Exploring Alzheimer's Through Fiction: Marianne Sciucco's Journey

Aug 20, 2024 11:01 pm

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Hello ,

We are thrilled to bring you our latest podcast episode titled "Exploring Alzheimer's Through Fiction: Marianne Sciucco's Journey," a replay of a Books & Chit Chat discussion presented with our friends at Aging & Amazing. This is a deeply moving conversation between our hosts, Christy Byrne Yates and Marianne Sciucco. They discuss Marianne's novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story, and take us through her intricate, emotional, and inspiring journey of personal and professional caregiving, as told through the lens of her rich experiences and her impactful writing. They also discuss the value of fiction in understanding dementia and the caregiving journey.

Watch on YouTube!

Start listening!

Key Topics:

Marianne opens up about her stepfather's dementia diagnosis, the initial challenges, and the significance of persistence in seeking medical help. She emphasizes the importance of knowledge, planning, and professional support services.
She reads a poignant piece from the prologue of her book, vividly depicting the caregiver's journey from the onset of an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Themes of fear, anxiety, and unwavering commitment are brought to life in this touching narration.
The episode captures the essence of book clubs as catalysts for emotional and personal discussions.
Marianne shares how Cape Cod, a place of sentimental and significant memories for her, serves as the evocative backdrop for her book.
We explore the role of Jack, a male caregiver, thus shining a light on the invaluable contributions of male caregivers in the Alzheimer's journey.

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In Case You Missed It ...

In our last 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."

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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Did you know you can customize a collection of AlzAuthors books with a Custom Caregiver Collection? Perfect for care homes, senior centers, memory cafes and more. This collection is heading for the Alzheimer's Association in Anchorage Alaska! Visit our website for more information.

Find out about CCCs

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AlzAuthors Featured in ADRC's Care Partner Connection

Marianne Sciucco spoke to Care Partner Connection about writing through the dementia journey in a feature article, "Art as alchemy: How creative expression can transform your care partnership." AlzAuthors contributor Pauletta Hansel was also interviewed. Care Partner Connection is a quarterly newsletter from The Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center for Care Partners whose loved ones are living with Alzheimer's or other dementia. They also host the Informed Aging Podcast.

Read it here

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Coming Up Next: Pods & Book Club

8/27 - Books & Chit Chat with Christy Byrne Yates, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation

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:

When things don't go as planned, sometimes it is best to let go of our expectations and trust the journey. #AlzAuthors offers #Alzheimers and #dementia resources to help you cope and focus on solutions for you and your loved one. https://alzauthors.com/

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We have so much to learn …

Rutgers’ neurologist Dr. William T. Hu joins Being Patient Live Talks to discuss his research on “brain fog” or cognitive impairment in Long COVID and its relation to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. RSVP to this live talk to learn more about Long COVID, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease.

WHEN: Thursday, August 29th at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.

WHERE: Being Patient’s Facebook page

RSVP

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Let's keep connected ...

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Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

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