Dementia Talks
By Ted at Wanderinglite
Dementia TalksJun 16, 2021
Coming Back from Tough Times
I promised I would put out new video with Christy explaining why there has been such a delay in my episodes. Last December I hit rock bottom I was taking more meds that most people would believe and sleeping all the time and not get any better. On today's video Christy and I are going to discuss the changes I /we have made that got me back on the road to living a positive life. I hope you find this video an inspiration.
Setting Your Goals and Purpose
Reevaluating and setting new goals are an important aspect of what we need to do after we get to acceptance of a diagnosis with a terminal disease such as Dementia. But just because we have given up on some of our old goals, doesn’t mean we have to give up on new ones as the situation changes.
Back Again after our return from the West Coast
Back in Indiana after our winter trip from the East Coast to the West Coast and back and spending some time in the hospital after getting back to Indiana. Update Podcast with Ted & Christy
What to do with Dementia Denia - Part 2
In Part 2 Christy and I go deeper into the question of what do you do when a loved one is denying having early onset dementia. We discuss how starting from a trusting relationship is the foundation for a successful caregiving / receiving relationship.
What to do with Dementia Denia - Part 1
Conflict arises when a spouse or a loved one in displaying symptoms of Dementia of Mild Cognitive Loss. What do you do? Digging in, arguing in or going behind the persons back will not work.
But how do you reset the relationship and get to the answers? This Article is based on my own experience and recommendations of how to properly execute a turn around and get back to a loving and caring relationship that together you can search for answers.
Do I Have Dementia? or 10 Signs of Early Onset Dementia
Discovering if you have early onset dementia is not a direct medical process. First, the differences in you are probably first only notices by you. Second, after that working with the medical field to determine if I had cognitive or other challenges, I found out that determining cognitive changes are not well understood at the GP or PCP level. Last, it takes a series of test to determine if you have dementia.
Here are the early warning signs. #dementia #earlyonsetdementia
Announcing New Website and Book
I know I have been slow at posting a new show but this is a great announcement. We have a new website DementiaTalks.net and a new book in both Kindle and Paperback format (7x10)!
Interview with Kelsey about my Dementia
Today's interview is with my daughter Kelsey visiting from New Zealand after two years of having my diagnosis with dementia. Although Covid kept us apart we have visited via Facetime. This is the first time we have had an extended time together. In this interview Kelsey will share the change she has seen and what she has learned about dementia while visiting here in the States. See more on WanderingLite.com and YouTube "Dementia Talks" #dementia #Dementia Talks
How did I find out I had Dementia
The path to having a correct diagnosis of dementia, especially in early stages, which can help. Is fought with twist and turns. In this YouTube article I discuss the process I went through and what some other friends have experienced. #dementiaawareness #dementiatalks #dementia
Depression - Anxiety and Dementia
Depression, Anxiety can happen to anyone, but they are normal for people with dementia. When your brain stops working the way it used to, and everything takes more concentration and energy it is normal to get depressed or be anxious about you situation. #deprerssion #anxiety #dementia
Pursuit of Peace
Finding peace is important for everyone - No I'm not talking about world peace - but peace to allow yourself time to think, time to rest and time to recuperate. For people with dementia this is critically import.
5 Things to know about dementia
#Memory Loss is a common issue with aging, but not all memory loss is cognitive loss or aging. Today we discuss the difference between memory issues and #Dementia reviewing an article published by Phycology Today.
What does it feel like to have dementia... Installment 2
Following our continued commitment to periodically answer the question... What does it feel like to have dementia. This is installment 2. In this installment I am join by my wife Christy that adds additional characteristics from a caregiver point of view.
Dementia Talks Ask - Who do you think you are?
Who we think we are has a large influence on how we see ourselves. But... do we see ourselves accurately. If you see yourself as generous... are you generous with your time, your talents or are you just generous with money, etc. Today we ask the question... how honestly do you answer the question?
Change - Travel with Dementia
This episode on living with dementia is focused on how we feel after change is introduced to us. This is both a first-hand account but also a guide on how to support someone with dementia when they need to face change.
