Podcasts about gerda saunders

Anyone living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and those who care for them, knows the importance of lifestyle adjustments to successfully navigate this journey. From simple strategies like making lists, reducing social commitments, and focusing on tasks that bring joy, to complex maneuvers like family involvement in advanced directive planning, the lifestyle changes are indeed varied. In this podcast hosted by Kensington Senior Living, three authors discuss the role of personalized coping mechanisms, underscoring the unique experience each individual and family uses to embrace and adapt to the uncertainties of Alzheimer's. You'll meet Daniel Gibbs, MD, a retired neurologist diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, Gerda Saunders, a retired instructor in the Gender Studies Program at the University of Utah diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, and Jane Dwinell, an RN, freelance writer, Unitarian Universalist minister, and caregiver to her late husband, Sky Yardley, diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Moderated by AlzAuthors co-founder Marianne Sciucco and Susan Evans from Kensington Senior Living. In this episode, you will: Hear personal stories of living with Alzheimer's and dementiaDiscover lifestyle modifications to better manage these conditionsLearn how to navigate daily life with dementiaUnderstand the importance of family support Outtakes: "The more you know, the better you could love." - Gerda Saunders "What's good for the heart is good for the head." - Dr. Daniel Gibbs Resources: Explore the AlzAuthors website to discover books, blogs, podcasts, and films written by authors who share their personal experiences with Alzheimer's and dementiaVisit Kensington Senior Living's website to learn more about their seven unique communities and the relationship-based care they offerConsider reading Dr. Daniel Gibbs' A Tattoo on My Brain to learn about his journey as a retired neurologist living with Alzheimer's and the lifestyle modifications that can help slow the progression of the diseaseCheck out Gerda Saunders' memoir, Memory's Last Breath, to gain insights into the experience of living with dementia and the perspective changes that come with itLearn more about Jane Dwinell's book, Alzheimer's Canyon, which chronicles her caregiving journey for her late husband with Alzheimer'sRead Marianne Sciucco's novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story Our Book Club with Aging & Amazing Visit our website for full details Visit Aging & Amazing 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. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here's what you need to know. Shop our Store Join our book club

Anyone living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and those who care for them, knows the importance of lifestyle adjustments to successfully navigate this journey. From simple strategies like making lists, reducing social commitments, and focusing on tasks that bring joy, to complex maneuvers like family involvement in advanced directive planning, the lifestyle changes are indeed varied. In this podcast hosted by Kensington Senior Living, three authors discuss the role of personalized coping mechanisms, underscoring the unique experience each individual and family uses to embrace and adapt to the uncertainties of Alzheimer's. You'll meet Daniel Gibbs, MD, a retired neurologist diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, Gerda Saunders, a retired instructor in the Gender Studies Program at the University of Utah diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, and Jane Dwinell, an RN, freelance writer, Unitarian Universalist minister, and caregiver to her late husband, Sky Yardley, diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Moderated by AlzAuthors co-founder Marianne Sciucco and Susan Evans from Kensington Senior Living. In this episode, you will: Hear personal stories of living with Alzheimer's and dementia Discover lifestyle modifications to better manage these conditions Learn how to navigate daily life with dementia Understand the importance of family support Outtakes: "The more you know, the better you could love." - Gerda Saunders "What's good for the heart is good for the head." - Dr. Daniel Gibbs Resources: Explore the AlzAuthors website to discover books, blogs, podcasts, and films written by authors who share their personal experiences with Alzheimer's and dementia Visit Kensington Senior Living's website to learn more about their seven unique communities and the relationship-based care they offer Consider reading Dr. Daniel Gibbs' A Tattoo on My Brain to learn about his journey as a retired neurologist living with Alzheimer's and the lifestyle modifications that can help slow the progression of the disease Check out Gerda Saunders' memoir, Memory's Last Breath, to gain insights into the experience of living with dementia and the perspective changes that come with it Learn more about Jane Dwinell's book, Alzheimer's Canyon, which chronicles her caregiving journey for her late husband with Alzheimer's Read Marianne Sciucco's novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story Our Book Club with Aging & Amazing Visit our website for full details Visit Aging & Amazing 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. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here's what you need to know. Shop our Store Join our book club

