The Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast

Sep 24 2024 41 ep. 30 mins 5
The Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast artwork

This podcast is the story of Ken and Shanna, a married couple who's lives have been forever changed (for the better) because we have learned to live with and ultimately Survive Alzheimer's disease. We have learned many lessons in our 12+ year journey together down Dementia Road. Our mission is to help caregivers and families who have been changed by Alzheimer's disease. We share our experiences on how we both eventually rediscovered joy and gained a peace that passes all understanding, all while dealing with our lifes greatest challenge.

  Health & Fitness  Education  Religion & Spirituality
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EP 41 The Power of a Smile

Sep 24 2024 18 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastThe Transformative Power of a Smile in Alzheimer's CareIn this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita discusses the profound impact a simple smile can have on individuals with Alzheimer's, drawing from his experiences with his wife, Shanna, and other residents at her care facility. Ken shares touching stories of conne

EP 40 What I would Tell Myself If I could go Back in Time

Sep 09 2024 21 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastFive Lessons Learned from My Caregiving JourneyIn this episode, inspired by a listener's comment, Ken shares five crucial lessons he wishes he knew when he started his caregiving journey. These lessons include: stopping the urge to correct the loved one, letting go of guilt, recognizing that current struggles won't last forever, prioritizing

EP 39 Finding Hope Amidst Grief

Aug 09 2024 22 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastFinding Hope Amidst GriefIn this 39th episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita reflects on a challenging year and a poignant two-year anniversary of the podcast coinciding with his 44th wedding anniversary to his wife, Shanna. Ken candidly shares his experiences dealing with sadness and grief, the impact of stepping bac

EP 38 It's Awkward, but Worth it !

Jun 04 2024 20 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastEncouraging and Maintaining Friendships Amidst Alzheimer's ProgressionKen discusses the difficulties and importance of maintaining social connections for loved ones with dementia. Drawing from his own experiences with his wife, Shanna, Ken offers practical advice on easing the discomfort friends may feel and strategies to encourage continued

EP 37 Look at what I found

Apr 08 2024 23 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastReflecting on Three Years of Memory Care: Lessons and GrowthKen reflects on the three-year anniversary of moving his wife, Shanna, into memory care. Ken shares journal entries from his early caregiving days, detailing the emotional challenges, his journey toward understanding and coping, and the essential lessons learned. He emphasizes the i

EP 36 Getting the Dreaded Phone Call

Mar 01 2024 33 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastNavigating Challenges in Memory Care: Ken's Journey with ShannaKen shares his personal experiences dealing with his wife Shanna's increasingly challenging behaviors due to Alzheimer's disease. He recounts the struggles faced while Shanna was in a memory care facility, including incidents with staff and other residents that led to stress and

EP 35 Don't Put Off Healing

Jan 20 2024 23 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastEmbracing Healing: Finding Joy Amidst Alzheimer's JourneyKen shares an introspective look into his personal healing journey as he navigates life with his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's disease. Ken discusses the challenges of feeling stuck in his healing process and the impact of family interactions on his emotional well-being. Through poi

EP 34 Responding to Repeated Questions

Dec 22 2023 24 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastHandling Repeated Questions: Strategies for CaregiversKen addresses the common challenge of dealing with loved ones' repeated questions, based on his 13-year experience caregiving for his wife Shanna. He explains why these questions occur, the emotional triggers for caregivers, and offers strategies for responding empathetically. Ken also sh

EP 33 Are You Doing it Alone ?

Nov 11 2023 39 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastOvercoming Caregiver Burnout: Accepting Help and Finding PeaceKen discusses the challenges of caregiving, the myth of doing it all alone, and the importance of accepting help to avoid caregiver burnout. He recounts his own experiences of stubbornness and guilt, and how finally accepting assistance from family, friends, and professional careg

EP 32 She is NOT the disease.. She is still my wife

Sep 26 2023 35 mins  
Send Ken a Text Message about the PodcastReconnecting with a Loved One: A Caregiver's Journey Ken shares his deeply personal journey of staying connected with his wife, Shanna, who is battling Alzheimer's disease. Ken recounts the emotional challenges, key realizations, and profound experiences that have helped him see beyond the disease and reconnect with Shanna's true spirit. Thr