Giving Your Love to Others
Today's Dementia Talk is about "Never thinking that what you have to give is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give." We all change, some change is brought about by mental or physical disabilities, but even with these challenges we all have something to give... Love
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy benefits
Long overdue, I sent the last couple of months either traveling or going through Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Each provides unique benefits for someone living with dementia. Also, we have been traveling and I have some advice for people that struggle with travel.
43 Years of Love
43 Years ago Chrisy and I were married. We met in May and after a short (very short) engagement we were married. I'm sure many people doubted it would last, but through all the challenges ours is still a marriage based on deep love and respect.
Living with Lewy Body Dementia present what may be part of the final challenge. I'm not sure how it will end, but I do know that love will be at the heart of it.
Coping Mechanism 4a - Finding What Brings You Joy
To find purpose, we need to search inwardly. Looking inwardly or taking an honest assessment of ourselves is very challenging. In fact, it is probably the most important thing that should guide you through the rest of the steps that you will use to find purpose. There are several key items that you can do… all after you have looked inwardly and gotten a good assessment of yourself and where you’re at.
Do it without judgment.
BUT FIRST...
Focus on what you have and what brings you joy. So many people, when they think that they need to have purpose, think they need to start something new or they need to learn a whole new skill set. Or worse, they find something that is clearly outside of their wheelhouse. Going outside of your abilities or comfort zone and finding something else to bring you joy is unfortunately going to be a tremendous waste of time and send you in the wrong direction. Finding your purpose is about:
- Looking at what you have now.
- Where you are now?
- What you can do now?
For more information see Wanderinglite.com
Coping Mechanism 4 - Finding Purpose
Finding Purpose is the 4th coping mechanism - which is about having the ability to focus our energies, it helps us feel like what we’re doing is a contribution to others or to something more important than just simply sitting around waiting for the inevitable.
Today we discus the 5 steps to finding purpose, how to figure out what is import and what is not, what we can do and what we can't do, all the while being honest with what can be achieved.
Last we will review the key ingredient - taking ownership.
We hope you find this Podcast informative and inspiring. Please leave comments and questions either here or Wanderinglite.com You can also watch us on YouTube on "Dementia Talks" please put it in quotes if you are in YouTube Here is the link Dementia Talks
Thanks
Ted Obenour
I Don't Have To Fake It
Life gets so complicated when we have to force ourselves to appear to be in a better state of mind or health than we are. We have all learned to do this, but in the end we are only hurting ourselves. Having friends you can be honest with makes life so much richer. That doesn't mean that if your not doing well that it's OK to be a Debbie downer, no, we are all still responsible for our own happiness. So be honest, don't fake it, but be positive and find a way to up-lift others in the process. That the real meaning of "Fake It Till You Make It" Make that part of your purpose.
Find out more on "Finding Your Purpose" on WanderingLite.com
#fakingit#dementia#livingpositively
Gratitude - How does it affect us mentally
Today we look closer at what it really takes to live in a positive mindset as we examine how thankfulness turn to gratitude not only changes your mindset of how you see the world, It can actually change your brain. This Podcast is for everyone who wants to live a better life.
Dementia Talks - Interview with Christy about being a Caregiver / Partner
Dementia talks is focused on providing information from a first person POV and from a Caregiver "Partners" POV. There is a lot of information to sort though and so much is clinical and/or from organization promoting end of life care for people with Dementia.
Today's episode Christy Obenour joins our discussion as we focus on how to be a partner in the early stages of Dementia.
Coping Mechanism 2 - Calendar Entries. Notes and Reminders
The second most important Coping Mechanism that you can develop if you’re struggling with memory issues is using Calendar, Notes and Reminders.
Like Simplicity, Coping Mechanisms are best implemented as early as possible because we want to use Coping Mechanisms that become good habits.
For more information see WanderingLite.com or email Ted@wanderinglite.com
#Dementia, #Memory Problems,
Coping Mechanism 1 - Simplification
Coping mechanisms allow us to have tools that reduce mental anxiety and frustration for people with memory issues. We are introduction a series of Podcasts that will cover the most helpful tools that I with the help of others have found that will improve life and prepare for times when your memory is worse.
