Dementia Untangled
Episodes
Season 12 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Season 12 Revisited episode, we sit down with our editor and producer, Amber Ayers, to reflect on the powerful conversations and insig...
Exploring the Dementia Data Hub (with Dr. Melinda Power & Dr. David Rein)
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep into how comprehensive datacollection is revolutionizing our approach to dementia as a critical public health issue. Our...
Unique Aspects of Veterans and Dementia (with Dr. Amruta Vadnerkar & Mary De Guzman)
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the complex intersection of military service and dementia care with Dr. Amruta Vadnerkar, geriatrician and medical director, and Mary De Gu...
Swinging for the Fences - The Future of Alzheimer's Prevention (with Dr. Robert Alexander)
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An enlightening conversation with Dr. Robert Alexander, Chief Scientific Officer of the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative at Banner Alzheimer'...
Navigating Transitional Stress (with Laura Vaillancourt)
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Vaillancourt, a licensed mental health counselor and geriatric mental health specialist, helps us explore the complex world of transitional stre...
Firsthand Insight into Mild Cognitive Impairment (with Bob Ehlers)
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Bob Ehlers, a courageous advocate from the neurocognitive disability community, who sha...
The Accidental Caregiver (with Dr. Stuart Ghertner)
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stuart Ghertner, a retired psychologist, shares his story about how his professional expertise took on profound personal meaning when he became th...
Untangling Frontotemporal Dementia (with Susan Dickinson)
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our conversation with Susan Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), explores frontotemporal deme...
The Spirit and Science of Alzheimer’s (with Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica)
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down with Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica, a compassionate minister, spiritual director, and pioneering dementia educator who brings a unique perspectiv...
Strength in Storytelling (with Marcy Silva)
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's nothing more powerful than storytelling, so we asked Marcy Silva, her mother’s daughter and a caregiver, to share her experience of cari...
Season 11 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Season 11 Revisited episode of Dementia Untangled, we sit down with our editor and producer, Amber Ayers, to reflect on the powerful c...
Transforming the Experience of Dementia (with Dr. Anne Basting)
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Helping us explore a transformative approach to dementia care grounded in creativity, empathy, and presence, is Dr. Anne Basting, Professor Emeritus a...
Nurturing your Soul on the Dementia Journey (with Dr. Rebecca Chopp)
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply moving and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Chopp—renowned author, former university president, activist, and theolog...
The Convergence and Divergence of Alzheimer’s (with Dr. Crystal M. Glover)
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the convergence and divergence of Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, so we talked to Dr. Crystal M. Glover, an applied social psy...
Navigating End-of-Life Dementia Care (with Stephanie Brown)
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Stephanie Brown, LMSW, a hospice and palliative care expert, to explore the delicate and compassionate world of dementia care. She helps ...
Reduce Your Risk of Dementia (with Dr. Jeremy Pruzin)
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We welcome back to the podcast Dr. Jeremy Pruzin, a cognitive behavioral neurologist, to explore the modifiable lifestyle factors that can significant...
Empathy-Driven Care: The SPECAL Method (with Cyndy Luzinski)
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Cyndy Luzinski, an advanced practice nurse and the executive director of Dementia Together, for an enlightening conversation about d...
Advocating in a Crisis (with Sarah Martin)
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Martin, an experienced adult geriatric nurse practitioner, to discuss how to be the best advocate for your lo...
Unlocking the Future of Alzheimer's Diagnosis (with Dr. Nicholas Ashton)
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Ashton, senior director of Banner Research's Fluid Biomarker Program, to dive deep into the cutting...
Amplifying the Voices of Alzheimer’s (with Jim Taylor)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We connected withJim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer's, to discuss his personal journey as a care partner for his wife, Geri, who...
Season 10 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this milestone 100th episode, Heather and Janice take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of the podcast over the past ten seasons. This ...
Exploring Cognitive Enhancers (with Dr. Jaclyn Robinson)
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have a lot of questions about brain health supplements and we knew that inviting Dr. Jaclyn Robinson back to the podcast was the best way to get th...
Caregiving Through Late-Stage Dementia (with Jan Riggs)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jan Riggs, a dedicated caregiver navigating the transitions of caring for her husband, who is in the late ...
Navigating a Parent’s Younger Onset Dementia (with Jaelyn Smith)
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At just 16 years old, Jaelyn Smith, a daughter and advocate, has been a pillar of support for her mom and dad, demonstrating incredible maturity and s...
Losing Touch with Reality (with Dr. Alvin Burstein)
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia can lead to a host of cognitive challenges, including disorientation and confusion. Among these symptoms, delusions—false beliefs that are ...