In this episode, you'll hear from a diverse group of guests who share their personal experiences and insights on living with dementia. Peter Berry, Michael Ellenbogen, Gerda Saunders, and Jennifer Bute each bring their unique perspectives, providing a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with dementia. From discussing the impact of technology on social connections to the importance of finding supportive living arrangements, this episode covers a wide range of topics that caregivers and family members of individuals living with dementia will find valuable. Tune in to gain new insights and discover how technology, support systems, and personal resilience can enhance the lives of individuals with dementia. In this episode, you will: Hear personal reflections from individuals living with dementia, offering a unique perspective on their journey and valuable insights for caregivers and family members Explore the powerful ways in which technology can be utilized to manage and support individuals with dementia, enhancing their quality of life Find out what Jennifer thinks of A-L-E-X-A Meet the authors on our website Download ebook: Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiving Stories Download Caregiver Tip Sheet: 13 Helpful Tips for the Long-Distance Caregiver Reading2Connect on AlzAuthors.com 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 visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening. We are a WCN Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here's what you need to know. Shop our Store

In this episode, you'll hear from a diverse group of guests who share their personal experiences and insights on living with dementia. Peter Berry, Michael Ellenbogen, Gerda Saunders, and Jennifer Bute each bring their unique perspectives, providing a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with dementia. From discussing the impact of technology on social connections to the importance of finding supportive living arrangements, this episode covers a wide range of topics that caregivers and family members of individuals living with dementia will find valuable. Tune in to gain new insights and discover how technology, support systems, and personal resilience can enhance the lives of individuals with dementia. In this episode, you will: Hear personal reflections from individuals living with dementia, offering a unique perspective on their journey and valuable insights for caregivers and family membersExplore the powerful ways in which technology can be utilized to manage and support individuals with dementia, enhancing their quality of lifeFind out what Jennifer thinks of A-L-E-X-A Meet the authors on our website Download ebook: Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiving Stories Download Caregiver Tip Sheet: 13 Helpful Tips for the Long-Distance Caregiver Reading2Connect on AlzAuthors.com 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 visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening. We are a WCN Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here's what you need to know. Shop our Store

A new documentary The Gerda That Remains chronicles the life of Gerda Saunders, who was diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, a precursor of vascular dementia, at the age of 61 in 2011. Being Patient catches up with her and her husband Peter Saunders nearly three years since we first spoke with Gerda. Read more: https://www.beingpatient.com/gerda-saunders-peter-dementia/

Today's guest is Gerda Saunders, author of the mesmerizing memoir Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia, in which she describes in great detail her descent into cerebral microvascular disease, a precursor to dementia. A gifted writer, she is also a woman of many talents and has had a remarkable career in higher education. She grew up in South Africa during apartheid, the child of a farmer in a family of six children. In spite of her family's lack of resources, she succeeded in earning a B.S. in Math and Chemistry from the University of Pretoria. She then worked as a research scientist at the South African Atomic Energy Board for three years and left that to become a teacher. She taught Science and Math at Kempton Park (Afrikaans) High School, and Math and Physics at the Kempton Park Technical Institute. In 1984, she emigrated to the United States and settled in Utah with her husband Peter and their two children. She continued her education at the University of Utah and earned a PhD in English while teaching Business and Creative Writing. After graduation, she worked for seven years in the business world as a technical writer and program manager. In 2001, she became the Associate Director of Gender Studies at the University of Utah. In addition to her administrative role, she taught classes in gender studies and English Literature. In 2002, SMU Press published her first book, Blessings on the Sheep Dog, a collection of stories about which Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee said, "With cool intelligence, laconic wit, and deep feeling, Saunders explores the moral chaos of South Africa and the pain of a new generation of...exiles." In this episode we discuss what led to her seeking a diagnosis for the peculiar and worrisome behaviors that surfaced at the age of 61, how she's lived joyously for almost a decade with the d-word, and her carefully crafted end-of-life plan. Start reading Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia now! https://amzn.to/2LdZuQ8 Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Read Gerda's post on AlzAuthors: https://alzauthors.com/2017/10/31/meet-gerda-saunders-author-of-memorys-last-breath/ Read Gerda's article in Slate: My Dementia - Telling who I am before I forget http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2014/03/dementia_and_aging_diary_of_a_sufferer_of_microvascular_disease.html Connect with Gerda Saunders: Website: https://www.gerdasaunders.com/ Blog: https://www.gerdasaunders.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerda.saunders Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16645330.Gerda_Saunders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerda-saunders-a85381100/detail/recent-activity/shares/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gerdasaunders/my-dementia-my-fashion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GerdaMSaunders Each season our podcast brings you six of our authors sharing their dementia journeys. 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 in need of knowledge, comfort, and support on their own dementia journeys. AlzAuthors is 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 visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening.

