Dementia Untangled

Driving means so many things to us: freedom, independence, responsibility – but is it safe to drive with dementia? Jenny Nordine, an expert with Driving to Independence, helps us untangle the complicated feelings and decisions that must be made when it’s no longer a good idea to get behind the wheel. She speaks to evaluating one’s cognition and defensive driving techniques to determine one’s ability to continue driving after a diagnosis, as well as what steps to take when it’s time to give up the keys.

It’s been nearly two decades since there has been an approved drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In an exciting development, Biogen’s drug aducanumab (Aduhelm) received conditional approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Alireza Atri, director at Banner Sun Health Research Institute and leader in clinical research for the past 20 years, joins the conversation to help us untangle the renewed hope in the field and the complexities surrounding this decision. Dr. Atri acknowledges that this is an important step forward in our fight to end Alzheimer’s before losing another generation, but it’s one step in a complex process ahead. Hear him discuss what steps care partners and those with the disease should take with their physician, and just how soon this treatment may be available to qualified candidates.

Disclosures

Dr. Atri disclosed relevant relationships with Biogen.

Our guest, Michelle Faddoul, a social worker for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, shares with us her thoughtful strategies for easing anxiety in a person with dementia, but also in general for anyone experiencing those emotions. Her experience as a therapist for over a decade helps us untangle the stressors and contributing factors that can intensify anxiety and worry, as well as practical resources and strategies to ease anxious feelings and concerns. Recent current events that amplify those behaviors can increase caregiver frustration and disturb a person’s need for rest and calm. She outlines how avoiding common practices or behaviors and replacing them with compensatory strategies and grounding techniques can help you and your loved one to stay more in the moment.

We invite you to join Heather Mulder & Janice Greeno from Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute to listen and subscribe to our new podcast, Dementia Untangled. Our show explores unique topics related to dementia through conversations with specialized physicians, experts, and community leaders. Each episode will offer innovative ideas, practical strategies, and proven methods to guide caregivers along a supportive path. Inspired by our world renowned, comprehensive model of care, this podcast creates a unique environment to untangle the complex world of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

With the majority of older Americans desiring to age in place, it becomes challenging as dementia progresses to remain at home – especially if you live alone. We wanted to find out more about successful independent living with dementia, so we turned to Harbhajan Khalsa, the Dementia Capable Southern Arizona Program director. We talk about the negative effects of social isolation, how to encourage your local community to become “dementia friendly,” and what supportive resources are available to people on the dementia journey.