Caregiving Through Challenging Relationship Dynamics (with Dr. Sheri L. Yarbrough)
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a caregiver to someone with dementia isn’t always a smooth, planned process. Sometimes strained dynamics in a care relationship can be diff...
Finding Yourself Again After Caregiving (with Charnele Brown)
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Charnele Brown’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Charnele knew that as an actress, director and producer at the height of her car...
Exercise Your Way to a Healthy Brain (with Dr. Wendy Suzuki)
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Physical activity not only helps improve mood, increase energy levels, and decrease depression and anxiety, but could it be the most transformative th...
Exploring Non-biological Effects on Health (with Dr. J. Neil Henderson)
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural effects on a person’s health can help us identify some of the contributing factors to what ails...
A Shared Dementia Journey (with Leonard Chayrez & Mark Garrity)
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring conversation from life partners on a shared dementia journey, Leonard Chayrez and Mark Garrity. When Leonard was diagnosed wi...
Season 9 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 9 has revealed interesting themes along with inspirational and educational stories. Our hosts with special guest Amber Ayers once again discuss...
Building a Community of Support (with Kathy Norris-Wilhelm)
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Kathy Norris-Wilhelm's wife, Jean, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, they knew how vital connecting with the dementia community w...
Finding Joy Despite Difficulty, Part 2 (with Richard Lui)
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our conversation with Richard Lui, a veteran journalist, filmmaker, author, and family caregiver, we untangle the challenges and...
Finding Joy Despite Difficulty, Part 1 (with Richard Lui)
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part conversation with Richard Lui, a veteran journalist, filmmaker, author, and family caregiver, we first discuss his documentaries “U...
Balancing Safety and Independence (with Lori Nisson)
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we age, safety becomes a growing concern – not only at home, but also out in the world. Creating a safe environment while maintaining our indepen...
The Relational Trajectory of Dementia (with Dr. R. Amanda Cooper)
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia is often referred to as a “family disease” because of the effect it has on not only the person living with it, but also the people who ca...
How Dementia Changes Communication (with Dr. Michelle James)
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The progression of dementia changes a lot in our day-to-day lives, but one of the most complicated affected areas is arguably how we communicate. We a...
Bringing Light to Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s (with Diana Shula Cose)
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Families supporting someone with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes feel isolated because of the lack of resources and support within t...
The Reality of Implementing New Treatments (with Dr. Parichita Choudhury)
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As researchers push to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are lots of new and exciting discoveries and drug approvals being made. We enlis...
Connecting Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia (with Dr. David Shprecher)
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by his own experience with a movement disorder, Dr. David Shprecher, a neurologist and director of movement disorders at Banner Sun Health Re...
Season 8 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 8 has been full of inspirational storytellers and advocates for the dementia community. Our hosts with special guest Amber Ayers once again dis...
Artificial Intelligence for Dementia Care (with Dr. Linda Buscemi)
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The reactions of someone with dementia to certain situations may prove difficult for caregivers to appropriately respond. Psychologist and chief clini...
Independent Living with Dementia (with Harbhajan Khalsa)
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the majority of older Americans desiring to age in place, it becomes challenging as dementia progresses to remain at home – especially if you l...
All About Men’s Brain Health (with Dr. Robert W. Turner II)
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Men are less likely to participate in Alzheimer’s research and seek a diagnosis. This lack of representation extends more specifically to Black men....
Exploring Age-Friendly Hospitals (with Dr. Nimit Agarwal)
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Managing the healthcare of older adults, especially those with dementia, requires a different approach. We connected with Dr. Nimit Agarwal, an associ...
An Advocacy Journey (with Jamie Tyrone)
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you want to know if you have a higher risk of developing dementia? We asked Jamie Tyrone, an author, patient advocate, and research participant ...
Yoga for a Healthy Lifestyle (with Dr. Helen Lavretsky)
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mind/body awareness can be a very powerful approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle. It can even have a positive effect on our cognitive abilities, a...
Untangling Caregiving (with Gerrie Jakobs)
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The term “caregiver” can be interpreted in so many ways, so it’s not always easy to accept the label. We wanted to dive deeper into the caregive...
Biological Sex Differences in Dementia (with Dr. Geidy Serrano)
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Men’s and women’s health issues can be very different from one another, but does that apply to our brains? We untangle this complicated topic with...
Writing Your Own Caregiving Story (with Jacquelyn Revere)
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone’s dementia caregiving journey looks different, which means everyone has a unique story to tell. We explore Jacquelyn Revere’s story as a ...
Season 7 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 7 has been full of amazing stories and perspectives about the dementia journey and beyond. Our hosts with special guest, Amber Ayers, discuss w...
