Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt discuss their insights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2025) this summer, and the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions. They explore the gut-brain connection, innovative drug research, and the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on cognitive health. The conversation emphasizes the need for social engagement and support for caregivers, highlighting the multiface...
Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia sits down with Tamra Stokes, a transformational life coach, author, speaker, and founder of Reimagining Life Coaching. Known as The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Tamra empowers overwhelmed family caregivers to heal emotionally, rediscover themselves, and find fulfillment amid the demands of caregiving. Drawing from over 20 years as an educator and 4.5 years as the primary caregiver for her mother, Tamra brings wisdom, e...
Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia invites her husband, Dr. Alex Fertman, to discuss the nuances of palliative care and hospice, particularly in the context of dementia. They explore the differences between these two forms of care, the challenges families face when dealing with dementia, and the difficult decisions surrounding feeding tubes and end-of-life care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding what constitutes a 'good death' and the ...
Send us a text In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Rohan Ramakrishna, co-founder of Roon, discusses the innovative healthcare technology platform designed to provide patients with reliable medical information. Roon aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare experts, offering personalized guidance and 24/7 support. Rohan shares insights into the journey of building Roon, the importance of expert vetting, and the platform's commitment to keeping the service free for users. The con...
Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia interviews Amanda Gengler, a sociology professor and author, about her personal experiences as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's and her young son. They discuss the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, the emotional labor involved in caregiving, and the challenges of family dynamics. Amanda shares insights on advocacy, the impact of her mother's recent fall, and the strategies she employs to manage stres...
Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, host Dr. Mia speaks with Sam Simon, a lawyer and playwright diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Sam shares his journey, including the impact of his diagnosis on his family, the importance of communication, and the challenges of navigating legal and financial planning. He discusses the emotional and practical aspects of living with dementia, the role of family dynamics, and the significance of advocacy. Sam Simon shar...
Send us a text In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Jane Smith shares her experiences as a caregiver for her mother-in-law, who is facing dementia. The conversation explores the dynamics of caregiving, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the emotional complexities involved in caring for aging family members. Jane discusses her close relationship with her mother-in-law, the division of caregiving responsibilities among family members, and the impact of these responsibilities on her own family...
Send us a text Pharmacist Molly Hinely talks about how to help those who might forget to take meds with Dr. Mia. Good vs bad medications for memoryRight use of technology in helping to remember medsPotential benefits and risks of various supplements. Sign up for Dr. Mia's email list to get a medication organization sheet. Molly Hinely, PharmD, BCPS is the manager for the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health pharmacy population health team located in Winston Salem, NC.&nb...
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Kristin Beavers discuss the relationship between weight loss and bone health, emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and monitoring bone density through DEXA scans. They explore the impact of new diabetes medications GLP-1 inhibitors (such as ozempic, wegovy) on bone health and provide practical tips for maintaining bone density, particularly in older adults. Kristen M. Beavers, PhD, MPH, RD, is a Professor of Internal Medicine, Sect...
Send us a text In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, host Dr. Mia Yang speaks with Josh Marquess about his family's journey in transitioning his grandmother with Alzheimer's into a memory care facility. They discuss the special bond Josh has with his grandparents, the early signs of Alzheimer's, the emotional challenges of witnessing the progression of the disease, and the difficult decision-making process regarding care options. Josh shares insights on the benefits of memory care, the importance o...
Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jeannine Bryant, a downsizing expert, about the challenges and emotional aspects of helping seniors transition to smaller living spaces. They discuss the concept of "right sizing", the importance of planning, and when to seek professional help. Jeannine shares practical tips for decluttering, navigating family dynamics, and handling crisis situations, especially for those with memory issues. The conversation ...
Send us a text Summary In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Dr. Mia shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer. She discusses the challenges of navigating caregiving, grief, and the complexities of relationships between caregivers and their aging parents. Dr. Mia emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the wishes of loved ones, especially when it comes to treatment options, and reflects on her own experiences and feelings of unr...
Send us a text In this special crossover episode Dr. Mia is interviewed by Rachel Zimmer, host of "The Hygge Nurse." In this episode they discuss Dr. Mia's origin stories- how she decided to go into geriatrics and her current career focus. Rachel and Mia also talk about a recent study they worked on, which examined at the impact of caregiving, specifically on Black and Latino populations. They also discuss caregiving tips, including managing stress and navigating the healthcare system. ...
Send us a text Dr. Mia interviews Dr. Mariana Wingood, a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics. They discuss the importance of physical activity for older adults and strategies to motivate them. Dr. Wingood emphasizes the need to understand what is important to each individual and tailor exercise programs accordingly. They also explore the benefits of incorporating physical therapy into activities like gardening and provide resources for finding exercise programs. The conversation tou...
Send us a text Summary In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses five things that can help with healthy aging: exercise, diet, sleep, stress and mental health, and positive age-related perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of aerobic exercise and getting at least 8,000 steps a day. She also recommends a Mediterranean-style diet (MIND diet) with plenty of fresh vegetables. Dr. Mia provides tips for improving sleep hygiene and managing stress, including meditation and journaling. She highlights ...
Send us a text Bill Cohen, a certified senior advisor, shares his experience in helping families navigate the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and allowing each family member to express their opinions and concerns. Bill also discusses the training required to become a certified senior advisor and the holistic approach they take to caregiving. He highlights the role of financial considerations in caregiving decisions and...
Send us a text Dr. Mia uses a composite patient Ms. Smith's story to demonstrate her journey through different levels of care, from home to hospital, to skilled nursing facility (SNF), and then back to home. She discusses assisted living vs nursing home vs memory care unit and insurance payment options for them. Additional resources: Eldercare Locator (acl.gov) Nursing home facility ratings per Medicare: enter your zip code below Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare ...
Send us a text Summary Jenny Kim, a family caregiver for her elderly parents, shares her experience managing their finances and healthcare. Her father, who has severe dementia, insists on withdrawing large amounts of cash and giving it away. Jenny has power of attorney but faces challenges with banks and bill companies. She hired a geriatric case manager to help with appointments and medical coordination. Dr. Mia suggests involving an elder law lawyer to address the financial issues. Jenny e...
Send us a text Dr. Mia opens up about her personal experience with her mother's ovarian cancer diagnosis and the grief she is going through. She discusses the initial diagnosis, the challenges of treatment, and the emotions she has been experiencing, including anger, helplessness, guilt, and grief. Dr. Mia shares her strategies for processing grief, such as self-coaching, journaling, exercise, meditation, and finding moments of joy. She emphasizes that there is no right way to grieve and that...
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia interviews David McLawhorn, a grief counselor, about his work and the topic of grief. David shares his personal journey into grief counseling and discusses the differences between grief and depression. He also explains the phases of grief and the challenges of anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss. David provides insights into how grief counselors can support individuals who are grieving and recommends resources for further reading. The conversation emp...