Best Alzheimer Society Of Alberta Podcasts (2025)

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Replay: How Genes and Daily Choices Shape Dementia Risk with Dr. Robert Sutherland 32:50

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16d ago32:50

32:50

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…

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Caring for My Mom: Erin Chalmers' Story 44:33

1M ago44:33

44:33

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…

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Navigating Dementia Care: What You Need to Know 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

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 …

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Holding On and Letting Go: Karen’s Care Partner Story 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

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 communi…

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Replay: Exercise, Lifestyle, and Brain Health with Dr. Marc Poulin 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

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 import…

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Protecting Seniors from Financial Scams (Part 2) – What You Need to Know 25:58

4M ago25:58

25:58

In Part 2 of this conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora continues to explore financial scams with a focus on phishing, business impersonation, and issues related to care partner or family fraud. Drawing on her extensive legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris explains how scammers use urgency and pressure to push for quick decisions. …

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Protecting Seniors from Financial Scams (Part 1) - What You Need To Know with Doris Bonora 28:28

4M ago28:28

28:28

In this first part of our special conversation, lawyer Doris Bonora discusses the most common financial scams targeting seniors, including government impersonation, tech support fraud, and emotional manipulations like the “grandparent scam” and “romance scam.” Drawing on her decades of legal experience in estate planning and litigation, Doris offer…

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Tools for Care Partners with Julie Desautels 25:51

9M ago25:51

25:51

We’re joined by Julie Desautels, Palliative Care Learning Specialist, to introduce the helpfordementia.ca resource for those supporting family or friends living with dementia. Julie shares practical tools and educational resources, all designed to make navigating the care journey easier. Whether it’s finding answers to pressing questions, using the…

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Help For Dementia - New Website and Resources 26:51

10M ago26:51

26:51

Welcome to Season 2 of the newly rebrand Help for Dementia Podcast (formerly Cognitive Connections). In this episode, we welcome back Christine McWilliam, the new Manager of Strategy and Projects at the Alzheimer Society. Christine introduces HelpforDementia.ca, the Society’s updated online resource platform. They discuss its key features, includin…

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Living Well with Young Onset Dementia with Lynn Ferguson 28:37

1y ago28:37

28:37

Lynn Ferguson shares her personal journey with young onset dementia. She discusses how her sister first noticed changes in her behavior and how they sought medical help. Lynn talks about the shock of receiving the diagnosis and the initial feelings of sadness and fear. However, she emphasizes that life doesn't end with a dementia diagnosis and that…

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Al Shares His Experience as a Care Partner for His Wife Joanne 57:18

1y ago57:18

57:18

Al Matheson is a dedicated care partner who has been caring for his wife, Joanne, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2015. Al has been with Joanne for over 50 years and shares his experience and insights into the challenges and lessons he has learned throughout his caregiving journey. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from…

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Journey of a Care Partner with Jag 45:37

1y ago45:37

45:37

Jag's journey began when his wife, Carol Lynn, was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. Jag discusses the journey from the initial signs and symptoms to the diagnosis and the rapid progression. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and early intervention in managing dementia. Jag also highlights the role of the Alzheimer Society …

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Young Onset Dementia with Cindy McCaffery 33:08

1+ y ago33:08

33:08

Cindy McCaffrey, co-founder of YouQuest, a charity that operates a wellness day program for individuals under the age of 65 living with dementia. Cindy shares her personal journey with her husband's diagnosis of young onset dementia and how it inspired her to create a program that provides socialization, stimulating activities, and respite for care…

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Exercise, Lifestyle, and Brain Health with Dr. Marc Poulin 33:42

1+ y ago33:42

33:42

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 import…

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Amplified for Alzheimer's with Brenda Jackson 26:48

1+ y ago26:48

26:48

Brenda Jackson is the driving force behind Amplified for Alzheimer's, an event that raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia research. Brenda shares her personal connection to the cause and how she got involved with volunteering and organizing the event. She discusses the inspiration behind Amplified for Alzheimer's and how it grew f…