What You Don’t Know About Getting a Dementia Diagnosis (with Dr. Parichita Choudhury)
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over half of all people with dementia never get a diagnosis. We untangle this issue with Dr. Parichita Choudhury, a Cognitive Neurologist at Banner Su...
Unlocking the Power of your Senses (with Dr. Jennifer Stelter)
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stimulating our senses like smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste can access memories locked away in our brains from years ago. We explore the power o...
Do Plaques in Your Arteries Create Plaques in Your Brain? (with Dr. Craig Weinkauf)
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Heart health and brain health are often linked together, and damage can come to both of these areas due to build-up of plaques. To better define the d...
Creating Opportunities for Engagement (with Missy Paschke-Wood)
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The importance of enriching activities in our daily lives cannot be understated, but it can be challenging to find appropriate activities for your lov...
Connecting Down Syndrome and Dementia (with Dr. Peter Bulova)
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia is the most significant health issue for aging adults with down syndrome. Professor of Medicine and Director of University of Pittsburgh Adul...
Tips, Tricks and Tools (with Dr. Christi Belden)
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone uses compensatory strategies in their daily lives, whether it’s recognized as that or not, to help us perform tasks in an alternative manne...
Advocating for the Diagnosis (with Nicole Bell)
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The dementia journey often brings up the topic of advocacy - whether it’s for family support, financial support, or sometimes just to get a diagnosi...
Sleep for Wellness (with Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti)
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Quality rest isn’t always easy to make a priority, especially when you are experiencing stress, loss, or overexertion. We talk with Dr. Joyce Lee-Ia...
Untangling The Grieving Brain (with Mary-Frances O’Connor)
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia caregivers often have complicated feelings around grief and loss throughout the dementia journey. We talk with Mary-Frances O’Connor, Assoc...
Season 6 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Each season we dive deeper into the dementia journey to untangle new perspectives, connections, and explanations for caregivers and the community. Sea...
Bridging the Dementia Care Gap (with Carrie Langford)
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The number of people diagnosed with dementia is far outpacing the number of specialists in the field. With more than 10 million new diagnoses each yea...
Can Marijuana Help Dementia Symptoms? (with Dr. Danielle Cabral)
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of marijuana being used for medical purposes has a storied past. As it becomes legal in more states, the stigma around it is being reduced an...
Improving Cognitive Performance with Your Favorite Music (with Dr. Michael Thaut)
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Time and time again, we’ve heard how much of an impact music can have on our brains, so we’re talking to Dr. Michael Thaut, a professor in the fac...
How to Make Your Home Dementia Friendly (with Jennifer Reeder)
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Creating a safe environment for someone with dementia is a top priority, especially when your loved one wishes to stay in their own home while they ca...
Representation Matters: Dementia in the Arts (with Steven Drukman)
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus episode, playwright Steven Drukman untangles his soon-to-be world premiered play, Pru Payne. Exploring the experience of Prudenc...
Across the Spectrum: The LGBTQIA+ Experience with Dementia (with Dr. Jason Flatt)
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community deal with health disparities and discrimination, even from health care providers. This creates challenges when it co...
The Effects of Substance Use in Older Adults (with Dr. Pallavi Joshi)
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pallavi Joshi, Geriatric Psychiatrist at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute helps us better understand the connection between substance use and dement...
A Purposeful Life with FTD (with Laurie Scherrer)
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After visiting five different doctors to finally get an accurate diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), our guest Laurie Scherrer found herself f...
How to Get Your Affairs in Order (with Emily Kile)
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a diagnosis of dementia, people are often told to “get your affairs in order.” Our guest Emily Kile, an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorn...
The Loneliness of Alzheimer’s (with Susan Frick)
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You can begin to feel a bit alone after receiving your dementia diagnosis. You may feel a loss of purpose and your ability to stay connected to others...
Season 5 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every season of “Dementia Untangled” often reveals and underlying theme and this one was no different. This time, we revisit some of our favorite ...
Strategies for Traveling with Dementia (with Jan Dougherty)
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling can provide many benefits to our well-being, but also may create anxiety and stress, even without cognitive changes happening. Jan Dougherty...
How to Identify Capgras Syndrome (with Dr. Ganesh Gopalakrishna)
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As memory and cognitive changes progress in people with dementia, some can experience a delusional belief that a person or object has been replaced by...
Identifying Stressors and Minimizing Challenging Behavior (with Kathleen Buckwalter)
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a loved one’s dementia diagnosis progresses, caregivers will face a change in behaviors that can sometimes be hard to manage and even overwhelmin...