Please post your comments and questions of WanderingLite.com or on the Dementia Talks You Tube Channel. #Living Positively with Dementia
What does it feel like to have dementia
Today I going to talk about what it really feels like to have dementia. Additionally, I'm going to share how I live positively with dementia and the importance this plays in everyday life. Last, I going to cover the value of early diagnosis and coping mechanisms that will help you in the years to come with dementia. Tools and reference document are available ion WanderingLite.com. Please leave your comment on WanderingLite.com.
Dementia Talks - Introduction
Dementia Talks Podcast is a first person point of view of living with dementia. Today there is very little information for the person living with dementia. Most of the information is clinical or directed at the caregiver. But people can live full rewarding positive lives with dementia.
In this podcast we will discuss real issues, real solutions and coping mechanisms, interview others living positively with dementia and recognized experts in the field.
We have rebranded this Podcast to reach a larger audience and to embrace to broader agenda and media that includes Youtube.
So please join us on anyone one of our channels.
Thank You and God Bless
Ted & Christy Obenour
Being In Step With The Spirit
Experiencing Depression even when you trying to live positively can happen to anyone. This is especially challenging for people living with physical or mental issues or both. In today Podcast I will discuss how I deal dealt with a recent bout of deep depressing and the anchor I used to pull myself out of it. More information is available at WanderingLite.com including my recent painting from Wellfield Park in today's Article Being in Step with the Spirit.
#depression#SpiritofGod#Wellfieldpark
Thanks for joining me
Ted@Wanderinglite.com
Reinforcing Living Positively with Purpose
Finding a purpose is not a straightforward task, it requires honesty in your personal assessment of your desires, interests, physical and mental capabilities, financial wherewithal, environment and availability of emotional support from your loved ones.
When we talk about purpose, we're talking about a fundamental realignment of your life. This may seem like a lot to ask, but physical and mental health changes don’t ask permission. The pure reality is we have to accept it. That does not mean that life ends or we can’t find enjoyment in life, it just means things are going to change.
Because the result of finding purpose is not about setting goals, it is about a lifestyle change. Lifestyle changes can only happen if we change our habits.
Current Article on Reinforcing Living Positively with Purpose
Also see - 10 Ways to Live Positively (even with dementia)
What Duck - What Windmills?
What Ducks? Our lives are so busy, we have so many duck to keep track of, but do we have too many ducks?
Link to Wandering Lite Blog What Ducks?
Living Well - The Good Life Model
I want to share a presentation that I gave to a number of students in, a Legal Class for Aging at Forever Learning Institute. I have presented to a couple of classes and each time I think the presentation changed people’s minds about aging and dementia. They had lots of significant questions. I have received great feedback and letters of appreciation each time. I hope you find it enlightening as well.
My Process for Meditating Past Pain
I learned how to meditate years ago as a necessity to keep doing my job. I use this form of meditation to get through the pain in those peak moments. Learning meditation, can help you with the pain of stress and you can apply it to sever pain like back pain, (which after three back surgeries I know this pain) arthritis, MS and others. It also known to have great benefits for people with dementia.
For more information on the books on mediation I cover go to Wandering Lite and look at the Good Reads for information
The Days That will Break You
There are days that will seem to break you, maybe you get up and find that the pain is more than you can stand, or depression is over whelming, so many things can cause those days, but here’s where living positivity make a difference. You don’t start with just staying OK I’m going to be positive you start with a purpose. Today we will start with this idea and build on it, but if you want more information right away refer to the article “Finally – Moving Forward” but if your struggling with a big change start with the article “Getting to Acceptance”
Introduction to Wandering Lite Podcast
Wandering Lite is about "personally" living positively with dementia, but it can be applied to anyone facing life’s real challenges. Ted was diagnosed after many years with Lewy Body Dementia, after a lot of searching Ted realized that there is very little info from a first person point of view. This Podcast is about not just living with dementia but living with it positively, day in and day out. Each time we will cover how to cope, how to deal with changes, how it effects living with others, and we will do this as long as possible. So join us and we'll take the journey together.