Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with LAUREN

Lauren chats with Katie Barrett, Senior Manager for the Internet Archive. Katie explains how the Archive, primarily known for the Wayback Machine, is the largest digital library in the world. Katie and Lauren talk about their journey through dementia, with Katie sharing her personal experience with her Dad as his disease progressed.

Lauren talks with Dr. Vahe Peroomian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southern California, about the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.

Lauren talks with Dr. Gary Small, Chair of Psychiatry, Hackensack University Medical Center and Behavioral Health Physician in Chief, Hackensack Meridian Health. They address how to slow or delay the onset of dementia symptoms through lifestyle changes, but also how to manage dementia in the family and how it affects all family members.

Lauren talks with Hillary Loftus of the Help Our Wounded Foundation. Hillary is the Health Care Education Director for the 501(c)(3) organization focused on helping those with neurological impairments to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  (republished from 2022)

CranioSacral Longevity Specialist Michael Morgan interviews Lauren Mahakian for the Alzheimer's World Summit. 

Katie Barrett is Senior Fundraising Manager at the Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library offering permanent access for researchers, historians, and scholars to one of the world's largest repositories of knowledge in digital format. Celebrating its 25th year, the Internet Archive now serves more than 1.5 million patrons each day, providing access to 70 petabytes of data—books, web pages, music, television, and software and working with more than 800 library and university partners to create a digital library, free and accessible to all. Prior to her work at the Archive, Barrett promoted artist advocacy and education through membership to the Recording Academy, the organization best known for producing the annual Grammy Awards. She is also Founder of Pops & Buzzes, a membership organization whose mission is to create deeper community and professional growth for women working in the music and entertainment industries in the Bay Area. 

John La Puma MD is the leading physician voice for culinary medicine and for nature therapy; he is an expert in healthy living, wellness and nutrition. Both a board-certified internist and professionally trained chef, he is a New York Times best-selling author twice, a TEDx and TEDMED speaker, and runs a teaching avocado and rare citrus farm.https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/

Vahe Peroomian has been teaching physics and astronomy for over 20 years, with a teaching philosophy centered on the success of not just a select few students in each class, but each and every student that is enrolled in the courses he teaches. Vahé has 25 years of research experience in space science (specializing in geomagnetic storms and their societal impacts) with funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation. In addition to his passion for astronomy, Vahe is an avid photographer and an author on the Serway and Jewett series of physics textbooks. Since June 2005, Vahe has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Glendale Community College (GCC) in Glendale, California, a city-wise elected position to which he has been reelected three times.

Gary Small, M.D., is new Chair of Psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, and Physician in Chief for Behavioral Health Services for Hackensack Meridian Health. Prior to joining HUMC, he was Professor of Psychiatry, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging, and Director of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Longevity Center at UCLA. Dr. Small has authored over 500 scientific works and received numerous awards and honors, including the American Psychiatric Association’s Weinberg Award for Excellence in Geriatric Psychiatry. Scientific American magazine named him one of the world’s top 50 innovators in science and technology. He is the author of 12 popular books, including The New York Times bestseller, The Memory Bible.

Hilary Loftus is the Healthcare Education Director for HOW Foundation, a 501c non-profit located in Delray Beach, Florida. HOW’s mission is to help those with neurological impairments by advocating for and helping to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Hilary also has her own consulting group that helps medically-directed HBOT facilities expand their practice and help more patients. Hilary’s background in sports education and development, as well as marketing and business with a Bachelors in Psychology, and her past experience as a “soccer and baseball mom” has proved helpful with her clients, especially in launching the new Concussed Student Athlete and Concussed Equestrian Programs for HOW Foundation this year.

Dr. Aarchan Joshi, MD is a Ophthalmology Specialist in Redondo Beach, CA and has over 26 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from UMDNJ--Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1994.

