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Jason Karlawish – Are You Prepared for the Increase in Cases of Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. As life expectancies increase, more and more people are at risk of developing dementia. But what does it even mean? According to alz.org, in the United States, there are more deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia than from breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In the past few years, Alzheimer’s deaths have increased by 16%. In 2021, Alzheimer’s will cost the nation $355 billion. By 2050, this number could be over $1 trillion. More than 11 million Americans take care of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias without getting paid for it. Join me and Dr. Jason Karlawish as we chat about how you need to prepared for the increase in cases of dementia. We talked about how often people are getting dementia. 100 years ago, people did not get it as much and the cases were not diagnosed. They were not dying from it as often. Now, there are more cases of Alzheimer’s than before. What would you do if you went back in time and talked to someone with memory problems? If the person has problems early on in life, they can be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. To help them, we need policy changes that will improve the well-being and dignity of people living with dementia.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Pre-intro dialogue from Jason Karlawish[01:41] Friendly get to know you and Hanh’s experience with dementia in her family.[04:05] Introduction to Jason Karlawish[04:46] Jason’s background, including what exactly sparked his interest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia?[06:06] It seems like a hundred years ago, people didn’t die of Alzheimer’s as often. Was it just underdiagnosis or something else?[09:36] If you could go back a hundred years, what would you do to educate people about Alzheimer’s to prevent us from being in the place where we are today?[11:25] How are we able to diagnose Alzheimer’s early, even before a person has any memory problems?[14:40] Things we can do now to prepare for the future increase in cases of dementia?[17:41] What effect does a negative stigma around memory loss and dementia have on those with dementia?[19:20] Ageism and its role in these stigmas?[19:38] What could we do to break down these stereotypes? On a personal level and cultural level?[23:42] Your thoughts on Biogen’s new drug?[25:19] Why are some people confused about the moral aspects of Alzheimer’s medication?[27:06] Thoughts on future success as an Alzheimer’s medication?[28:45] Ways to improve Alzheimer’s disease treatment today without using drugs like Biogen’s, returning to old treatments, such as HRT or Donepezil?[31:45] Implications social media have for our sense of determination in a society?[33:02] Anything else that you would like to add?[34:49] Where can listeners find you and find your book?——————– Bio: Dr. Jason Karlawish is a physician and writer who researches and writes about issues at the intersection of bioethics, aging, and the neurosciences. Dr. Karlawish’s work has aired on NPR (National Public Radio) as well as The New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, Philadelphia Inquirer, and many others. His book “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” will be published February 2021 by Macmillan/St Martin’s Press in association with TED Books; this book tells the story of how science culture politics turned a rare disease into a crisis that we can do something about! Find out more about Jason:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-karlawish-a4888030/Website: https://www.jasonkarlawish.com/

Jeff Johnson – Tips on How to Make Technology Work Better for Older Adults

Older adults are often left out of the design process when new technologies are created. This leaves them with a less than optimal experience, and can even be dangerous to their health. Digital technology needs to be designed for everyone, not just young people who grew up with it as part of their daily lives.  Technology companies need to include older adults in the design process from the beginning if they want to create products that will really work well for this demographic. Not all older people need help, but some do. Most people go through a period of needing extra support as they age, and many more will be affected by this than we think because life expectancy is increasing rapidly. Many older adults are interested in using new technologies to stay connected with their families and friends or to make it easier for them to manage their finances or get around town independently, but these technologies aren’t always designed with seniors’ needs in mind. The result is that they can find themselves excluded from the benefits of modern technology – a loss not just for them personally, but also for society at large. Design teams should include older members or hire outside advisors who can give feedback during product development and testing phases so that all users have an equal chance at success using these devices and apps.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Pre-intro dialogue from Jeff Johnson[02:33] Friendly get to know you[03:17] Introduction to Jeff Johnson[04:08] Why did you choose to concentrate on the user interface, design, and how did your background in psychology help you pursue this?[06:18] How do you feel about, the way that technology is often not designed to accommodate older adults?[11:16] What are some of the benefits older adults are missing out on because of this disconnect?[12:41] Are there any features in new gadgets and websites that appeal to older adults and have made their lives better?[16:44] Today’s technology does not work the same as how people think. There is a mismatch between the way things work and what we think.[18:25] How can technology companies make sure their product services are accessible to older adults?[21:51] Are there circumstances where making a separate offering for older adults makes more sense than trying to design one technology that works across all levels of ability?[24:13] Do you think a shift in the way we view elders in society would help make technology more accessible?[28:45] There are many misconceptions about how older adults use technology and their relationship with it. If you could have everyone understand one thing about the way this relationship works, what would that be?[30:37] What’s your favorite aging-related label or classification system that is used at your organization?[33:36] Do you have any other thoughts?[35:43] How do people find you and your book?——————– Bio: Professor Jeff Johnson is a computer scientist who has been in the field for over 40 years. He has worked as an engineer manager, usability tester, and researcher at multiple companies including Cromemco, Xerox, US West, Hewlett-Packard Labs, and Sun Microsystems. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was chair of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility. He’s taught at Stanford University Mills College, and in 2006 and 2013 taught HCI as an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Since 2004 he has served on the SIGCHI Public Policy Committee. In 2013 he presented to Congress about privacy concerns with Facebook’s Timeline feature. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-johnson-aa63b/Website: https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/jeffrey-johnson

