversation, because we think it's THAT important AND because we want to make sure everyone is caught up on all the wonderful "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes from the last few months. So please enjoy... and please make memories and find moments this week. As always, you're not alone... ***** 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 hope that exists -- both in terms of research and preventative actions we can ALL take to reduce our risk of later developing dementia. This conversation references other dementia disparities, related to communities of color. You can learn more about those glaring gaps in previous conversations with Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters, Trish Cook and Robbin Frazier.  And as promised, here are a few of Karla's favorite community resources for those on the journey today: The Alzheimer's Association, especially their 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900); Memory Cafes; and your local Area Agency on Aging. If you're enjoying this content, please like, review, share and subscribe. We so appreciate your support! 

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Brian McDonald, President of SYNERGY HomeCare of Northeast Metro, Twin Cities, Minnesota.  We know EVERY care partner -- whether family/personal or professional -- is doing the most important "work" in our world by walking alongside those living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. And while we can learn from each and every one of those caregivers, Brian brings a unique perspective... Because yes, he's a retired rocket scientist who also managed a couple years of medical school and working at Medtronic BEFORE he answered the calling to become a caregiver. Prestigious positions and degrees aside, Brian says he discovered his commitment to his current mission after his own caregiving journey. This conversation delivers exactly what you'd expect from a person who often jokes he's the most “compassionate Rocket Scientist you’ll ever meet:" practical advice, heartfelt wisdom and empathy. As always, please reach out to Karla if you have questions or suggestions for future conversations: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. Please also like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's" if you're enjoying this content. We truly value your support. And please know... You're not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks again with Tamara Statz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Vibrant Living Senior Services. This time, Karla draws upon her recent role at the Walk to End Alzheimer's -- where we all hold flowers representing our connection to dementia -- to ask Tamara for her specific advice for each "role" related to dementia: the primary care partner, the adult child who's also a care partner, the courageous person living with dementia and members of the greater community who want to support a family or individual during the dementia marathon. This conversation is packed with powerful advice... for everyone. As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions or suggestions for other topics we cover: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. We also encourage you to please subscribe and review "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for your support! And finally and above all, please remember: You are not alone.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jennifer Hendrickson, Director of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Twin Cities. Of the 600 walks throughout the country, the Twin Cities walk is one of the largest (typically in the top three). Jennifer shares how she works year-round to prepare for the powerful morning, and what -- or who -- inspires her commitment.  The conversation also addresses how the Alzheimer's Association allocates the money raised during its largest fundraiser of the year (hint: it benefits all of us). Jennifer also shines light on all we can expect from this year's incredible celebration. And Karla weighs in on why this walk -- or simply connecting with her extended Alzheimer's and other dementia family -- has meant so much to her family, even after her dad, Uncle Bill, Aunt MaryJean, Uncle Dick and Grandpa Hult all finished their Alzheimer's marathons.  To learn more about participating or supporting a walk (or team) near you, just go to: alz.org/walk. Jennifer and Karla also mention the Alzheimer's Association Helpline during this conversation. That number is: 1-800-272-3900. As always, you can reach out to Karla with questions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please consider leaving a review and subscribing to "Hello Alzheimer's." Your support does make a difference. 

Hello Alzheimer's Host Karla Hult talks with Dr. Kate Wyman, a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinician-Investigator at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center. Every year, Dr. Wyman joins thousands of researchers from around the world at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The annual event always delivers the "latest and greatest" when it comes to the challenges, successes and yes, HOPE, within Alzheimer's and other dementia research. And in this compelling conversation, Dr. Wyman shares the highlights from this year's presentations (which she believes represents the most hopeful year, yet). To learn more about the AAIC headlines, you can review these summaries from the Alzheimer's Association. NBC News and the New York Times also filed articles about the research related to behavioral modifications. You can also read the U.S. POINTER study itself, as published in the journal JAMA.  By the way, both Dr. Wyman -- and, of course, Karla -- enthusiastically referenced the Walk to End Alzheimer's. You, too, can join a Walk to End Alzheimer's near you. Simply click here to learn more. Please feel free to reach out with questions or comments. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." Thank you for listening, friends, we're SO grateful for your support.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult kicks off the fall "Hello Alzheimer's" season with a profound conversation with Michael Ellenbogen. Michael is a husband, father and former high-powered network operations manager for a Fortune 500 financial institution. And Michael -- a self-described "bulldozer of dementia" -- is also a fierce and tireless international advocate of those living with dementia... A group of people that includes Michael himself. Michael's journey began at the excruciatingly young age of 39 with his first diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease coming a full decade later. And while doctors remain uncertain what -- or even how many -- form(s) of dementia Michael may have, Michael is focused on all he can do right now to improve the lives of everyone living with dementia, their families and our communities. He serves on boards, advises organizations, testified before Congress and even addressed the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. To say this is a "must listen to" episode in our "Voices of Dementia" series is an understatement. Because Michael simultaneously charms and challenges... showing us all how we can use our own unique voice of dementia. For more of Michael's powerful perspective, you can check out his book: From the Corner Office to Alzheimer's. Michael also mentioned his favorite Alzheimer's- or dementia-related organization is UsAgainstAlzheimer's. As always, you can reach out to us if you questions or topics you'd like us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And please like, review, share and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We remain so grateful for your support.

