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The primary care physician is at the center of dementia care, from the monitoring of memory functioning through the diagnostic work-up, referral to other professionals, management of medications and other medications, to hospice and end of life issues, the primary care physician must balance the other practice demands and the patient and family to navigate the health care system. Dr. Allen Schultz has been practicing primary care for 14 years and will discuss his experiences with dementia care.

When cognitive impairments develop in an older individual, many legal issues may potentially arise. These may include Power of Attorney, guardianship, estate and resource management, dealing with Medicare/Medicaid and other payor issues, and probate issues. Navigating the legal maze can be overwhelming for many. In this episode, Brad Frigon helps the public understand how to anticipate issues and maintain the delicate (and difficult) balance between protecting the autonomy of the older impaired individual and assuring safety and protection from potential problems.

Last week’s program was about Angel’s Perch, a very poignant movie about a very busy grandson’s response to his grandmother’s needs as she progresses through early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This movie has provided an excellent platform from which to discuss issues of caregiver burden, the grief response, denial and avoidance, and acceptance. Join Howard Gruetzner as he discusses the manner in which Angel’s Perch presents these issues in a realistic and emotionally moving story.

Angel’s Perch is a movie about an Alzheimer-related crisis, a son who unexpectedly becomes a caregiver, and the choice between accepting this new reality or yielding to the demands of a growing business. The movie brings the viewer into the type of dilemma faced by caregivers who must turn away from the life they have been building in order to manage the fading life of someone they have loved. In the process, they must face their own personal losses and disappointments. Join the movie’s co-producers JT Arbogast and Kimberly Dilts, with discussion by author Howard Gruetzner and learn more about caregiving and grief.

The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword is necessary to protect the rights of the pen to express ideas freely and openly. The USA has the most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans of any nation in the world. For many veterans, the VA medical system provides the primary health care point of service delivery. As survival rates from war-time injury have increased, there are more veterans living a lifetime with conditions that impact on their cognitive health. Join Jimmy DeFoor and Dr. Brinkman as they discuss the response of the VA health care system to this situation.

Dementia tales on many forms and has a variable course of change over time. The concept of “Stages of Dementia” is helpful to many people, as it helps make the symptoms and changes more understandable, helps caregivers anticipate new and changing demands, and navigate the difficult course of the disorder. Today’s discussion will address how professionals have defined or described different stages of dementia.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is often classified as a reversible cause of dementia. Not all cases of NPH respond well to the surgical procedure of shunting but many do. Join us in this discussion of NPH, its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

There are many circumstances which may necessitate the involvement of government agencies assigned with the responsibility of protecting vulnerable adults in the community. Join Rick Diaz as he discusses these circumstances, the role of Adult Protective Services, and the manner in which the agency follow up on reported problems.

Throughout the United States the months of September and October represent the Walk season to benefit the Alzheimer Association. Previously known as the Memory Walk, it is now called the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease. This change reflects the change in emphasis of the Association, with an ever-increasing commitment to the research which will hopefully bring this problem into a manageable condition. Join Karen Rampy as she discusses the Walk season.

While Namenda as been demonstrated to be of some benefit for moderate-severe Alzheimer's disease, several circumstances have recently led to the unavailability of either the immediate release form or the extended release form. This presents a difficult problem for patients who have bee taking the medication and new patients who would like to begin taking the medication. Dr. Trista Bailey, a specialist in geriatric pharmacy, will discuss the issue.

Drawing from her experience caring for her mother and from her career in product development and marketing, Patricia Bailey has developed a line of products to improve caregiving and increase the comfort and well-being of older individuals with dementia. Join Ms. Bailey as she discusses her experiences and innovations.

The dementias are multifaceted disorders which require the involvement of several types of professionals for optimum management. Dr. Hope Martin, Associate Professor, Director, and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Abilene Christian University, will discuss the profession of Occupational Therapy (OT) and the contributions of OT to care and treatment of neurological disorders including the dementias.

Psychotropic medications are widely used in older individuals – those with cognitive impairment and those without. These medications, which include sleep medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications, can be very beneficial but can also be problematic. The antipsychotics are of great concern in an older population, especially in persons with dementia. Join Dr. Trista Bailey as she discusses these topics.

This is the second in a 2-part series regarding financial exploitation of the elderly. Last week’s program addressed the magnitude of the problem and the benefits derived from a collaborative relationship between the banking industry and the law enforcement system. This week, Steve Abel of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) will discuss the issue from the perspective of the BBB, protection of consumers, public education and watchfulness, and the importance of a community of support and protection for these vulnerable members of society.