Understanding an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis with Amy Angelo

Ep 062: Currently, more than 29,000 people in Maine are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and over 46,000 caregivers provide 68,000,000 hours in unpaid care. Dementia caregivers are providing 20% more care than in 2009. Alzheimer's and dementia deaths have increased by 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic. (alz.org/facts) Some of our long-time listeners of the podcast might remember we had an AWESOME conversation in EPISODE #8 with Dr. Cliff Singer of Northern Light Health Acadia Hospital breaking down what is "normal" cognitive decline versus something more serious. But what about Alzheimer's specifically? And what's happening with Alzheimer's in the State of Maine?

Our next guest serves as the Program Manager for the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Social Work from Temple University and has held previous leadership roles with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition, Catholic Charities, United Way, and CarePatrol. Please welcome Amy Angelo to The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast!

Chapters:

Welcome, Amy Angelo! [3:29]

What is Alzheimer’s and what is its relationship with Dementia, Parkinson’s, or Lewy Body Dementia? [16:48]

What’s the best way to start a conversation with our loved ones about seeing a concern in their brain health? [22:14]

What should caregivers know about understanding and responding to dementia related behaviors? How can caregivers arm themselves with this knowledge? [28:13]

What are some things we can do today to help prevent developing Alzheimer’s and what’s out there on the horizon for treatment? [40:48]

How is Amy going to find her personal Retirement Success? [45:45]

Ben and Curtis conclude the episode. [47:46]