Closing the Gaps in Dementia Care: A Special Conversation on REAL & RAW 98.9 FM

On Sunday, September 6, EnergizeCare Founder and President Dr. Kenneth Vitellas returned to REAL & RAW on 98.9 FM for a two-part live conversation about dementia, from recognizing early signs and understanding treatment options to supporting individuals and families after a diagnosis.

Robert Cooperman joined Dan “Boots” Longenette, filling in for Mindy Drayer as co-host for the program.

Joining Dr. Vitellas were two respected dementia experts who brought different, but complementary, perspectives to the conversation.

Dr. Douglas Scharre, Professor of Neurology, Director of the Division of Cognitive Neurology, and Medical Director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shared his perspective as a physician and researcher specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Dr. Jennifer Stelter, PsyD, DCS, DCSCT, a licensed clinical psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Dementia Connection Institute, creator of the Dementia Connection Model©, and Senior Advisor for Dementia Care, Education & Environment for EnergizeCare, shared practical approaches to dementia education, meaningful engagement and person-centered care.

Dr. Vitellas brought another important perspective to the discussion: that of a physician and longtime care partner for his wife, Lisa.

Together, they explored dementia from three important perspectives: medicine and research, practical dementia care and education, and the lived experience of a family care partner.

Part One: Understanding Dementia and Supporting the Person

The first part of the conversation focused on recognizing changes in memory and thinking, the importance of early evaluation, cognitive testing, advances in treatment, and ways families can support a person living with dementia.

Dr. Scharre discussed how changes from a person’s normal abilities can be an important early warning sign and why earlier diagnosis can open the door to more treatment options. The conversation also covered cognitive assessments, biomarkers and current research into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Stelter discussed dementia-friendly environments, positive sensory stimulation and the importance of creating opportunities for connection. The group also talked about familiar music, activities, memories, social interaction and other practical ways to help people living with dementia remain engaged in daily life.

Listen to Part One on REAL & RAW

Part Two: What Happens After the Diagnosis?

The second part turned more directly to an important question:

What happens after the diagnosis?

There is tremendous hope in Alzheimer’s research, earlier diagnosis and emerging treatments. But for families, receiving a diagnosis is only the beginning.

Dr. Stelter discussed how dementia education can give both professional and family caregivers not only greater knowledge, but greater confidence in caring for someone living with dementia. Dr. Scharre discussed advances in Alzheimer’s treatment and ongoing clinical research, including therapies aimed at the proteins associated with the disease.

The conversation also returned repeatedly to connection, community and quality of life.

After leaving the physician’s office, families still need answers. They need education and support. Care partners need meaningful respite. People living with dementia need opportunities to remain socially connected, engaged and part of their communities.

Dr. Vitellas shared several of EnergizeCare’s central messages: there is more to the person than the dementia; it is possible to live well with dementia; emotional connection remains deeply important; and no family should have to walk the dementia journey alone.

The discussion also addressed caregiver burnout and the importance of respite and self-care. As Dr. Vitellas emphasized, connection and community engagement are essential not only for people living with dementia, but for the people who care for them.

Listen to Part Two on REAL & RAW

These are the pieces EnergizeCare is working to bring together.

A dementia diagnosis may begin in a physician’s office, but the journey continues at home and throughout the community. Families need support for both.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Douglas Scharre and Dr. Jennifer Stelter, PsyD, DCS, DCSCT, for sharing their time and expertise, and to Robert Cooperman and Dan “Boots” Longenette for helping bring this important conversation to the Central Ohio community on 98.9 FM.

There is more to the person than the dementia.

It is absolutely possible to live well with dementia.

No family should walk this journey alone.