Not About Us Without Us: Empowering Voices in the Dementia Conversation with Gina Awad

Aug 06, 2024 11:00 pm

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Hello ,

Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast, where we explore the power of collaboration and unity within the dementia community. In this episode, "Not About Us Without Us: Empowering Voices in the Dementia Conversation," we talk with Gina Awad from Exeter, United Kingdom. Gina has channeled her passion for dementia care into valuable insights for caregivers. Her journey began at a young age, witnessing the impact of dementia on individuals in care homes, which fueled her dedication to the cause. Her background in health and social care, combined with her personal experiences, has led her to author the illustrated book "United: Caring for Our Loved Ones with Dementia," providing caregivers with practical strategies and emotional support.

We discuss the challenges of competition in the field of dementia support, emphasizing the importance of working together to benefit those living with dementia and their families. We explore the significance of involving individuals directly impacted by dementia in conversations and initiatives, as emphasized by the phrase, "Not about us without us."

Key Takeaways:

Collaboration is essential in the dementia community to better serve those living with dementia and their families. By working together, we can learn from shared experiences and create a more significant impact.

Involving individuals directly impacted by dementia in conversations and initiatives is crucial. The phrase "Not about us without us" emphasizes the importance of this inclusion.

Resources like the Reading Well initiative and support groups are available to help care partners and those living with dementia navigate the emotional impact of the diagnosis and live fulfilling lives.

Join us as we explore the importance of collaboration, unity, and the sharing of experiences within the dementia community through Gina's work and insights.

Start listening!

Watch on YouTube

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What's Next for the Book Club

Please join us for our next book club discussion on August 27th at 7 pm EST via Zoom as we read Christy Byrne Yates caregiver guide "Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation." Christy, a member of the AlzAuthors board and our podcast producer and co-host, wrote her book following her experience caring for both parents. It's the book she wished she had on her journey. A licensed educational psychologist, Christy used her skills and knowledge to create an accessible guide for those wondering what's next as they navigate dementia care. Readers say:

"FINALLY someone gets it and is willing to talk about this real struggle."
"A beautifully written book that shares the story of love and loss of aging parents while also caring for young children."
"Not just a good read - it's an essential how-to on weaving your way through the journey of caretaking while trying to take care of yourself."

Remember: it’s not necessary to read the books to attend the discussion. All are welcome. Please invite your family and friends for a vigorous discussion.

Learn more about Christy

Register here to get the link to the Zoom meetings

Coming in September: We meet Dorothy Horne and discuss her inspirational books, "Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer's and Ordinary Days" and "Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home." Read one or the other or both! We'll discuss them on Tuesday, September 24th at 7 pm EST via Zoom.

To learn more about the book club or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.

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Marianne & Christy Guest Host on the All Home Care Matters Podcast

Marianne and Christy were excited to turn the tables on friend and fellow podcaster Lance A. Slatton of the award-winning All Home Care Matters podcast to discuss the publication of his first book, “The All Home Care Matters Official Caregivers’ Guide,” an AlzAuthors Recommended Read.

You can listen here.

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Coming Up Next: Pods & Book Club

8/21 - Marianne Sciucco Book Club Replay

8/27 - Books & Chit Chat with Christy Byrne Yates, Building a Legacy of Love

9/4 - NEW AUTHOR: Jeanette Fazzari Jones, Meatballs for Grandpa

9/18 - Christy Byrne Yates Book Club Replay

9/24 - Books & Chit Chat with Dorothy Horne, Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer's and Ordinary Days and Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home

10/2 - NEW AUTHOR: Alleyne Symons, Love in a Time of Caterpillars

10/16 - Dorothy Horne Book Club Replay

10/29 - Books and Chit Chat with Carolyn Birrell, Walking with Fay

10/30 - NEW AUTHOR: Helena Popovic, In Search of My Father: Dementia is no match for a daughter's determination (Outwitting Alzheimer's Book 1)

11/13 - Carolyn Birell Book Club Replay

11/26 - Books & Chit Chat with Malia Kline, Sisterly Shove

11/27 - NO POD Thanksgiving (US) Break

12/4 - NEW AUTHOR: Allison Applebaum, Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving

12/18 - Malia Kline Book Club Replay

12/25 - HOLIDAY BREAK - NO POD

1/1 - HOLIDAY BREAK - NO POD

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Susan's Design of the Week

Please share this with your friends and followers on social media using the following text:

Savoring everyday wonders makes the ordinary become extraordinary. #AlzAuthors shares personal stories and resources that offer hope, insight and inspiration on the #Alzheimers and #dementia journey. https://alzauthors.com/

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We have so much to learn …

With scientists studying if new semaglutide weight loss drugs could potentially treat dementia, many have questions about the potential impact of Ozempic and Wegovy on the brain. On Thursday, August 22nd, at 11 a.m. PT/ 2 p.m. ET University of Virginia’s Dr. Heather Ferris joins Being Patient Live Talks to discuss the current research on the impact of semaglutide drugs on brain health. An Associate Professor and endocrinologist at the University of Virginia, she specializes in the care of older adults with diabetes. Ferris’s research lab focuses on understanding how changes in brain cholesterol and insulin signaling can impact cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. RSVP to learn what we currently know about semaglutide drugs and their impact on the brain.

WHEN: Thursday, August 22nd at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET.

WHERE: Being Patient’s Facebook page

RSVP

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