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

02/27/24 • 25 min

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.

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 21: Caregiver Mini-Series #3 Donna

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.

Next Episode

The Brain Trust Episode 20: The Caregiver Mini-Series #2 James

When your world revolves around the delicate balance of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, each day can bring a torrent of emotions and challenges. That's the reality James Litchfield faced when his father, Buddy, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Host Dr. Raj Shah and Susan Frick from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center talk about the early warning signs, the gripping fear when Buddy got lost while driving, and the struggle of managing care from a distance. James's candid narrative is a familiar story for primary care clinicians and caregivers alike, highlighting the critical role of early detection and compassionate, comprehensive healthcare support.
As James recounts the transition to a new care team in Illinois, we uncover the emotional toll and life-altering effects of caregiving take center stage as we acknowledge the support systems that are needed to weather this storm. Through James's eyes, we learn the invaluable lessons that emerge from the struggle, the resilience built from hardship, and the shared humanity that binds us in times of need.
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.
James, 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 22: Caregiver Mini-Series #4 Leslie

Transcript

Kate Rowland00:00:03.406

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 .

Kate Rowland00:00:18.739

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