Today’s guest is Gerda Saunders, author of the mesmerizing memoir Memory’s Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia, in which she describes in great detail her descent into cerebral microvascular disease, a precursor to dementia. A gifted writer, she is also a woman of many talents and has had a remarkable career in higher education. She grew up in South Africa during apartheid, the child of a farmer in a family of six children. In spite of her family’s lack of resources, she succeeded in earning a B.S. in Math and Chemistry from the University of Pretoria. She then worked as a research scientist at the South African Atomic Energy Board for three years and left that to become a teacher. She taught Science and Math at Kempton Park (Afrikaans) High School, and Math and Physics at the Kempton Park Technical Institute. In 1984, she emigrated to the United States and settled in Utah with her husband Peter and their two children.  She continued her education at the University of Utah and earned a PhD in English while teaching Business and Creative Writing. After graduation, she worked for seven years in the business world as a technical writer and program manager. In 2001, she became the Associate Director of Gender Studies at the University of Utah. In addition to her administrative role, she taught classes in gender studies and English Literature.  In 2002, SMU Press published her first book, Blessings on the Sheep Dog, a collection of stories about which Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee said, "With cool intelligence, laconic wit, and deep feeling, Saunders explores the moral chaos of South Africa and the pain of a new generation of...exiles."  In this episode we discuss what led to her seeking a diagnosis for the peculiar and worrisome behaviors that surfaced at the age of 61, how she’s lived joyously for almost a decade with the d-word, and her carefully crafted end-of-life plan. Start reading Memory’s Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia now! https://amzn.to/2LdZuQ8 Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Read Gerda’s post on AlzAuthors: https://alzauthors.com/2017/10/31/meet-gerda-saunders-author-of-memorys-last-breath/ Read Gerda’s article in Slate: My Dementia - Telling who I am before I forget  http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2014/03/dementia_and_aging_diary_of_a_sufferer_of_microvascular_disease.html Connect with Gerda Saunders: Website: https://www.gerdasaunders.com/ Blog: https://www.gerdasaunders.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerda.saunders Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16645330.Gerda_Saunders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerda-saunders-a85381100/detail/recent-activity/shares/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gerdasaunders/my-dementia-my-fashion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GerdaMSaunders Each season our podcast brings you six of our authors sharing their dementia journeys. 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 in need of knowledge, comfort, and support on their own dementia journeys.  AlzAuthors is 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 visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening.

Episode: 2020.6.16.The Living Full Out show inspires you to embrace the future and overcome your fears. Whether you are worried about getting that promotion or finding the love of your life, it’s important to contemplate the times ahead and find a support team to assist you in accomplishing your goals. Our first caller, Janica, has been feeling anxious when thinking about her life. She is nervous about what’s to come after college and finding the perfect career. Janica wants to know how can she stop worrying about the future and live in the present? Tune in to hear Nancy explain why Janica should create a vision board to navigate her along her path. Our second caller, Jahisha, just graduated and is about to start her pro athletic career. She feels that she has a lot to prove and financial pressure is catching up to her. Jahisha asks how she can bring the best out of herself without getting caught up in the stress of it all. Listen to Nancy describe the importance of prioritizing and conquering tasks one at a time.Our inspirational guest, Gerda Saunders, was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 61. Although it forced her to retire from her job as a college professor, Gerda didn’t let her memory loss take over her life and she developed ways to cope with it. Listen to hear how Gerda has discussed with her family about what to do when she loses her memory. Our final caller, Shell, has a son who still lives at home. Shell feels that her son is financially stable and can afford his own place, and she wants him to start living an adult life. Shell asks Nancy what she can do to get her son motivated to take the next step to live on his own. Hear Nancy suggest creative solutions for Shell to put responsibility into her son’s hands.Perhaps you are skeptical of your future and feel as if certain circumstances are holding you back. Focus on your state of mind and being optimistic. By choosing to embrace the future, you can overcome any obstacle and live full out.

