In this podcast, host Marianne Sciucco is joined by an ensemble of talented poets to officially launch our anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey. This collection brings together caregivers who have personally navigated the complexities of caregiving, diagnosis, and emotional upheavals tied to Alzheimer's and dementia.

They write about many of the situations common to caregivers: the impact of the initial diagnosis, moving into assisted living or memory care, saying goodbye. From touching moments with loved ones to the nuanced challenges of caregiving, these poems offer solace, understanding, and a break from the isolating silence often surrounding dementia.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or someone seeking to understand the impact of Alzheimer's, this anthology and today’s episode provide a profound sense of connection and empathy. You'll experience a myriad of emotions, from sadness to joy, despair and hope. In the end, you will be comforted in knowing that you are not alone.

Takeaways:

·      Gain insight into the profound impact of personal storytelling on Alzheimer's.

·      Understand the unique challenges and emotional impact of early onset Alzheimer's on families.

·      Explore the benefits of creative expression in providing holistic care for individuals with dementia.

Purchase Poetry for the Dementia Journey

Timestamps and page numbers:

2:30 Mariana Mcdonald, Diagnosis, p.30

5:06 Austin Alexis, Dementia Intrigue (not in book)

7:12 Sue Fagalde Lick, You Dance, p.80

8:42 Gail Thomas, A Daughter's Garland, p.114

10:28 Judith H. Montgomery, Mother's Day at Aspen Ridge Assisted Living, p.101

12:10 Ann Campanella, Child Mother, p.62

13:43 Margaret Stawowy, Mother Country, p.162

15:33 Eileen Kennedy, Ritual, p.59

16:41 Joy Johnston, At the Crossroads, p.167

17:47 Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the Neighbors, p.147

20:37 Patricia McKernon Runkle, Given the Mother Word PURE, p.119

21:52 Alan Bern, Boxae, p.17

24:59 Kelly Dumar, Mrs. Bean's Snow, p.158

29:00 Renee Terry Mucci, Life, p.127

30:55 Eileen Kennedy, End of Day, p.60

31:59 Mariana Mcdonald, All the Books, p.31

34:10 Austin Alexis, The Patient, p.95

36:58 Gail Thomas, Alchemy, p.116

39:47 Alan Bern, Dream of Tangles, p.15

40:40 Judith Montgomery, Sometimes, p.103

43:56 Kelly Dumar, How He Asks, p.157

45:15 Ann Campanella, Beyond Words, p.63

47:01 Margaret Stawowy, Signs of Her Decline, p.163

About the Moderator

Marianne Sciucco

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is 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.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

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.

Thanks for listening.

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