Arif Kamal – Palliative Needs-Based Care for Older Adults

Older adults need care that is based on their needs, not the facility or doctor’s demands. Palliative and hospice care for seniors should be available to those who want it without judgment so they can end life with dignity and peace in a comfortable environment surrounded by loving family members. As a society, we need more services like this which will ensure older people have access to medical help when needed but also leave them feeling dignified at all stages of their lives.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to channel[01:00] Introduction to Dr. Arif Kamal, M.D.[01:56] Tell us a little bit about yourself?[02:25] What is palliative care? Who needs it? And how is palliative care and hospice similar or different?[07:35] How are these services different?[10:12] These services can be quite expensive. Do you believe these services should be covered by insurance companies?[13:51] What programs have you seen to take advantage of the new health care laws that make it easier for patient-centered care and hospice care?[17:29] What are some ways palliative care teams typically accomplish improving comfort and quality of life for older adults with a terminal illness?[24:34] So, you work together with the care team to meet those goals?[25:03] Explain why a movement towards needs-based care instead of a disease or prognosis-based care and what are there some of the ways in which we can improve health care system to a needs-based?[30:07] How will giving needs-based care helps decrease the inequality gap?[34:20] How does palliative care focus on the needs of the caregivers?[39:01] Why is it so important for professionals to get involved in their community, to provide support for those in need, especially younger people who may feel overwhelmed by the illness they’re caring for at home? (Very common, especially during COVID.)[41:25] If people want to reach out to you, learn more about your work, and support that, how do they do that?——————– Bio: Dr. Arif Kamal is a Professor of Medicine at Duke University and a palliative care physician.  He is a passionate advocate for delivering high-quality palliative care to patients/older adults with serious illnesses and achieving better patient outcomes. Learn more about Arif:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arifkamalmd/Website: https://www.preppedhealthllc.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/arifkamalmd——————–

Alberto Espay – Alzheimer’s Amyloid Theory Into Question

Amyloid-Beta And Alzheimer’s Disease – Amyloid beta is a protein fragment that’s been shown to play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease. The Amyloid beta-protein is a major component of the plaques that form in many people with Alzheimer’s disease. As these proteins clump together, they start to interfere and destroy neurons so research involving this protein has been intense; however, it seems as though there are more questions than answers when it comes to how amyloids cause neurodegeneration. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. In 2021, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $355 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise as high as $1.1 trillion. – according to alz.org. If you’re like most people, you believe that amyloid plaques are the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The amyloid hypothesis is the leading theory for explaining Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and it has been used to develop many drugs that have failed. The amyloid hypothesis, which states that plaques are causing cognitive impairment, has been the dominant theory for decades. Many scientists have spent their entire careers studying this theory and trying to prove it true. But now there is a growing group of scientists who question if this theory is correct or not. They found that while plaques do accumulate in the brains of people living with dementia, they aren’t actually responsible for cognitive decline.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction[00:02:37] Share with us a little bit about yourself?[00:03:57] What is so important about amyloid and how does amyloid interact with what we know about the brain?[00:08:56] How does the structure of this protein differ from other diseases associated with amyloid production?[00:11:32] Why are we just now discovering that amyloid plaques may be the symptom and not the cause of Alzheimer’s?[00:16:33] What is the timeline like for cognitive progression for amyloid protein deposits?[00:21:53] Does this research mean that we will see any human trials in the future?[00:26:49] Do you recommend that people start to monitor their amyloid levels early like today, just in case they have early signs of memory loss?[00:31:53] Have you noticed cognitive improvements after being treated with drugs that lower amyloid levels?[00:35:11] Let’s say if this theory is correct, what do you think the implications are for Alzheimer’s patients and their families?[00:37:33] Did any of these studies mention what genetic factors or risk factors might be tied to?[00:39:51] Is there a link between gut health and Alzheimer’s disease?[00:41:58] Do you think that there are ways for people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease to reduce their risk?[00:52:15] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?[00:53:08] How do people reach out to you?——————– Bio: Dr. Alberto J. Espay is a Professor and the endowed chair of the University of Cincinnati James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. His research efforts have focused on the measurement of motor and behavioral phenomena in—and clinical trials for—Parkinson’s disease as well as in the understanding and management of functional movement disorders. Recently, he launched a phenotype-agnostic biomarker development program for neurodegenerative diseases with the aim to identify those small but biologically suitable subgroups most likely to respond to therapies already available or under current investigation. Learn more about Alberto:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-espay-9a834758/Website: https://www.uchealth.com/physician/alberto-espay/——————–