Episode: 2020.6.16.The Living Full Out show inspires you to embrace the future and overcome your fears. Whether you are worried about getting that promotion or finding the love of your life, it’s important to contemplate the times ahead and find a support team to assist you in accomplishing your goals. Our first caller, Janica, has been feeling anxious when thinking about her life. She is nervous about what’s to come after college and finding the perfect career. Janica wants to know how can she stop worrying about the future and live in the present? Tune in to hear Nancy explain why Janica should create a vision board to navigate her along her path. Our second caller, Jahisha, just graduated and is about to start her pro athletic career. She feels that she has a lot to prove and financial pressure is catching up to her. Jahisha asks how she can bring the best out of herself without getting caught up in the stress of it all. Listen to Nancy describe the importance of prioritizing and conquering tasks one at a time.Our inspirational guest, Gerda Saunders, was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 61. Although it forced her to retire from her job as a college professor, Gerda didn’t let her memory loss take over her life and she developed ways to cope with it. Listen to hear how Gerda has discussed with her family about what to do when she loses her memory. Our final caller, Shell, has a son who still lives at home. Shell feels that her son is financially stable and can afford his own place, and she wants him to start living an adult life. Shell asks Nancy what she can do to get her son motivated to take the next step to live on his own. Hear Nancy suggest creative solutions for Shell to put responsibility into her son’s hands.Perhaps you are skeptical of your future and feel as if certain circumstances are holding you back. Focus on your state of mind and being optimistic. By choosing to embrace the future, you can overcome any obstacle and live full out.

My name is Kimberly Scott, I am a part-time caregiver and a Podcast Practitioner; I am grateful to have spoken interview Gerda Saunders, author of Memory’s Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia. Gerda is living with Dementia; she was 61 years old when she was diagnosed with microvascular dementia. Gerda emigrated to the United States from South Africa in 1984. In 1996 she received a Ph.D. in English from the University of Utah, where she later served as associate director of the Gender Studies Program. When Gerda and her family noticed her memory lapses, she knew that she had a form of degenerative brain issue. When she finally had herself checked, her MRI showed multiple frontal lobe lesions (microvascular dementia.) Gerda is blessed with a loving family. She was 17, and her husband, Peter, was 19 when they fell in love. Now they have been together for 50 years, and her husband is her primary caregiver. The amazing thing about Gerda and her story is how she and her family worked and communicated together. She has been open to everyone about her condition, and even though this disease is slowly taking some of her skills, she still looks at life with fresh eyes. The acceptance and the courage to face life and not succumb to the negativity it brings is beyond impressive. Listen to the whole interview for Kimberly, and Gerda talked a lot of pain points and wisdom that will open a different avenue about what it’s like to have to live with Dementia. Their conversation will make your heart melt, it will bring tears, and it will also paint a smile on your face. At the end of it, you will surely never forget the lessons they imparted. Learn more about Gerda: Website: https://www.gerdasaunders.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/gerda.saunders?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/gerdamsaunders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerda-saunders-a85381100?trk=author_mini-profile_title Listen to other episodes or signup to be a guest on a Podcast: https://thatkimberly.com/convos-with-kimberly/ Connect on: FB: https://www.facebook.com/thatkimberlyscott Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatkimberly IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatkimscott Twitter: https://twitter.com/that_kimberly Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdrDMJCNq8kxGGgqsO8avwQ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thatkimberly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thatkimberly/support

In 2010, Gerda Saunders learned that she has dementia. So she started writing what she calls field notes on the progress of her condition. The result is her memoir, Memory's Last Breath . This episode was picked by KUER's newsroom managing editor Elaine Clark

Weekly JourneywithJesus.net postings, read by Debie Thomas. Essay by Debie Thomas: *In a Nutshell* for Sunday, 11 March 2018; book review by Dan Clendenin: *Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia* by Gerda Saunders (2017); film review by Dan Clendenin: *A Quiet Passion* (2017); poem selected by Dan Clendenin: *The Avowal* by Denise Levertov.

