When Dementia Tests the Bonds of Marriage with Debra Tann, Ed.D
Apr 16, 2025 11:01 am
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Hello ,
The daffodils and tulips are out in the northeastern United States so spring has sprung! We're kicking it off with this powerful podcast featuring author Debra Tann, Ed.D the CEO of Reminiscent, who brings a vibrant blend of experience to the field of dementia education. Her journey into this space began with a career in education and a keen eye for behavioral changes in her husband, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As a certified dementia educator and author of "The Race of Dementia," Debra's expertise offers caregivers practical guidance and emotional resilience, drawing from her own lived experiences. Her compassionate approach and dedication to enhancing caregiving skills make her a valuable resource for those navigating the complexities of dementia care. This is the replay of a recent Books & Chit Chat event with Aging and Amazing. You can join future live book discussions with authors here.
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In Case You Missed It . . .
In this podcast, we discuss the memoir, "Going Home: A Journey with Dementia," with author David Bredbenner. His heartfelt account of caring for his brilliant, artistic mother offers much needed insights to families navigating cognitive decline. He shares the challenges and unexpected gifts he found in caregiving. His powerful narrative shows us the importance of embracing emotions and redefining what it means to connect with loved ones impacted by dementia. To all facing this journey, Davidβs story assures you that you are not alone. Tune in for inspiration and understanding. David also shares pieces of his story in an exclusive blog post on our website.
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Coming Up for Book Club
May's book discussion will be an insightful, delightful peek into the world of Peter Berry, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, accompanied by his friend and co-author Deb Bunt. Read their blog post here.
Book Description: "Slow Puncture" is an account of a year in the life of Peter, an ordinary man living in a sleepy Suffolk village. Happily married and running a successful business, Peter's life changes when, at the age of fifty, he is given a terminal diagnosis of early onset dementia. Since that day, he has learned to live with his very own dementia monster. From depression and suicide attempts through to his determination to confront his dementia, Peter has embarked on a series of challenges to show that life isn't over with dementia, it's just a little different.
Peter has raised thousands of pounds for dementia charities, cycling hundreds of miles in his quest to show that life is always worth living. When Peter meets Deb, recently retired, they embark on regular cycle rides and, as their friendship grows, Deb is able to look at her own life through the lens of Peter's dementia. In Slow Puncture, Peter tells the world what it is really like to live with a terminal condition and Deb learns to enjoy each day more fully. With a foreword by the late best-selling author Wendy Mitchell, author of Somebody I Used to Know, this is an inspirational look at both living in the present and coping with dementia.
Peter and Deb have also authored "Walk With Me: Musings Through the Dementia Fog," a compilation of the thoughts and poetry of Peter Berry, which we will also discuss.
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Our Next AlzAuthors Live! Event
Many people have found solace and understanding on the dementia journey through poetry. Whether reading, listening to, or writing poems, these words have the power to connect with others, express emotions, and calm a troubled soul. Please join us for this annual event sharing our stories through poetry.
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A New Addition to our Collection
Dementia 101: Simple, SenseAble Suggestions to Connect & EngAge by Natasha Goldstein-Levitas
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Celebrate 10 Years with a New Cap
Hats off to these limited-edition 10th anniversary ball caps!
Help us celebrate a decade of impact with these stylish caps.
Available in white, purple, or light blue.
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Start Spreading the News . . .
ο»ΏIn celebration of our 10th anniversary, we published a news release telling our story and outlining our plans for this momentous year. Here it is. Please share this with your family, friends, followers and contacts in dementia care.
Thank you.
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We love our volunteers!
Did you know all the members of our management team and board of directors are volunteers? We rely on their dedication and generosity of time, talent, and passion to bring AlzAuthors and its valuable resources to those living with dementia. Without them, we would no longer be able to continue.
We give thanks to Sheila Luna, Ruth Stevens, Malia Kline, Ann Margaret Johns, Sue Fagalde Lick, and Dorothy Horne.
We acknowledge the wonderful people who have contributed greatly to our success over the years: Kathryn Harrison, Chris MacLellan, Andrea Couture, Irene Frances Olson, Lance Slatton, Rosanne Corcoran, Gincy Heins, Paulette Sharkey, Leah Stanley, Debra Tann, Patti LaFleur, Erin Green, Lisa Cappelletti Beilstein, and Shannon Nutter.