David E. Williams – Healthcare Innovations for Older Adults

As the population of older adults grows, so does the number of seniors living alone and in need of help that they can’t always get. Many people want to age in place, but don’t have a way to do so safely. This is especially true for individuals who live alone or with caregivers who are not available 24/7. It’s easy for things like health issues and accidents to go unnoticed until it’s too late. Using healthcare technology allows you to monitor your loved one from afar without being intrusive or overbearing. By using devices such as motion sensors, cameras, and smart home systems, you can keep an eye on them while still allowing them their independence. You’ll be able to see when something has gone wrong before it becomes a major issue – whether that means someone falls out of bed at night or doesn’t take their medicine during the day. With this kind of monitoring system in place, there will always be someone watching.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the channel[01:14] Introduction to David E. Williams[02:46] Share with us a little bit about yourself on a personal level?[03:28] What do you see are some of the newest advances in healthcare technology for older adults?[05:22] What’s the biggest challenge you think in technology adoption among older adults?[07:57] Do you think older adults are interested in using technology designed for them? Or do you think some were just not interested?[10:03] What do you think are some of the misconceptions about healthcare technology for older adults?[12:04] Which specific areas do you think technology could help seniors age in place?[18:02] What future improvements or changes in life can we expect from healthcare for older adults?[22:34] What do you think is the best use of technology for people with dementia?[25:16] With all the technologies that you mentioned can our society afford this kind of healthcare technology for seniors?[28:28] How can we keep our elderly loved ones safe in terms of their wellbeing and privacy, and all-around safety while using cutting-edge medical and technological resources?[34:34] How can let’s say high tech and low tech work together to benefit seniors? Let’s say those living independently with or living with their caregivers?[40:12] Why do you think new innovations in tech are not being created exclusively for the aging population?[43:25] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?[43:49] How can people reach out to you?——————– Bio: Passionate believer in the power of technology to transform healthcare, David E. Williams has dedicated his career to ensuring that its benefits reach patients and providers. The next major wave of innovation is going to come from digital health–the convergence of medical devices, diagnostics, patient engagement tools, and data analytics for monitoring acute episodes, chronic disease management, and care coordination. As a healthcare strategy consultant, entrepreneur, board member and blogger on the Health Business Blog He has written thousands of posts about digital health transformation in healthcare over the past decade as well as recorded hundreds of podcasts. You can find out more about David Williams on these platforms:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davideugenewilliams/Health Business Blog: https://healthbusinessgroup.com/blog/Health Business Group: https://healthbusinessgroup.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthBizBlog

