The Brain Trust Episode 21: Caregiver Mini-Series #3 Donna

02/27/24 • 25 min

When Donna's husband, Scott, began showing signs of young-onset Alzheimer's, their world turned upside down. Their story, shared with raw honesty in our latest podcast episode, brings to light the harsh reality of seeking an accurate diagnosis for Alzheimer's, particularly in younger individuals. Their journey through a maze of dismissive attitudes and misdiagnoses is a testament to the struggle that many face in the face of this daunting disease. Alongside hosts Dr. Raj Shah and Susan Frick of the Rush Alzheimer's Center, we gain a perspective on the emotional and systemic hurdles in rural caregiving, and the profound difference that a supportive community can make.
This episode not only traverses the path of recognition and acceptance of Alzheimer's but also delves into the aftermath of caregiving—a topic too often overlooked. Her reflections on the value of hospice care and the integrated team approach needed in primary care resonate with anyone who has faced, or is facing, a similar battle. Join us as we honor the journey of caregivers like Donna and uncover the unwavering strength it takes to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Donna, caregiver
This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 creditTM
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Visit The Brain Trust project to claim CME credit for this podcast, listen to other episodes, and view the toolkit for resources on managing Alzheimer’s and other related dementia’s in your practice.

Previous Episode

The Brain Trust Episode 19: Caregiver Mini-Series #1 Katrina

The Brain Trust Caregiver Mini-Series brings you into the quiet strength of Alzheimer's/Dementia care partners, as Dr. Raj Shah and social worker Susan Frick from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center guide us through the delicate tapestry of caregiving. When the familiar fabric of life begins to unravel with the onset of Alzheimer's, it falls on the shoulders of caregivers like Katrina Miller to reweave a sense of normalcy. Ms. Miller grants us access to her world, sharing the profound challenges and unexpected joys found in her role as her husband's caregiver.
This mini-series addresses issues faced by caregivers dealing with the cognitive decline of their loved ones. The discussion centers on diagnosis, management, and the crucial role a primary care physician plays to enable an integrated approach of support for care partners of patients with ADRD.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge caregivers experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Katrina Miller, caregiver
This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 creditTM
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

Next Episode

The Brain Trust Episode 22: Caregiver Mini-Series #4 Leslie

When Leslie first noticed her husband Phil's memory lapses and moments of disorientation, little did she know that these were signs of younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. In our heartfelt discussion with Leslie, Dr. Raj Shah and social worker Susan Frick, traverse the intricate realities of early signs of Alzheimer's. Leslie discusses the day-to-day changes and the uphill battle in convincing even those closest to her of the gravity of Phil's condition.
Leslie recounts the emotional whirlwind surrounding the diagnosis of dementia. She sheds light on the initial denial, the pivotal moments that necessitated medical advice, and a cognitive test that confirmed the issues Phil was experiencing. This episode not only resonates with the experiences of countless families worldwide, but it also emphasizes the importance of support systems for caregivers and the urgent need for more empathetic healthcare support. Join us as we share Leslie's story, a testament to the resilience of those who care for loved ones with dementia, and an eye-opening look at the critical importance of early detection and understanding.
Learning Objectives:
•Identify one challenge care partners experience in seeking a primary care evaluation.
•Describe one desire from care partners regarding improving early diagnosis and detection.
Host: Raj Shah, MD. Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University
Guests: Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Leslie, caregiver
This CME activity will meet the State of Illinois Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician License Renewal for Recognizing Dementia. Every licensed healthcare professional has direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above must take one hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Accreditation
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 – The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates each Online enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 creditTM
Claim CME credit by completing the posttest, evaluation & credit claim here.

The Brain Trust - The Brain Trust Episode 21: Caregiver Mini-Series #3 Donna

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:03.406

Welcome to the Brain Trust , a physician's guide to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias brought to you from the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians . I'm Dr Kate Rowland , family physician , member of the IAFP and faculty at Rush University .

Speaker 100:00:18.800

Funding for this podcast series was provided by a grant from the Illinois Departm