Love Conquers Alz

Many other health issues can mimic what appears to be Alzheimer's making  Alzheimer's very difficult to diagnose.  Neuropsychologist, Dr. Ted Etling, takes us through the process he uses to make that determination. He and his staff, including three other neuropsychologists, perform close to 200 evaluations a month.  

BIO

Dr. Etling is the director of neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation at Arizona Neurology Associates in Sun City, Arizona.  He has a doctorate (PsyD) in clinical psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University,  was a neuropsychology intern through the Wright State University pre-doctoral internship program in Dayton, Ohio and completed a 2 year post-doctorate neuropsychology residency JFK Medical Center/Center for Head Injuries in Edison, NJ. under the supervision of neuropsychologist Keith Cicerone PhD with a focus on cognitive rehabilitation.HIs proudest achievement is being a single father who raised 2 children, Grace (19) and Sam (21).

Whitney B. Glandon is a senior living program director, as well as a versatile New York City based dance artist, instructor, producer, and choreographer. Whitney was literally born into the senior living community and by the age of nine, she was leading movement classes to the seniors at her grandmother’s long term care communities in N.C. In 2009 Whitney founded Tuesdays@4, an innovative intergenerational program with a mission to bring generations - including seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's - together through various forms of dance, art, poetry, theatre, improvisation and music inspired by stories and personal experiences.

Whitney's latest project, CAUGHT (Between Two Worlds), is a beautiful collaboration between Whitney, Jodie Berman and Martha Brim that came together through their extensive work in the Senior Living/Dementia Alzheimer's and Dance world. CAUGHT Dance Project is bringing awareness to the disease through dance and personal connections.

Whitney brings a refreshing - important - perspective on seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Her dance programs are proof positive that seniors who have a sense of purpose are happier and healthier. And while they may have Alzheimer's, they don't have to, and shouldn't be, defined by their affliction. 

"To perceive this [caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's] as a loss in any way, is to really lose the gift of the opportunity."  

This is just one of the many candid insights from Neeyah Lynn Rose Stephens, a Bodyful Mind Educator, Nichiren Buddhist Practioner, Singer/Songwriter, and Personal Assistant for Conservation Photographer Robert Glenn Ketchum. Neeyah is also the daughter and caregiver to her 92 year-old mother, Annabelle, who has Alzheimer's.  But unlike many families, Neeyah is blessed with a supportive and empathetic village who share the caregiving responsibilities. 

Meet Neeyah, her mother, Annabelle, her brother, Charlie, and professional caregiver, Melody who openly share their evolving perspectives on being a caregiver that include gratitude, loving, healing, and what the experience represents to them.  (You might want to have a tissue at the ready!)