Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers
Navigating the insidious illness of Alzheimer’s is something nobody asks for. The disease sneaks up on you and your loved one, and it feels like you’ve been sucker-punched in the gut when you get the diagnosis from a doctor. So many things race through your mind: why us? What do we do? We worked so hard to get to this point in life. We just moved here after we both worked for 30 years, sold our house up North, and retired to Florida to enjoy our “golden years”. It’s not fair! Who’s going to take care of her/him? I don’t know a thing about this illness. She’s always done the cooking; I don’t even know how to boil water. He's always taken care of me and everything else like Finances. I don’t even drive! And it goes on and on. Facing this disease will bring you to your knees. Once you get over the initial shock (GUT PUNCHED), the questions and fears take hold. Where do we turn for help? Who do I call? What do I do? How do you take care of someone with Alzheimer's? Are there support groups? And questions like these just keep coming. I am a caregiver. I wasn’t before. Well, not this kind of caregiver. My wife was officially diagnosed in January of 2018. I had a sneaking suspicion that she might have something like this about 2 years earlier. So, when I brought it to my Neurologist, he sent us to a very nice Psychologist who specializes in testing patients to determine more accurately what is going on. It was a question-and-answer session, followed by a very detailed testing procedure that usually takes 3 or more hours. The patient has to complete the test comprising of questions, simple actions, and memory tests, then give them a couple of numbers or words then move on, going back to the numbers or words a short time later.
So moving forward, I asked all the same questions as mentioned earlier. What are my options? So I “sucked it up”-Manned up so to speak. It's part of the deal for better or worse, right? So began my quest for information on support groups, doctors, anything I could get my hands on. It's been 6 years, and I am still looking for everything and anything that will help me crawl through this unchartered path to enlightenment. I was very fortunate to live in a city that has numerous resources to tap into. Most importantly, it's a place named after someone who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His wife provided the money to start the Alvin Dubin Center: The Dubin Center for short. Their mission is to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. And boy do they. I leaned on them for everything I could find. Took all kinds of classes to learn what I needed to do to be the caregiver I have to be. Their caregiver class took about 6 weeks. The material we learned from, and the instructors, were top-notch. I still go back to the notes I took, and the books we used: both as refreshers and inspiration. Hopefully, no matter where you are listening to this, there will be a place like the Dubin Center. If not, don’t despair. The info is out there. That’s what this podcast is about. We’d like to share our resources, our experiences, our heartbreak, and our little victories. From time to time, we’d like to bring in Physicians, Nurses, Experts, and people like you and me, who are going through this disease with our loved ones who are willing to share their journey. The first thing that really stuck with me, and hopefully it will be with you. If you are a caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. Because this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And if you are run down, get sick, or worse.... Who’s going to take care of your spouse, mother, father, or child? Think about that for a few seconds. It’s you, the Caregiver. It’s me the Caregiver. That’s why we’re here. Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers! Thanks for joining us...now let's get going.
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Gut Punched: EP 52 The Story of My Two Elaines
In this moving and deeply personal episode of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards brings us into the heart of caregiving with former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber, who lovingly cared for his wife Elaine for nearly two decades following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Their story, captured in his powerful memoir My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, is part love story, part survival guide — and wholly unforgettable.
Jeff opens the episode with warmth and honesty, offering listeners timely reflections and new caregiver "rules" — practical, compassionate tools for navigating the emotional and logistical weight of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Rule #4 is especially poignant: Create a Help Signal, a gentle yet empowering strategy to give those with memory loss a sense of safety and choice when receiving care.
Then, Marty shares the raw, often painful journey of loving both versions of his wife — the woman he married, and the woman Alzheimer’s slowly reshaped. With grace, humor, and remarkable humility, he reflects on the heartbreak of being forgotten and the quiet joys that still managed to bloom through the fog of the disease. At 85, Marty doesn’t just talk about caregiving — he lived it, and he shares hard-won wisdom that challenges, heals, and uplifts.
Jeff doesn't hold back when he says this conversation touched him in ways few others have. It’s more than a podcast episode — it’s a reminder that even amid loss, there can be meaning, connection, and yes… even joy.
Visit MyTwoElaines.com to learn more about Marty’s book, and keep an eye out for it on GUTPUNCHED.COM soon.
This one’s for the caregivers — past, present, and future. You are not alone.
Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS
Gut Punched: EP 51 Stem Cells and Lots of Caregiving Information
Welcome back to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, where we don’t sugarcoat the challenges of caregiving—but we do walk through them together.
In this episode, host Jeff Edwards starts with a check-in: Are you remembering the caregiver rules? Are you making those lists, seeking support, and taking care of you? Because, as always, Rule #1 stands strong—you can’t care for someone else if you’re not caring for yourself first.
Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or just joining in, Jeff revisits the three simple but vital guidelines that keep caregivers grounded, connected, and sane:
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Take care of yourself—because your well-being is essential to your loved one’s.
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Don’t go it alone—support groups, friends, and family are your lifeline.
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Make a list—and use it. You’ll be surprised what happens when you ask for help.
Then we move into something hopeful: an exploration of how stem cell treatment may offer new promise in improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. It’s a developing field—but one that’s worth paying attention to.
We also hear from Morgan Van Dyke of Assisting Hands, who shares a wealth of practical caregiving insights—especially helpful for those navigating the early stages of Alzheimer’s. From small adjustments to bigger-picture planning, Morgan’s advice is something every caregiver will want to jot down.
So take a breath. Grab something to write with. And let’s dive in—because information is power, and you don’t have to face this journey alone.
Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS
Gut Punched: Alzheimers and Caregivers
Gut Punched: EP 50 SHINGLES, DEMENTIA, PRGRESSION AND CHANGE.
In this milestone 50th episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards dives into two important topics that have a significant impact on those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia.
The episode starts with a discussion on shingles- not the kind that affects your roof, but the viral infection that can be much more dangerous than most people realize. Jeff explains how shingles can increase the risk of dementia, making the shingles vaccine an important tool for reducing that risk. It's an eye-opening segment for caregivers and anyone concerned about their health.
The second half of the episode focuses on the emotional and psychological toll that the progression of Alzheimer's can have on caregivers. Jeff discusses how each stage of Alzheimer's brings new challenges, both for the person with the disease and for the caregiver. As the disease progresses, it can trigger different emotions, forcing caregivers to adapt constantly and plan for the changes ahead. This segment provides practical advice for those navigating this difficult journey.
Jeff also takes a moment to remind caregivers of the fundamental rules they should follow:
1. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to care for others.
2. Seek help from caregiver groups, family, and friends.
3. Make a list of people who have offered help and create a list of tasks you
can delegate to ease the overwhelming burden of caregiving.
This episode provides valuable insights for anyone in the caregiving community, offering both practical tips and emotional support as caregivers face the ever-evolving challenges of Alzheimer's disease.
Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
Gut Punched: EP 49 Some Whacky Things About Alzheimer’s
In this light-hearted yet informative episode of GutPnched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes a look at some surprising, sometimes quirky studies about Alzheimer’s, all while reminding caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.
Jeff kicks things off with a playful nod to the approaching April Fools' Day and dives into some offbeat Alzheimer ’s-related research: Did you know that chewing on wood could improve your memory? Sounds like an April Fools’ prank, but according to a new study, it might be true. The episode also explores brain-boosting foods, highlighting the best nuts and seeds to support cognitive health. Plus, Jeff discusses a promising finding that just 35 minutes of weekly exercise can reduce the risk of dementia.
But beyond the fun facts, Jeff offers some crucial advice to caregivers:
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Take care of yourself
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Ask for help – You can’t do it alone.
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Make a list of what needs to be done and stick to it.
As the episode unfolds, Jeff also raises an important point about the flood of sometimes dubious information circulating on social media about Alzheimer’s and caregiving. He emphasizes the importance of checking sources and exercising caution when encountering advice that sounds too good to be true (like some magic cure involving belly rubs and one-legged standing).
So, whether you’re here for some laughs or looking for real, practical tips, Episode 49 of GutPunched delivers both, with a dose of humor and a reminder to keep your critical thinking sharp.
Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS
Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 47 I Love Music
In this heartfelt episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards reflects on the power of music and its profound impact on those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. As spring approaches and daylight savings time begins, Jeff humorously shares his personal experience of missing the time change this year, only to wake up refreshed, realizing he didn't lose that precious hour of sleep after all.
Music takes center stage in this episode, as Jeff explores an article discussing how music can soothe depression in dementia patients. He delves into the positive effects that music has on individuals with Alzheimer's disease, offering hope and healing through the power of melody and rhythm. One particularly moving story featured is that of Henry Dyers, a 90-something Alzheimer’s patient who finds joy and connection through the music of Cab Calloway. This story is showcased in the touching video Alive Inside, which Jeff encourages listeners to watch for a heartwarming experience.
In addition, the episode features a conversation with Molly Phillips, a musician, music educator, and board-certified music therapist. Molly leads The Intermezzo Choir, a group created specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia by the Fort Myers Symphonic Masters Singers. She shares insights into the therapeutic power of music and its ability to engage and uplift patients in profound ways.
As the episode draws to a close, Jeff reflects on the first anniversary of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, acknowledging the incredible journey of sharing valuable resources and information with listeners and caregivers. Tune in for this moving, music-filled episode that highlights the transformative power of music for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.
Available on GUTPUNCHED.COM, The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Google, iHeart, Apple, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe!
#GUTPUNCHED #ALZHEIMERS #DEMENTIA #CAREGIVERS
Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers
