Co-hosts Virginia and Steve are joined by Renée Brown Harmon, MD, a retired family physician, who shares her eight-year journey as a caregiver for her husband, Harvey, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at age 49. Dr. Harmon discusses the challenges of caregiving, the stages and types of grief, and the coping strategies she used. She also highlights the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take. Her book, Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer's: Principles of Caregiving that Kept Me Upright, provides practical guidance and emphasizes the importance of accurate information, community, and self-care for caregivers.

Renée's website can also be found here:

• https://www.reneeharmon.com/about/

(From the Archives) Virginia and Steve speak with Dr. Galindo, who cared for her father with Alzheimer's disease and helps the listeners understand the importance of simplifying the holidays to maximize enjoyment for everyone. She gives tips on focusing on one or two traditions and recruiting help instead of trying to balance caregiving with all of the pressures of maintaining family traditions. For more caregiver resources at the holidays and throughout the year visit www.alzoc.org or call the helpline at 844-373-4400. Happy Holidays!

(From the Archives) Dee Ransom joins Steve and Virginia to discuss some of the adjustments she has had to make being a caregiver for her husband, John, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Dee shares her experience learning to advocate for her husband, adapting to changes in their relationship and the difficulty and hidden blessings involved in placing him in a residential facility.