Scott A. Kaiser M.D., is a practicing geriatrician and Chief Innovation Officer at MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund), a non-profit organization which provides services, support and assistance to the entertainment industry community. In this role, Dr. Kaiser leads efforts to improve population health and well-being through social and community-based interventions. With a clinical focus on brain health, Dr. Kaiser serves as the Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at the Pacific Brain Health Center, where he provides specialty geriatric medical care. An adjunct faculty member at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and actively involved in several community organizations, Dr. Kaiser continues to be engaged in teaching, program development, community-outreach, and research. He is passionately committed to advancing innovations in geriatric care and developing effective ways to improve health and well-being in an aging population.

Michael Morgan LMT, CST-D has been an instructor of CranioSacral Therapy for the Upledger Institute for over 18 years and has taught this technique extensively North America, Canada, Russia, Mexico, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland and other countries around the world. He has been featured in interviews on radio, Internet, webinars, and other media over the last 10 years. CranioSacral Therapy, as developed by Osteopathic pioneer John Upledger, DO, is a very gentle, light touch, noninvasive therapy which allows the practitioner to sense and feel restrictions in all parts of the body and release them, resulting in relief from headaches, closed head injuries, childhood trauma including autism and cerebral palsy, concussion and relief from a variety of age-related diseases including alzheimer's and dementia

Alex is an award-winning individual with international experience working withchildren and young people. Eight years of experience as a teacher led to him to establish a not-for-profit organisation that empowers young adults with disabilities to create positive social change, by delivering awareness training across schools, community groups, businesses and more. They have delivered training to over 1600 people, with 100% of their audience recommending their work. Alex is the author of a new children's book to raise awareness of Dementia, inspired by his grandmother, who has Mixed Dementia. A crowdfunding campaign supported the production of the book, which will be released in early 2021 as part of an educational series for childrenabout different disabilities and long-term health conditions. For more information, visit www.happysmilesblog.co.uk.

Dr. Philip Delio, MD is a Neurology Specialist in Santa Barbara, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Delio has more experience with Headache, Neurocritical Care, and General Neurological Disorders than other specialists in his area. He graduated from Georgetown U, School of Medicine medical school in 1995. He is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

John La Puma MD is the leading physician voice for culinary medicine and for nature therapy; he is an expert in healthy living, wellness and nutrition. Both a board-certified internist and professionally trained chef, he is a New York Times best-selling author twice, a TEDx and TEDMED speaker, and runs a teaching avocado and rare citrus farm.https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/

Senior Star Power Productions, founded in 2007 by Pink Lady Jackie Goldberg, has been supporting seniors, baby boomers, veterans, active-duty, and 1st responders ever since. Pink Lady’s vision is to keep these groups vital, creative, productive, energetic, and definitely, entertaining.Pink Lady’s unending energy is now channeled into her newest venture: Pink Lady Presents, streaming television variety programming where you’ll find those with “Lives Well Lived,” guests of all ages and from all walks of life, sharing their experiences.

In this episode, LAUREN interviews Hamilton Meserve talking about preserving his mother's memory and keeping charitable theater alive during COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton's mother, Margeret Hamilton, played the role of Wicked Witch of the West in the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Hamilton talks of how his mother was almost the opposite of this memorable role and spend much of her life on charitable works and helping children understand the difference between make-believe and reality.

End of Life Care & Dementia with Jeannie Meyer, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at UCLA Health System.Jeannie Meyer started her healthcare career as a Nurse’s Aide doing long-term care, then as an LVN in Critical Care. She obtained her BSN and MSN from University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has been a Clinical Nurse Specialist since 2000, with national certifications in Critical Care, Progressive Care and Palliative Care. She has presented at a state and national level on multiple Palliative Care topics, including presentations for National Association of CNSs and American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Jeannie is currently the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at UCLA Healthsystem and President of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses’ Association Los Angeles Regional Chapter (HPNA-LARC).