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with the one and only Dr. Ron Petersen of the Mayo Clinic about what we can do -- right now -- to help prevent Alzheimer's or other dementia, especially if we're more likely (due to genetics) to develop the disease. Petersen weighs in on all the latest research about basic behavioral changes and steps we can take to reduce our risk, while also flagging for all of us what behaviors (and even medications) to avoid.  Dr. Petersen refers to the AARP's Global Council on Brain Health during this conversation. You can learn more about that incredible resource here. The discerning and loyal listener (thank you so much!) will note this is actually an encore of one of our very first "Hello Alzheimer's" episodes. A recent medical misadventure caused us to postpone the debut of our powerful fall lineup until next week. Still, Dr. Petersen himself delivers a powerful perspective as one of the world's top Alzheimer's experts. So please enjoy this conversation. And as always, please share, review and reach out with questions about "Hello Alzheimer's." We absolutely appreciate your support.

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 you with Colleen's title or even the name of this program, then my goodness... Are you in for a treat! According to the Dementia Friends Minnesota website: "Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is in full force in Minnesota. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia." And there's more... A lot more, but we'll let Colleen cover the highlights in this enlightening conversation. By the way, if YOU are interested in becoming an official "Dementia Friend" or "Dementia Champion," please simply click here. You'll be joining at an AMAZING time, as Minnesota just reached 30,000+ Dementia Friends this summer, a milestone reported in this KARE 11 story.  Thank you, my friends... Please enjoy... And please know, you're not alone.

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 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 and other dementia. We discuss some hard truths related to those inequities, Robbin’s own antiracism work (please learn more about her perspective here) and her role in bringing a powerful potential solution – the national Alter program – to churches and other faith communities. Note: This conversation also references a previous “Hello Alzheimer’s” episode featuring Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters now with the University of Pennsylvania. You can find that conversation here. As always… If you’re enjoying these conversations, please subscribe, review and share “Hello Alzheimer’s” with everyone you think would benefit from listening to them. We are so grateful for your support. And please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or topics for us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And above all, please remember… You are not alone.

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 hope that exists -- both in terms of research and preventative actions we can ALL take to reduce our risk of later developing dementia. This conversation references other dementia disparities, related to communities of color. You can learn more about those glaring gaps in previous conversations with Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters, Trish Cook and Robbin Frazier.  And as promised, here are a few of Karla's favorite community resources for those on the journey today: The Alzheimer's Association, especially their 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900); Memory Cafes; and your local Area Agency on Aging. If you're enjoying this content, please like, review, share and subscribe. We so appreciate your support! 

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 their own significant step toward a better life... today and tomorrow. Karla and Peter also discuss the challenges related to dementia and driving. The National Institute on Aging offers an excellent overview on when to consider having the driving conversation with someone living with dementia and how to broach this sensitive topic. You'll note that resource also references other critical contacts, including your state's DMV and the primary care provider of the person living with dementia. The Alzheimer's Association also gives a phenomenal guide to having the driving conversation, along with signs it's time for that conversation and transportation alternatives. As always, please reach out to Karla with questions or topics you'd like us to consider: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com. And yes, please also provide a review, like and subscribe to "Hello Alzheimer's." We remain SO grateful for your support.

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 the dementia disparity -- which is rmentioned again in this conversation -- in previous episodes: Dr. Shekinah Fashaw-Walters first shared the historic and recent reasons for the disparity; while Robbin Frazier highlighted a powerful new program designed to address that gap. Dr. Dave and Karla also reference The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders, or ACHIEVE, study. You can learn more about that study's findings and other details here. As always, if you're enjoying these conversations, please review, subscribe and share "Hello Alzheimer's" with those you believe may benefit. We SO appreciate your support. And one last reminder: You are not alone.

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 Training Program. As Dr. Shuman explains, the course – like the overarching wisdom inspiring this curriculum – addresses the nature and challenges of all forms of dementia and how dental professionals, students and academic institutions throughout the world can adapt to meet the needs of patients living with dementia. We promise… every person with even a distant connection to dementia – and that’s frankly ALL of us – will benefit from learning about this unique opportunity to make this critical part of health care more “dementia friendly.” To register or learn more about the course, just click here. As always, if you’re enjoying this content, please review, share and subscribe to “Hello Alzheimer’s.” We’re so grateful for your support. You can also email us with questions or suggestions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com