We recognize those currently serving on the management team: Marianne Sciucco, Jean Lee, Vicki Tapia, Ann Campanella, Susan Landeis, and Christy Byrne Yates.
We have room for more, perhaps you? Weβre looking for volunteers on a number of initiatives: a bookkeeper, social media managers, Google Ads manager, event coordination, blog writing, acquisitions editors, podcast help, and more.
We also work with student interns so if you know of someone in need of an internship please think of us.
If you would like to join our team please email alzauthors@gmail.com.
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Take a Chance on Our 10th Anniversary Book Giveaway!
Winners selected quarterly.
First three winners were chosen!
Watch your email inbox for notification!
Enter once to win all year.
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ο»Ώ2025 Books & Chit Chat, Podcasts, and AlzAuthors Live! Virtual Events
4/29 - AlzAuthors Live!: National Poetry Month Virtual Poetry Reading
5/7 - NEW AUTHOR: Carol Steinberg, Come Grandpa Meow, Letβs Fly, an illustrated children's book
5/27 - Books & Chit Chat with Peter Berry and Deb Bunt, Slow Puncture: Living Well with Dementia, a memoir, and Walk With Me: Musing Through the Dementia Fog, poetry
6/4 - NEW AUTHOR: Alfredo Botello, Spin Cycle: Notes from a Reluctant Caregiver
6/24 - Books & Chit Chat with Jean Lee, Alzheimerβs Daughter, a caring for two parents memoir
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Love Podcasts?
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, check out the resources for caregivers on the Whole Care Network's Streaming Radio App. You'll discover a number of informative and inspirational podcasts dedicated to the caregiving journey.
Available in the Apple store and Google Play.
Disclaimer: Our Untangling Alzheimer's and Dementia podcast is supported by the Whole Care Network.
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Susanβs Design of the Week
Please share this image with your friends and followers on social media using the following text, copy, paste and hit send!
Are you a #dementia caregiver? AlzAuthors offers valuable resources providing knowledge and guidance in a journey many are unprepared for. Whether you are caring for a mother, father, grandparent, spouse or partner, you will find compassionate support for your journey. https://alzauthors.com/
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We have so much to learn . . .
From the smartphone you never put down to the laptop you work from, televisions to e-readersβ screens are everywhere. But what are they doing to our brains, and how are they impacting brain development for the younger generation? Join Being Patient for a Live Talk with Dr. John Hutton on Friday, April 18th, at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET, where he will discuss his research on screentime and brain development. The discussion will include what heβs currently learning about the impact of this technology on the brain and what people need to remember when using smart devices.
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Love our newsletter?
Please forward it to a family member, friend, or someone you know on a dementia journey. Share the news about our authors, their stories and books, and the valuable resources we offer: website, podcast, blog, and more.
Thank you.
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Let's keep connected ...
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Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimerβs and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:
Follow our podcast and leave a review
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Join Books & Chit Chat book club
Volunteer your time and talents
Submit Your Book, Blog, or other Resource
Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey
Visit us on The Whole Care Network
Check us out on the Health Podcast Network
Vote us up on the NYC Podcast Network
Check Out This Curated List of Alzheimer's Podcasts Featuring our Authors
Discover our authors in this podcast series on Alzheimer's
Purchase a Custom Caregiver Collection
Vote us up on the World Podcast Network
Listen to the podcast on Coming Home Well
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Thank you for supporting our mission to
connect caregivers with resources.
Your Management Team
L to R: Vicki Tapia, Ann Campanella, Christy Byrne Yates,
Marianne Sciucco, Susan Landeis, and Jean Lee
How to reach us:
Marianne Sciucco: podcast host/producer
mariannesciucco@gmail.com
Jean Lee: acquisitions editor, Custom Caregiver Collections
jean@alzheimersdaughter.com
Vicki Tapia: acquisitions editor, children's books
vicki.tapia@gmail.com
Ann Campanella: Custom Caregiver Collections
anncampanella@gmail.com
Susan Landeis: Custom Caregiver Collections
contact@susanlandeis.com
Christy Byrne Yates: podcast host/producer, YouTube channel manager
christy@cbyates.com
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Show us some love on Google
Share your thoughts on AlzAuthors with the world.
This helps caregivers find us on the crowded internet. Submit your review here.
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