Catch part two with former NFL player,George Visger who really opens up about his journey with CTE

Pamela Spyrs, founder of INSPYRS PR, is a publicist, producer and environmentalist based in Southern California who has accumulated a vast network of artists, filmmakers, designers, environmental game changers, and humanitarian benefactors. Pamela has worked with innumerable clients bringing them to the next level and has established a respected reputation in doing so.In this podcast, Pamela shares her story of how her path crossed with dementia involving her mother, following a terrible automobile accident and then the unexpected loss of her father. Pamela truly "INSPYRS" by staying positive throughout her journey and, together with her twin sister Sharon, keeping her parents' memory alive.

In this episode, Lauren interviews George Visger, who played in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers in 1980 and 1981. George's story intersects with our conversation about memory impairment, beginning when he sustained a concussion in a game against the Cowboys in 1980. He was administered numerous smelling salts during that game and never missed a play or practice. In the following 1981 Super Bowl season, George developed hydrocephalus and underwent 3 emergency ventriculoperitoneal, or VP shunt brain surgeries in 8 months. A VP shunt is a medical device that relieves pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation. He was given last rites and the massive hospital bills at the age of 23.George talks about his holistic approach to getting off dementia medications, his extensive use of notebooks to document his interactions with people to make up for his short term memory loss, and other relevant topics. Not to be missed!

In this episode, LAUREN and producer Tom discuss stress, in general but also specifically during this national/worldwide quarantine as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.Also check out Lauren's column in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News: Denial, deception, and disinformation.

In this episode, LAUREN is joined by Jonathan Chute, Pastor of Rolling Hills United Methodist Church in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. They discuss the needs of people during this challenging and unprecedented time. Jonathan and Lauren discuss their observations, as well as reflections, and both emphasize the need to be unusually kind at this time of grief. Good can come out of this, and both see the good in people especially in challenging times.

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Dr. Jane Mahakian to discuss health and seniors with dementia, specifically how they (and the care industry) are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses to it. For the first time, Producer Tom, Lauren, and guests all join remotely, practicing "safe distancing."

In this episode, Tom interviews Lauren at one of her memory care homes, Family Connect Memory Care Boutique, on the topic of resolving. Basically, the older adult has an innate need to resolve their unresolved issues, which becomes amplified and complicated with dementia. This is not a topic often heard about in literature, so be sure to listen in and learn more.

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Cynthia Cox, Certified Elder Law Attorney, who discusses legal matters related to dementia, including how to approach your loved one about establishing a trust and what to do first to establish a trust. Cynthia also discusses some of the aspects of conservatorship, including why a court needs to get involved in someone's well-being and some of the things they consider when doing so. Any family facing financial or physical care needs for their aging loved ones with dementia will benefit from listening to this episode.Lauren is joined by producer Tom and by Zehra Syed of Oakmont of Torrance.

Welcome to Season 2 of Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with Lauren. Lauren, founder of Family Connect Care, is back with more advice to dispense on a variety of dementia-related topics, again joined by her producer (and ex-husband) Tom. Again, the podcasts will be recorded from a variety of venues in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles. In this episode, Lauren shares thoughts on planning for a transition, or move, for loved ones with dementia. She and Marilyn Lyon highlight some recurring themes on the topic from Lauren's Memory, Coffee and Compassion Support Group meetings and emphasizes the need to start planning early, not just for your loved ones but for yourself.Special thanks to Maniaci Insurance Services in Palos Verdes for hosting this episode of the podcast.

In this final episode of Season 1, LAUREN discusses her latest project, her third boutique memory care home. She is joined by producer Tom, as well as by their daughter Arianna. In this episode, Lauren describes the processes and steps to open a memory care home and what is unique about her latest project, South Bay Memory Care in Torrance, California.

The first of its kind, this episode was recorded over lunch with several of Lauren's clients discussing dementia in general, although conversation focused largely on residential care and care facilities for those with dementia. Other topics include the importance of staff training, as well as taking the time needed to make the decision for your family and loved one that you can live with.This episode was recorded over lunch at Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana, "Simply delicious Italian cuisine."