Episode: 2017.3.26The Living Full Out Show with Nancy Solari understands that everyone has their burdens to carry. They can come in the forms of stress over our occupations, responsibilities to friends and family, or even that we contribute to making other’s lives difficult. By shifting our perspective of the challenges life throws at us, we can learn to overcome and become stronger for it. When you decide to be transparent and open you will take steps in feeling free. Our first caller, Alison, tells Nancy about how hard of a time she has staying motivated and making new friends. Just starting out at a new school has put her in a difficult position with no idea where to begin, Tune into Nancy teaching her how to envision what she wants and put herself out there. Our second caller, Ed, has had troubles with distractions keeping him from achieving his goals. He had looked to more freedom after college so that he could finally pursue his dreams but he believes he still isn’t living up to his potential. Hear how Nancy guides him to prioritizing his life by reshaping his habits.Our inspirational guest, Gerda Saunders, recounts the times in which she realized she was experiencing the early signs of dementia. Listen to how Gerda began losing portions of her memory during events at work and with her family. Gerda tells Nancy of the support she received from her colleagues and family members that helped her eventually accept her condition. Gerda describes how her illness has allowed her to appreciate the people in her life and taught her how to truly experience living in the moment.Our final caller, Yeymi, worries she is not yet ready to start a family. After a year of marriage, her husband is ready for children but Yeymi isn’t convinced she can balance pursuing her career and taking care of a baby. Hear Nancy advise her to gain inspiration from the people in her life that are in similar situations. Nancy lets her know that the strength she found to overcome her past struggles can be used to get her through her current dilemma.Everyone’s burdens can weigh heavy on them from time to time. It is having the resilience to manage our struggles that can lead us to self-recovery. We each have the ability to come to terms with our circumstances. There are ways to overcome our situations without needing to depend on others. With enough perseverance we can conquer our issues and truly start living full out.

Episode: 2017.3.26The Living Full Out Show with Nancy Solari understands that everyone has their burdens to carry. They can come in the forms of stress over our occupations, responsibilities to friends and family, or even that we contribute to making other’s lives difficult. By shifting our perspective of the challenges life throws at us, we can learn to overcome and become stronger for it. When you decide to be transparent and open you will take steps in feeling free. Our first caller, Alison, tells Nancy about how hard of a time she has staying motivated and making new friends. Just starting out at a new school has put her in a difficult position with no idea where to begin, Tune into Nancy teaching her how to envision what she wants and put herself out there. Our second caller, Ed, has had troubles with distractions keeping him from achieving his goals. He had looked to more freedom after college so that he could finally pursue his dreams but he believes he still isn’t living up to his potential. Hear how Nancy guides him to prioritizing his life by reshaping his habits.Our inspirational guest, Gerda Saunders, recounts the times in which she realized she was experiencing the early signs of dementia. Listen to how Gerda began losing portions of her memory during events at work and with her family. Gerda tells Nancy of the support she received from her colleagues and family members that helped her eventually accept her condition. Gerda describes how her illness has allowed her to appreciate the people in her life and taught her how to truly experience living in the moment.Our final caller, Yeymi, worries she is not yet ready to start a family. After a year of marriage, her husband is ready for children but Yeymi isn’t convinced she can balance pursuing her career and taking care of a baby. Hear Nancy advise her to gain inspiration from the people in her life that are in similar situations. Nancy lets her know that the strength she found to overcome her past struggles can be used to get her through her current dilemma.Everyone’s burdens can weigh heavy on them from time to time. It is having the resilience to manage our struggles that can lead us to self-recovery. We each have the ability to come to terms with our circumstances. There are ways to overcome our situations without needing to depend on others. With enough perseverance we can conquer our issues and truly start living full out.

In her memoir, "Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia,” Gerda Saunders writes: “When I was diagnosed with early- onset dementia just before my sixty- first birthday in 2010, I kept my hurt, anger, fear, and doubts under wraps. I had no choice. I had a job, a husband, children, grandchildren, friends. I had a life. However, there is nothing like a death sentence— in my case, the premature death of my mind— to provoke questions about life. What, actually, is memory, personality, identity? What is a self? Will I still be (have?) a self when my reason is gone? For me, the place to work out such questions has always been in writing. From that place of self- reckoning, then, came this book.”

Gerda Saunders was a University of Utah professor when she realized she was experiencing symptoms of early-onset dementia. As her mind slowly deteriorated, she began documenting her condition. These "field notes" became the book "Memory's Last Breath," which has garnered rave reviews from The New York Times, NPR, and readers everywhere.  Gerda joins the Blacksite to tell us about her experience with dementia, as well as her struggle to live and plan for death within the regulations of the American health care system. If you're anything like us, you'll be moved by Gerda's story. Don't miss this one.   

You probably know that James Patterson is a mega-bestseller but do you know what really keeps him up at night? It's not what you might expect, as he reveals in this weeks episode. We also talk to Gerda Saunders, whose new memoir, MEMORY'S LAST BREATH, is a "fiercely honest" account of her life with dementia. Our reviewer calls MEMORY'S LAST BREATH a "courageous, richly textured, and unsparing memoir." And our sharp-eyed editors give us the low-down on which bestsellers are worth it to purchase and which you can safely avoid.