Alzheimer's Thriver
HelseFeeling Lost After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis? How Changing Your Story Can Change Your Life
Siste episoder av Alzheimer's Thriver podcast
- Episode 15 - Important Interruptions (00:17:48)
Episode 15: Important InterruptionsIn this heartfelt episode, Janna and Larry explore the challenges and realities of conversational flow when memory loss and slower speech patterns are present. They discuss the tension and humor of being interrupted, how interruptions can feel both frustrating and necessary, and the ways they’ve learned to “embrace the lag” to stay connected in family and group conversations. Highlights from this episode: · How interruptions can bo...
- Episode 14: Recovering Positive Self Esteem (00:20:14)
In Episode 14, Larry and Janna open up an honest and uplifting conversation about rediscovering self-esteem while living with memory challenges. Janna shares a breakthrough moment—realizing how often she viewed herself through loss (not being able to read, drive, or orient like before). Instead of staying in that place, she chooses to reframe her story: to see her intelligence, her creativity, and her gift of deep listening as strengths that deserve recognition. Together, Larry and Janna expl...
- Navigating the Gains and Losses – Part 2: When Help Becomes a Hurdle (00:20:58)
In this follow-up to Part 1, Janna and Larry continue their heartfelt conversation about the everyday realities of living—and thriving—with Alzheimer’s. While Part 1 focused on recognizing both the gains and losses that come along this journey, Part 2 digs deeper into an unexpected truth: sometimes help isn’t really help at all. From hanging clothes to loading the dishwasher, they share how small acts of “help” can unintentionally accelerate loss of skills—and how choosing when to step ...
- Navigating the Gains and Losses (00:16:26)
Living with Alzheimer’s – Losses, Workarounds, and Unexpected Gifts In this heartfelt and hopeful episode, Janna, a self-described “Alzheimer’s Thriver™,” and her husband Larry open up about their journey navigating the losses and surprising gains brought on by Alzheimer's disease. Together, they explore how humor, adaptation, gratitude, and love have helped them cope with challenges and find joy in unexpected places. Topics Discussed: Physical and sensory losses (vision, sm...
- A Passion for Pathways (00:15:23)
Feel like your brain just isn’t keeping up? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. For many living with Alzheimer’s, the toughest part isn’t memory loss itself—it’s the fear of losing your sense of self. In this empowering episode, Janna shares how she’s using simple, creative strategies to keep her brain engaged and her spirit thriving. From playful crossword workarounds to redefining everyday labels, she shows how small shifts can create powerful new neural pathways—and help r...
- When to Let the Cat Out of the Bag (00:23:40)
“Afraid to Share the Diagnosis? How Janna Told Her Family and Took Back Her Voice” Not sure when or how to tell loved ones about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? You’re not alone. The early stage is often filled with confusion, self-doubt, and fear of being treated differently. But hiding it only makes things harder. In this powerful episode, Janna shares how she broke the news to her sons and grandkids, and the surprising freedom that came with naming the diagnosis out loud. You’ll als...
- Communicating Without Arguing (00:17:20)
When words don’t come out right — or aren’t received the way you hoped — it’s easy for conversations to spiral into arguments. And when Alzheimer’s is in the mix, it’s even harder. In this honest and often humorous episode, Janna and Larry explore why communication can break down so quickly, even with the best intentions. They share real-life examples of misunderstandings, emotional triggers, and missed signals — and offer simple ways couples and care partners can speak (and listen) wit...
- Driving an Auto and Alzheimer’s (00:16:11)
Giving up the keys is one of the hardest — and most emotional — steps for people living with Alzheimer’s. But it can also be one of the most important acts of self-awareness and courage. In this powerful episode, Janna and Larry open up about the real story behind Janna’s decision to stop driving: the denial, the scary moments, the emotional fallout, and the deep pride that made it feel so hard. With honesty and humility, they unpack how they navigated the turning point, and what it mea...
- Diet, Exercise and Alzheimer’s (00:20:54)
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for Alzheimer’s—but could small shifts in food and movement help slow things down? In this honest and hope-filled episode, Janna and Larry share what they’ve personally tried in the areas of diet and exercise, and how those changes have impacted Janna’s inflammation, energy, and daily outlook. From anti-inflammatory foods to brain-boosting walks, they offer no medical claims—just real results, told straight from lived experience. (Be sure to check ...
- Waking Up Confused and Scared? How to Handle Alzheimer’s Disorientation With Calm and Confidence. (00:16:48)
Ever wake up and wonder where you are — or even who you are — for a few disorienting minutes? For those living with Alzheimer’s, that confusion can be a daily, unsettling experience. But it doesn’t have to lead to panic. In this insightful episode, Janna and Larry open up about Janna’s experiences with disorientation after waking, and how she’s learned to respond with calm, patience, and mindfulness. They also explore practical tips for navigating the fear of getting lost and the import...
- Struggling to Find Meaning in Alzheimer's? How Faith Can Help You Thrive Anyway. (00:18:25)
When Alzheimer’s hits, it’s easy to ask: Why me? Is there any meaning in the pain? In this moving episode, Janna opens up about how her faith has helped her move from despair to determination—not just to survive with Alzheimer’s, but to thrive. Joined by her husband Larry, the two explore tough spiritual questions, share the routines that keep Janna grounded, and reflect on how belief, empathy, and mindset can shape what’s possible—even in the face of a diagnosis that tries to define you.&nbs...
- The Phenomenon of Sundowning, Blessed Sleep (00:09:26)
Ever feel like your brain just powers down as the day wears on? If late afternoons bring confusion, exhaustion, or deep sadness, you might be experiencing sundowning — a common but misunderstood Alzheimer's symptom. In this deeply relatable episode, Janna and Larry unpack what sundowning really feels like, how it affects your sense of self, and what practical habits can ease its weight. From strategic napping to rethinking social timing, this conversation offers gentle, real-world ways to m...
- When ‘Helping’ Hurts: How to Support, Not Overstep, an Alzheimer's Thriver (00:12:52)
If you've ever been given help by a loved one — only to find they accidentally made things worse — you're not alone. In this heartfelt episode, Janna and her husband Larry open up about the delicate balance between offering help and respecting independence. Through honest conversations and real-life examples, they share what it really feels like when “help” is not help, crossing the line — and how small shifts in patience, communication, and trust can make all the difference. ...
- Feeling Yourself Slip? How Small Daily Actions Can Slow Alzheimer’s Decline (00:13:42)
Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's can feel like being placed on a fast-moving, unstoppable train — but what if there were real ways to slow it down? In this honest and encouraging episode, Janna and her husband Larry share how simple but consistent habits — from mindful speech exercises to intentional movement — have helped Janna maintain her abilities and quality of life. They open up about struggles, small victories, and the power of persistence in the face of discouragement. Y...
- Feeling Lost After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis? How Changing Your Story Can Change Your Life (00:04:58)
The Alzheimer's Thriver Podcast - Words from the Horse’s Mouth Getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel like your world is crashing down — but what if the story you're telling yourself is a barrier to thriving, even with Alzheimer’s? In this heartfelt first episode, Janna, a former teacher turned Alzheimer's thriver, shares her raw journey from denial and despair to hope and empowerment. Through personal stories, gentle encouragement, and science-backed insights like the famous Nun Study...