Navigating Alzheimer's with Poetry: Insights from Caregivers and Poets

AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia

Welcome to another insightful episode of Untangling Alzheimer's and Dementia, and a replay of our recent book club with Aging and Amazing. In this episode, we bring together a panel of poets who share a common thread—each has navigated the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Your hosts, Marianne Sciucco and Ann Campanella, along with guest authors Daniel Potts, MD, Sue Fagalde Lick, Sherri Levine, and Margaret Stawowy delve into the world of poetry as a powerful outlet for expressing the complex emotions tied to Alzheimer's and dementia care.

Listen as these courageous caregivers discuss how poetry provides solace and a sense of connection amidst the trials of caregiving. From Sherri Levine's poignant reflections on taking flowers to her mother in hospice, to Margaret Stawowy's candid portrayal of medicating her mother, and Dan Potts’s therapeutic use of art and poetry to connect with his father, each story shines a light on the personal battles and moments of tenderness that define the caregiving experience.

We also have laughter amid the hardships as Sue Lick shares a day in the life at a nursing home through her evocative poetry. Don't miss her heartwarming tale of memory care residents joyously indulging in ice cream.

Tune in to find inspiration, empathy, and perhaps a new way to process your own experiences through the beauty of poetry.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Therapeutic Expression: Poetry serves as a potent form of therapy, helping caregivers process complex emotions and find joy amidst adversity.

2. Community and Support: Sharing stories and artistic expressions can cultivate a community of support, making the dementia journey less isolating.

3. Finding Humor: Embracing moments of joy and laughter is crucial, as highlighted by our lighthearted story, showing the importance of positivity in caregiving.

About the Authors

Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the

Neighbors

Sue Fagalde Lick, Gravel Road Ahead

Daniel Potts, MD, Bringing Art to Life

Margaret Stawowy, co-editor of Storms

of the Inland Sea, an anthology with Jim Cokas

About the Moderators

Ann Campanella, What Flies Away and The Beach Poems

Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story

Pre-order our new anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey.

Register for our Poetry Reading June 3 at 4 pm EST.

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

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