Cultural Awareness: The AAPI Perspective & Dementia (with Edie Yau)
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Asian American and Pacific Islander population is the fastest growing ethnic group in America, highlighting the need for health education and deme...
Is it Delirium or Dementia? (with Helle Brand)
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recognizing signs of dementia isn’t always easy and complications like delirium can make it even more difficult. In this episode our guest, Helle Br...
A Roadmap of Driving and Dementia (with Jenny Nordine)
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Driving means so many things to us: freedom, independence, responsibility – but is it safe to drive with dementia? Jenny Nordine, an expert with Dri...
The Experience that Unites Dementia Caregivers (with Katharine Halpin)
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The dementia journey is incredibly unique for each individual, including the more than 11 million caregivers in the United States. This week, Katharin...
Giving Voice to People with Dementia (with Eyleen Braaten)
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is always an opportunity to find new ways to live well with dementia. This week our guest, Eyleen Braaten from Giving Voice Initiative gives us ...
The Science of Preventing Alzheimer’s (with Dr. Mike Malek-Ahmadi)
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease? We asked our guest, Dr. Mike Malek-Ahmadi, a Bioinformatics Scientist at Banner Alzheimer’s Institu...
Season 4 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We look back and revisit some of our favorite moments from Season 4, as well as dive a little deeper and untangle the podcast experience of our hosts ...
The Power of Music for Dementia (with Grace Meadows)
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no denying the ability music has to meet us where we are, brighten our mood, or even comfort us in our sadness, so it’s no surprise that i...
Palliative Care through a Dementia Lens (with Dr. Matt Malone)
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Early delivery of palliative care for our person with dementia can reduce the number of unnecessary hospital admissions and the use of health services...
Cultural Awareness: The Black Perspective and Dementia (with Dr. Fayron Epps)
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Individuals within the black community are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as their white counterparts, but it is less commonly ackno...
Emergency Situations Involving a Person with Dementia (with Tracey Wilkinson)
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While we hope to avoid emergency situations with our loved ones, it’s a reality that is best to be prepared for – not only as a caregiver, but als...
Untangling Medications (with Dr. Jaclyn Robinson)
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Older adults often have multiple medical conditions, requiring more than one medication – add dementia to the list and all of those interactions can...
Strategies to Manage Family Conflict (with Lori Nisson)
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
About 83% of caregivers are family members, friends, or neighbors taking care of someone, with about half of those caring for someone with dementia. O...
A Doctor’s Experience: Living with Lewy Body Dementia (with Dr. Gary Schmidt)
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a leading type of progressive dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease. But this condition still isn’t well understood and ...
Dementia Advocacy on Every Level (with Dana Marie Kennedy)
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most critical public health issues in America. This week Dana Marie Kennedy, the Arizona State Director of AARP, j...
Unpacking Sandwich Caregiving (with Deanne Poulos)
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 11 million Americans are caring for an aging parent while raising their own children at home. This is what experts* call “Sandwich Caregiv...
Season 3 Revisited (with Amber Ayers)
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We look back and revisit some of our favorite moments from Season 3, as well as dive a little deeper and untangle the podcast experience of our hosts ...
Behavioral Symptoms: The Role of Depression with Dementia (with Dr. Jeremy Pruzin)
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we notice changes in our loved one, how can we identify normal progression of the disease apart from warning signs for something more serious? We a...
Cultural Awareness: Indigenous Peoples & Dementia (with Dr. Blythe Winchester)
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Experiences of dementia and aging are grounded in Indigenous knowledge and culture, often resulting in memory loss being considered part of the natura...
Influencing Change through Grassroots Movements (with Barbara Mason)
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reduce stigma and encourage acceptance – it’s become the mission for Barbara Mason, the Vice President of Home and Community-Based Services with S...
Is Dementia Preventable? (with Dr. Pierre N. Tariot)
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the question we’re all asking – is there a way to avoid developing cognitive impairment? We turn to Dr. Pierre N. Tariot for answers,&...
Now is the Time to Make a Plan (with Barbara Klauser)
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t wait. Make a plan now for your end-of-life care needs while you’re able to express your wishes. We chat with Barbara Klauser, a license...
Nourishment for Cognitive Wellness (with Dr. Pallavi Joshi)
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever searched the web for “diet and dementia”, you were probably overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information in the results. ...
Groundbreaking Research through the Brain & Body Donation Program (with Dr. Tom Beach)
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about donating your body to science? It may seem like a futuristic thought, but not for Dr. Tom Beach, Director of the Banner Su...
Talking to Kids about Dementia (with Dr. Corinne Self & Melissa Koon)
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not always easy to talk to children about health concerns or topics we may consider to be “grown-up”, so we asked Geriatrician Dr. Corinne ...