In this episode of Spotlight on Care, hosts Virginia Naeve and Steve O’Leary are joined by Deborah Kan, the founder of Being Patient , a leading digital resource for Alzheimer’s and dementia information. Drawing from her personal experience as a caregiver and her background as a journalist, Deborah explains how her platform serves as a comprehensive roadmap for families through three core pillars: demystifying complex research, hosting live "Brain Talks" with medical experts, and sharing authentic first-person stories to reduce stigma. The conversation also explores innovative tools available on the site, such as interactive diagnostic guides and AI-powered "Care Bots" designed to provide immediate support.

To learn more about Being Patient and access these resources, click on this link here: https://beingpatient.com/.

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This special holiday episode of Spotlight on Care offers practical, compassionate guidance for planning celebrations with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Co-hosts Virginia and Steve share personal stories and helpful tips for creating calm, meaningful gatherings—from keeping events small and familiar to preparing guests in advance. They discuss the value of routines over traditions, involving the person with dementia in simple activities, and recognizing signs of stress or fatigue. The conversation encourages caregivers to slow down, adjust expectations, and focus on joy in the moment.

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Join Steve and Virginia for an enlightening conversation with renowned dementia care educator Teepa Snow as we explore how to cope with challenging situations when supporting people living with dementia. Teepa shares her compassionate, person-centered approach to understanding the why behind these challenges, and offers practical techniques for de-escalating tense situations, identifying common triggers, and maintaining dignity and connection. Whether you’re a family care partner or professional care provider, Teepa’s decades of expertise will transform the way you respond to challenging situations and provide actionable strategies that make a real difference in daily care.

Teepa's Website: https://teepasnow.com/

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In today’s episode of Spotlight on Care, co-hosts Steve and Virginia welcome Dr. Bryce Mander for an in-depth conversation on the critical role of sleep in healthy aging and dementia prevention. Drawing on his expertise in sleep science, Dr. Mander explains how and why sleep changes as we age, the impact these changes can have on memory and overall brain health, and why caregivers are particularly vulnerable to sleep-related challenges. The discussion also explores ways to recognize when sleep issues may need medical attention and how addressing them can benefit both those living with dementia and their care partners.

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In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Virginia welcome back Valerie George and Sonia Sehgal to discuss the GUIDE program (Guiding and Improved Dementia Experience), a groundbreaking care initiative launched by CMS in 2023. The GUIDE program offers comprehensive, long-term support for both people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers, recognizing the significant burden caregivers face. Over the course of eight years, participants receive structured assessments, caregiver support services, and coordinated care management through a multidisciplinary team. Valerie and Sonia share insights into how GUIDE operates, eligibility requirements, and the vital role of caregiver empowerment.
Listeners will learn how caregivers can access this resource, what makes GUIDE unique, and how it brings essential services directly to those in need.

To learn more: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide

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Steve and Virginia sit down with Andrea Hughes, a dedicated caregiver whose mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Featured in the PBS documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s, Andrea shares her personal journey navigating the challenges of caregiving at a young age, balancing work and family responsibilities, and finding strength through community and storytelling. To learn more, visit the PBS documentary page, follow Andrea on Instagram @itsandreakrystal, and explore her work at candidcaregiverscollective.com.

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Steve and Virginia explore the vital role that geriatricians play in diagnosing and managing dementia and other cognitive symptoms in older adults. The co-hosts are joined by Valerie George, a certified physician assistant with UCI Health, and Sonia Sehgal, MD, a board-certified geriatrician and internist with UCI Health, who discuss how geriatric care should take a whole-person approach—addressing cognitive impairment, chronic conditions, and social factors while actively involving caregivers. Valerie and Dr. Sehgal explain the difference between geriatricians and gerontologists, share their experiences supporting families, and highlight the benefits of seeking an early diagnosis and team-based care. Together, they emphasize the importance of compassionate, proactive support for both patients and caregivers throughout the aging journey.

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In this episode, Steve and Virginia explore the emotional and practical differences between caring for a parent versus a spouse with dementia. Virginia emphasizes the role reversal and challenges of managing her mother’s daily needs and finances, while Steve opens up about the loss of companionship and adapting intimacy in his relationship with his wife, Patty. They discuss the importance of communication with family members, the struggle of accepting help, and the emotional weight of caregiving tasks. Their conversation highlights the complexities of long-term caregiving and the importance of maintaining connection, patience, and open dialogue throughout the journey.

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