Anna H. Chodos – Healthcare Tips for Older Adults

As our population ages, the demand for health care services and products for older adults is increasing. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2050 there will be more people over age 65 than under 18 years old in America which means that the senior population is growing faster than any other segment of society. As we age, our bodies change. Some of these changes are due to the natural aging process, while others are caused by external factors. These external factors in older adults can result in unmet needs. These needs can be physical, psychosocial, or spiritual. We all know that when you don’t get your basic physical needs met, it can have devastating effects on your emotional well-being as well as your overall health. Whether those needs are related to eating or bathing, if they aren’t addressed correctly, the consequences of these challenges are a decline in quality of life, and an increased risk for poor health outcomes including hospitalization and even death.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the channel[01:20] Introduction to Dr. Anna H. Chodos[01:56] Share with us a little bit about yourself on a personal level?[03:36] What is your take about the current health care coverage?[06:33] What do you think are the top three healthcare mistakes one should look out for?[13:10] Do you know what type of coverage to look for if you want to avoid any of these mistakes?[14:27] Advice for people who find themselves feeling overwhelmed, with the prospect of taking care of their aging parent?[18:58] What are the most common mistakes that you see people make when they are trying to take care of their own health?[22:10] What do you think the aging population in America will look like in 2050?[26:36] How does aging in America affect politics and social norms?[29:06] With regard to Alzheimer’s, will we have a cure for Alzheimer’s by 2050?[32:37] Falls are a big issue for seniors. Is this becoming more than just another inevitable side effect of growing old?[38:06] What initiatives are professionals taking for seniors and those with disabilities to ensure they don’t succumb to injuries caused by falls?[40:43] Closing remarks——————– Bio: Dr. Anna H. Chodos is a brilliant and compassionate physician with wide-ranging interests in the care of older adults, both as a clinician and an academic. She has served as Chair of the Department of Medicine at UCSF, Director of the Geriatrics Division within UCSF General Internal Medicine, Chief Medical Officer for San Francisco General Hospital where she led the development of its new patient safety program, Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatrics at UCSF School of Medicine, Co-Principal Investigator for the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program based at San Francisco Health Clinic Network (SFHCN), and Principal Investigator on research studies investigating access to timely primary care for frail elders with complex needs living in poverty or without insurance. Learn more about Dr. Anna H. Chodos:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annachodos/Website: https://profiles.ucsf.edu/anna.chodosTwitter: https://twitter.com/annachodos——————–

Andrew Carle – Seniors Are Not Ready to Stop Learning

Many Retirees are looking for a new lifestyle in retirement. They want to be active, intellectually stimulated, and intergenerational. Retirees are flocking to college towns because of the opportunities that abound there. Colleges offer more than just classes; they also provide great social events and intellectual stimulation. The best retirement communities have strong ties with nearby colleges or universities. They’ve created opportunities for residents featuring intergenerational programs designed specifically for those over 50 years. Seniors can enjoy learning alongside students who are still pursuing education as well as young professionals who may be starting their careers early after graduating college. Today, Join me in conversation is Andrew Carle. He is Adjunct Lecturer at Georgetown University Aging & Health Program  – He will share his work on University-Based Retirement Communities.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the podcast[00:41] Introduction to Andrew Carl[01:49] Share with us a little bit about yourself?[02:59] What do you think of this trend among super seniors returning to college campuses? And what is life like in a retirement community located on a college campus?[04:43] What are some of the key benefits retirees reap from living on campus?[05:45] Do you see any cons of retiring in a community retirement community on campus?[07:22] Where are the best college retirement communities for active seniors who want to stay social and engage?[08:53] Does the proximity of these retirement communities to campus help higher rates for enrollment numbers and retention rates?[10:05] Do students ever experience a culture shock when they get into their final year of education and start living around many retired people that aren’t as young as them?[12:57] How do you think, I guess, how has this world of higher education changed since you and I were a student? And how would you say it changed the lives of the baby boomers?[14:27] What are the financial appeals for retirees to move to a college town?[15:16] Do you think baby boomers find it easier to fit in a collegiate culture?[16:46] Would you consider living in a university retirement community yourself?[17:24] Do you think being in a college-based retirement community can help reverse aging?[22:41] What criteria should potential retirees look at when choosing a community to retire in, let’s say college-based?[27:48] What would make you believe that university retirement communities may be able to reverse aging?[29:34] How does university life compare with community life when it comes to lifestyle for elders? Let’s say back at home?[35:17] Is there anything else that you would like to add?——————– Bio: Andrew Carle is a recognized leader in the Senior Living Industry. He currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member and Lead Instructor for courses within the Senior Living Administration Concentration at Georgetown University, in Washington, DC. The Concentration offers the only graduate curricula in the nation dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing senior living field. Prior to Georgetown, Mr. Carle served as an award-winning professor and Founding Director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Learn more about Andrew Carle:LinkedInProgram in Senior HousingCarle Consulting, LLCWikipedia – “Nana” TechnologyTwitter

