EPISODE 19 SHOW NOTES

“Acceptance & Adjustments”

Living with Alzheimer’s means facing changes you didn’t choose — and figuring out how to keep living well anyway. In this episode, Janna and Larry talk honestly (and with humor) about what it feels like to accept what’s changing and how small adjustments can make daily life calmer, safer, and more joyful.

They explore how things like recognizing faces, finding words, moving through the house, or staying engaged can require new strategies — and how companionship, music, routine, and creativity can make a big difference without taking away dignity.

If you’re living with Alzheimer’s, loving someone with it, or both, this episode offers a realistic but hopeful look at how acceptance and adaptation can protect the things that matter most.

You’ll hear about:

· what acceptance feels like from the inside

· why adjustments aren’t surrender — they’re tools

· how companionship and support help keep purpose alive

· the surprising value of music, reading, and humor

· and what it means to “decide to thrive” even as the brain changes

Helpful Resources

Alzheimer’s Association — “I Have Alzheimer’s: Resources for Support”

This main page is written for people living with Alzheimer’s. It gathers simple, practical information on what to expect, how to live well, and where to find support without drowning you in medical language.

Alzheimer’s Association — Tips for Daily Life

Offers down-to-earth ideas to make everyday life a bit easier when you’re living with memory and thinking changes — things you can try at home, at your own pace.

Alzheimer’s Association — Taking Care of Yourself

Focuses on the person with Alzheimer’s: your health, stress, rest, and emotional well-being, with suggestions for staying as strong and independent as possible.

Alzheimer’s Society (UK) — Coping with Memory Loss

A friendly guide for people who are noticing memory problems, with practical ideas for routines, organizing things at home, and handling the feelings that come with it.

Forward With Dementia — Getting Support & Adjusting to a Diagnosis

Written in plain language for people with dementia, this page talks about the emotional side of getting the diagnosis and how support, counseling, and peer groups can help you adjust.

“Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up — it means making room for what’s still possible.”

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

Alzheimer’s Thriver™

In this episode, Janna and Larry share recent changes in their Alzheimer’s journey — from slower mornings and occasional disorientation to accepting help with more peace and humor. They discuss how companionship, gentle support, post-surgery recovery, and small daily moments (like seeing children or laughing together) all shape their ongoing commitment to thrive rather than feel defeated. The episode encourages both patients and care partners to embrace patience, teamwork, and gratitude as the condition progresses.

• Mornings now take longer, and Janna uses calm self-encouragement to get oriented.
• Accepting help has become easier and strengthens their partnership. Companions are now helping with flute practice — and learning flute themselves.
• A recent surgery and medications temporarily affected mobility and cognition.
• Palliative care is being introduced for additional support. Humor, shared routines, and noticing small joys help them continue thriving.

Helpful References & Studies

1. Sleep problems & morning confusion – NIA ⁠https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers-disease⁠

2. Companionship & meaningful activities – Alzheimer’s Society ⁠https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/activities-dementia⁠

3. Dementia risk after surgery (peer-reviewed, Lancet EClinicalMedicine)⁠https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2822%2900457-6/fulltext

4. Sleep & behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s Association ⁠https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/for-sleep-changes⁠

5. Hospice & palliative care – NIA ⁠https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.

“Each New Day, A New Page: Embracing Optimism While Living with Alzheimer’s”

📝 Show Notes for Episode 17: Embracing Inspiration and Optimism

In this heartfelt episode, Janna, an Alzheimer's thriver, and her husband Larry share an intimate anniversary conversation that turns into something truly profound. Through reflections on memory, environment, and emotional overwhelm, Janna reveals a powerful epiphany she received in a dream: that each new day is a page in the continuing story of her life.

No longer focused on what she has lost, Janna is choosing to embrace what she still can do—with joy, humor, and clarity. The episode touches on:
- How sound and sensory overload affect Alzheimer's communication
- A breakthrough with nighttime muscle cramps (thanks to a new salt supplement!)
- The creative process of reframing daily life as an evolving story
- The difference between passive acceptance and active embracing of one’s reality
- Living with intention, purpose, and spiritual awareness in Alzheimer’s

This episode is a celebration of resilience, love, and the human spirit’s ability to reframe challenge into creativity.

🔗 Resources & Related Studies

- Sense of Purpose & Lower Dementia Risk – NIH/PMC:

- Purpose and Brain Health – Rush University:

- Fewer Behavioral Symptoms with Greater Life Purpose – Taylor & Francis:

- Positive Psychology in Cognitive Decline

- Narrative Identity & Life Story Tools – Springer:

- Reminiscence Therapy in Dementia – PMC Review:

- Daily Meaningful Activities for Alzheimer’s – Dementia UK:

- Art & Identity – “I Remember Better When I Paint” Documentary: https://www.irememberbetterwhenipaint.com/

🌐 Visit Us

For more stories and ways to stay connected, visit:

https://www.alzheimersthriver.org

Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.