In this episode, LAUREN addresses communication techniques and challenges for several stages of dementia, from late, vegetative stages, to early, higher-functioning stages.This podcast was recorded at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center located in Torrance, California. Lauren is joined by podcast producer Tom, as well as Vatche Khedesian, Senior Care Manager with Family Connect Care, and Marilyn Lyon, Family Connect Care's Director of Community Outreach.

In this episode, Lauren discusses personal care as it pertains to caring for those with dementia. Focusing largely on bathing approaches and concerns, Lauren also addresses other matters of personal care and talks about how those can be different or have different concerns for someone with dementia, including shaving, toileting, nail care, and dental care. Lauren is joined by Vatche Khedesian, Senior Care Manager with Family Connect Care, and Marilyn Lyon, Family Connect Care's Director of Community Outreach, as well as Tom, who produces the podcast.This episode was recorded on location at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California.

LAUREN and special guest Linda D'Ambrosi of Vista Sotheby's International Realty in Rolling Hills Estates, California, discuss some of the important factors and considerations when selling the family home when dementia is part of the equation. Subjects touched on in this episode include the emotional aspects of selling a home with memories, thinking of the home as an asset to provide needed care, how to go about the sale, power of attorney for financial decisions, and more. Best of all, Lauren and Linda have fun and work well together in this fast-moving episode.Lauren and Linda are joined in the studio (at the offices of Vista Sotheby's International Realty in Rolling Hills Estates, CA) by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.

LAUREN tackles the difficult subject of driving and dementia. She begins discussing normal decline in driving ability with age and moves to how to talk with your loved one about driving as he or she ages. Ultimately, LAUREN shares how to go about taking away the keys when it becomes absolutely necessary, and shares two of her most challenging cases - admittedly extreme, but entertaining. Lauren is joined in the studio (at the offices of Linda D'Ambrosi of Vista Sotheby's International Realty in Rolling Hills Estates, CA) by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, Linda D'Ambrosi, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.

In this episode of Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with LAUREN, we explore knowing when it's time to move someone with dementia to a community, and how to go about it. Lauren shares some stories about challenging moves, and also discusses corporations that operate large memory care communities, and what to look for in a memory care community - specifically caregiver-to-resident ratios. She sums it all up as, "Don't be blinded by the chandeliers!" Lauren is joined in the studio (at the offices of Suzy Zimmerman State Farm Insurance) by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.

In this episode of Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with LAUREN, we explore how a diagnosis of dementia is made and what families should do once armed with that knowledge. Lauren addresses questions about families wanting to provide care themselves and how a care assessment can help them in their difficult journey. She also addresses frequently asked questions such as, "What if a family wants their loved one to remain in their home?" and, "What should a family look for in a caregiver?" She closes the episode by addressing the importance of consistency from caregivers and the importance of matching needs with caregiver's capabilities and personalities.Lauren is joined in the studio (at the offices of Suzy Zimmerman State Farm Insurance) by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.

In this episode of Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with LAUREN, we address what's normal memory decline and what's not. Lauren also discusses types of dementia, as well as behaviors that can result, including agitation, aggression, and anger. She also addresses frequently asked questions such as, "Can dementia be prevented or delayed?" and "How aware are people with dementia of their impairment?" She closes the episode by addressing the importance of aging with respect and dignity.Lauren is joined in the studio by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.

In this debut podcast of Unlocking the Doors of Dementia with LAUREN, we explore what drew her into the field of working with those suffering from dementia. She explains what a care manager does, and why families might need someone like her to help care for their loved one with dementia. She also addresses what families should do if they suspect their loved one may be suffering from a serious memory impairment and knowing when it's time to call for help.Lauren is joined in the studio by Marilyn Lyon, Director of Community Engagement for Family Connect Care, and Tom Spiglanin who produces the podcast.