George Perry – Advocating for Loved Ones Living with Dementia

I featured guests to speak on the topic of Alzheimer’s because we all need to advocate for those living with dementia, through awareness and empower those family members & people who live with the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive abilities. An estimated 6.2 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. More than 1 in 9 people (11.3%) age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. The number of cases is expected to triple by 2050 as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Although there are medications available to treat symptoms such as memory loss or confusion, these do not cure the underlying condition in most patients. Furthermore, due to high costs and insurance restrictions many people cannot afford treatment for this devastating illness. While we don’t have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, there are some promising therapies that may provide relief from symptoms or even slow down its progression in certain individuals. Researchers are working on ways to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to lower your risk of developing it later in life. Joining me in conversation is Dr. George Perry, Professor of Biology, University of Texas, and Dean of the College of Sciences. He will share his work in “Living with Aging: Alzheimer’s, the Disease of Our Time”.——————– Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to George Perry.[02:21] George shares a little bit about himself on a personal level.[03:06] What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?[04:17] What are the main stages that a person moves through as they develop Alzheimer’s?[12:08] What are some of the top risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease?[14:20] What are the current treatments or therapies for Alzheimer’s?[24:34] What types of therapies do you think are currently most promising?[27:54] Why do you think clinicians are chasing after the same amyloid theory for the past 30 years and yet not showing something that’s effective?[36:26] What is your goal with regards to Alzheimer’s therapies? What are you working on right now?[41:43] Has artificial intelligence assisted in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other diseases linked to dementia?[47:44] Do you think in 10 years we will have a cure for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?[55:41] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?[59:35] How can people contact you?——————– Bio: George Perry is a distinguished professor of biology and chemistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has been recognized in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research for his work on oxidative stress. Perry received his Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara after which he continued to Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he obtained his Ph.D. in marine biology under David Epel in 1979. Learn more about George Perry:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeperry/

Mary S. Daniel – Why Can I See My Husband as a Dishwasher Employee but Not as His Wife?

When you love someone with Alzheimer’s, the disease can rob you of your relationship. It also affects everyone else in the family—the children, siblings, and grandchildren who are left behind to care for their loved ones. What do you do when your spouse is diagnosed with this disease that progressively affects the brain and limits one’s ability to remember, think, communicate or take care of themselves? Is it possible to maintain a loving marriage when your spouse has Alzheimer’s? Join me in this conversion with Mary S. Daniel.——————– Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to Mary S. Daniel.[02:04] You have a very interesting story about working as a dishwasher to care for your husband who had dementia?[04:16] What was the reunion like? Did your husband recognize you?[08:07] What was the hardest thing you had to do while your husband was in the nursing home?[13:09] How is your husband now?[17:40] What advice would you give to other caregivers if they are caring for a spouse or a loved one with dementia?[32:05] The Essential Caregivers Act and what it will take to increase caregivers’ rights?[42:14] Why are so many people pushing against the bill when it could give many caregivers more time off, so they can take care of their own children or family members during difficult times?[50:12] Is there anything else that you would like to add?——————– Bio: Mary S. Daniel is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and the founder/CEO of ClaimMedic and the Daniel Advocacy Group. Mary’s husband, Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 at the age of 59. He has been a resident at Rosecastle at Deerwood Memory Care Center since July 2019. In July 2020, Mary gained national attention after taking a job as a dishwasher at Rosecastle so that she could spend time with Steve after being separated for 114 days during the lockdown due to COVID-19. Mary founded the Facebook group Caregivers for Compromise. Learn more about Mary S. Daniel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysdaniel/

Jaime Levine – Legal Issues Seniors Face

Do you know what your rights are as a senior? Do your parents or grandparents know? If you’re an older adult, it’s important to be aware of the legal issues that can affect your life. You may face scams and financial exploitation from people who want to take advantage of your age or vulnerability. It is also possible for seniors to become victims of elder abuse, which is any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. In some cases, this could lead to undue influence which occurs when someone takes advantage of another person’s trust to control them and gain access to their assets. These are just two examples but there are many more situations where seniors need help navigating the complicated world of law. Join me today for a conversation with Jaime Levine. He will share information to help protect you, your parents, and your grandparents.——————– Bio: Jaime Levine is a man on a mission and is a true advocate for those who need it most. He is co-founding Elder Law & Advocacy and has spent 20 years of his life working to help the elderly and disabled who have been abused. In all, he has worked with 10,000 clients, supervised dozens of attorneys, and helped over 100 law clerks get their start in the industry. Learn more about Jaime Levine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-levine-572841/