Holding On and Letting Go: Karen’s Care Partner Story

Replay: How Genes and Daily Choices Shape Dementia Risk with Dr. Robert Sutherland

Dr. Robert Sutherland, neuroscientist and director at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, joins us to share how his work and life have been shaped by dementia. He reflects on the impact of dementia in his own family and explains what current science tells us about causes, prevention and treatment. Dr. Sutherland discusses how research is evolving, what surprises him most in the lab and why addressing dementia requires more than a single solution. He also speaks to the importance of improving care, reducing misinformation and expanding access to services that can help. Key Takeaways Multiple Causes – Alzheimer’s isn’t one disease with one cause. Many processes in the brain can lead to it. Amyloid and Tau – These proteins play a role, but more amyloid doesn’t always mean worse symptoms. Modifiable Risk – Hearing loss, hypertension, and heart health matter. Lifestyle changes can reduce risk. Care and Access – People often aren’t prescribed helpful treatments early enough. Better systems are needed. Long-Term Hope – With continued research and collaboration, he hopes to slow or even prevent most cases. Resources HelpForDementia.ca [https://www.helpfordementia.ca] – Information, support, and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners Alzheimer.ab.ca [https://www.alzheimer.ab.ca] – Free education and services for families and care partners

Caring for My Mom: Erin Chalmers' Story

Global Edmonton news anchor and care partner Erin Chalmers joins us to share her personal experience supporting her mom, who lives with dementia. She reflects on what it was like in the early days after diagnosis, how relationships changed over time, and what helped her most along the way. Erin speaks openly about the emotional impact of caregiving, how she navigated moments of guilt and frustration, and why staying connected, even in small ways, matters. Key Takeaways Early Signs – Memory loss isn’t the only change. It can start with shifts in personality or judgment. Support Groups – Being in a room with others going through the same thing can help ease isolation. Communication – Connection is still possible, even if words fade. Small moments count. Emotions – It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Giving yourself permission to step back helps. Family Roles – Dementia changes relationships. Kindness and patience go a long way. Resources HelpForDementia.ca [https://www.helpfordementia.ca] – Information, support, and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners Alzheimer.ab.ca [https://www.alzheimer.ab.ca] – Free education and services for families and care partners

Navigating Dementia Care: What You Need to Know

Dementia navigator Annmarie and caregiver support specialist Sarah join a live Q&A to answer real questions from families supporting someone living with dementia. They explain what to expect at each stage, how to respond to behavioural changes and why care partner emotions like guilt, grief and anger are common and valid. The conversation includes practical tools, stories from care partners, and reminders that no one needs to go through this alone. Key Takeaways Stages of Dementia – The disease doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sudden changes can happen. Unmet Needs – Behaviour changes like aggression or withdrawal can be responses to discomfort or fear. Care Partner Emotions – Grief, guilt and burnout are part of the journey. Support makes a difference. Practical Help – Navigators can connect families to diagnosis, care services, and activity programs. Building Trust – Small changes in language and tone can ease resistance and help maintain connection. Resources HelpForDementia.ca [https://www.helpfordementia.ca] – Information, support, and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners Alzheimer.ab.ca [https://www.alzheimer.ab.ca] – Free education and services for families and care partners

Holding On and Letting Go: Karen’s Care Partner Story

Karen McLean describes life after her husband Scott was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 52. She recalls the first subtle changes, the rapid decline that followed and the decision to move Scott into full-time care. Karen speaks openly about exhaustion, care-partner burnout and the support she receives from the Alzheimer Society community. Key Takeaways * Early Signs and Diagnosis – Subtle mood and behaviour shifts pointed to something deeper. * Care-Partner Strain – Physical fatigue and emotional stress build quickly; burnout is real. * Community Response – Positive support from neighbours, professionals and friends matters. * Family Impact – Loved ones grieve before a physical loss, and Karen’s daughter feels she “lost Dad twice.” * Role of the Alzheimer Society – Education, counselling, and peer groups provide critical relief Resources * HelpForDementia.ca [https://www.helpfordementia.ca/] – Information, support, and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners * Alzheimer.ab.ca [http://Alzheimer.ab.ca] – Free education and services for families and care partners * AlzheimersFaceOff.ca [http://AlzheimersFaceOff.ca] – Edmonton-based hockey tournament that raises funds for free dementia education, support services and research

Replay: Exercise, Lifestyle, and Brain Health with Dr. Marc Poulin

Dr. Marc Poulin is here to talk healthy brain aging and dementia prevention. A researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Poulin's work focuses on understanding how exercise influences cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. He has worked with hundreds of older adults, gaining insights into the dementia journey and the importance of care partner support. We explore the significance of lifestyle choices, the latest in dementia research, and the importance of reliable information sources. Dr. Poulin also shares personal stories with his own family's journey with dementia.   Research: https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia [https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia] Reducing Stigma: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds [https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/change-minds] Support Groups: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support [https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/programs-services/find-support] Ways to Donate: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate [https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/take-action/ways-donate] The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en [https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en]