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Breaking Barriers in Dementia Care with Navjot Gill 41:07

1+ y ago41:07

41:07

Navjot Gill is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, specializing in the experiences of South Asian Canadians living with dementia and their care partners. She shares her personal journey with her grandmother's dementia diagnosis and highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist within the South Asian community. Navjot emphasi…

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Special: Connecting Through Hockey - AFO's Impact on Dementia 17:00

1+ y ago17:00

17:00

Former NHL player Jason Strudwick joins the podcast to discuss the Alzheimer’s Face Off Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (AFO). Jason shares his involvement in the event this April, highlighting its purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research while fostering a sense of community among participants. From the excitement of draft night to the luncheon a…

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Insights from the Landmark Study with Research Scientist Dr. Armstrong 36:22

1+ y ago36:22

36:22

Dr. Joshua Armstrong, a research scientist with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, discusses their latest study that explores the impacts of dementia on different populations, including young onset, gender differences, ethnic origins, and indigenous communities. Dr. Armstrong highlights the importance of understanding their unique needs and emphasize…

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Understanding Dementia Through The Arts, Challenging Stigma and Creating Connections 30:09

1+ y ago30:09

30:09

Heunjung Lee discusses her approach to understanding dementia through arts and humanities, challenging the stigma and reframing the reality of people with dementia. She shares her research on using art to promote a better quality of life and the importance of recognizing the abilities of individuals with dementia. Heunjung emphasizes the power of a…

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How Genes and Daily Choices Shape Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Robert Sutherland 35:26

1+ y ago35:26

35:26

Dr. Sutherland, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his research on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He focuses on understanding the pathology of the disease and discusses the role of proteins, the immune system and things he has found surprising in his research.By Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

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Programs and Services - ASANT Cafe 19:31

1+ y ago19:31

19:31

Christine discusses her role as the lead for the ASANT Cafe, an online learning community platform that has since become a valuable resource for education, webinars, and support for individuals living with dementia and their families. She shares her background in social work and how she became involved in dementia care and highlights the importance…

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Navigate Prevention & Support with CEO George Andrews 45:38

1+ y ago45:38

45:38

Hear from George Andrews, President & CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, as he emphasizes the importance of prevention and delaying the onset of symptoms through lifestyle choices and social engagement. George also shares personal experiences and insights into the stigma surrounding dementia and the importance of cre…

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Wills and Estates with Doris Bonora 22:31

1+ y ago22:31

22:31

Doris Bonora, a partner with Dentons Canada, discusses the importance of getting legal affairs in order when a family member is diagnosed with dementia. Learn the significance of having a personal directive and enduring power of attorney in place to ensure financial and healthcare decisions can be made when the person with dementia is no longer abl…

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Living Fully with Palliative Care 23:18

1+ y ago23:18

23:18

We hear from Julie Desautels, the Palliative Care Learning Specialist for the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. With a nursing background and experience in various healthcare environments, Julie is passionate about providing compassionate care and support to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.…

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The Power of Human Connection in Dementia Care 45:42

1+ y ago45:42

45:42

Arlene and Carrie discuss the current state of dementia in Alberta and the various programs and resources available to care partners and those with dementia. They also discuss the difference the importance of community and the impact of stigma on people living with dementia. Arlene also touches on the challenges faced by people with dementia in pub…

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A Journey of Empathy, Knowledge, and Hope 30:00

2y ago30:00

30:00

Joanne Belke shares her personal journey with dementia, starting with her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She discusses the challenges and emotions she faced as a care partner and the impact it had on her family. Joanne highlights the importance of seeking support and finding a community of understanding through the Alzheimer’s Society. …

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Podcast Trailer 3:28

2y ago3:28

3:28

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of dementia with the Help for Dementia (Formerly: Cognitive Connections) podcast! With your host Carrie Candy from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, we are thrilled to bring you insightful conversations that bridge understanding and forge connections. We're bre…