"My Daughter ask is Mom Suffering ? "

Summary & Index

Understanding Suffering in Alzheimer's Disease: A Caregiver's Perspective

In episode 47 of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardina delves into the topic of suffering, specifically examining whether or not his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's, is suffering. Drawing from a poignant conversation with his daughter, Ken explores both emotional and mental aspects of suffering in the context of Alzheimer's caregiving. He provides detailed insights into the various stages of Shanna's journey, their shift to memory care, and the differences in her well-being in two different facilities. Ken offers practical advice for caregivers on managing their own and their loved ones' emotional well-being, discussing concepts like fact vs. interpretation, the impact of belief systems, and the significance of positive responses to repeated questions. The episode also features a listener comment from Flo Garinger, highlighting the podcast's ongoing impact.

00:00 A Heartfelt Conversation with My Daughter
01:08 Introduction to the Podcast
01:53 Defining Suffering
02:28 Listener Comment and Feedback
03:32 Understanding Suffering in Alzheimer's
08:05 Reflecting on Shanna's Diagnosis
21:24 The Role of Memory Care Facilities
29:18 Dealing with Repeated Questions
30:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Podcast sponsored by Ascending Minds LLC