Improvisation...Yes and...

This episode closes out our Art & Neurodegeneration series by interviewing Dr. Connie Frigo, who is a world-renowned saxophonist and Professor of Music at the University of Georgia. This interview focuses on Dr. Frigo's journey through 3 decades of discovering deeper musical meaning to break down barriers and enrich relationships. We discuss the intersection of music and the brain as well as its ability to unlock individuals battling issues like dementia or psychiatric illness. Video discussed was published by Alluri V, Toiviainen P, Jääskeläinen IP, et al. Large-scale brain networks emerge from dynamic processing of musical timbre, key and rhythm. Neuroimage 2012;59(4):3677–89. https://www.facebook.com/conniefrigo https://ugasaxophones.wixsite.com/thehugh  

This is the 4th episode of our 'Art & Neurodegeneration' series and features an interview with Don Wendorf, Psy.D. & Lynda Everman about using music as a tool for reaching individuals with cognitive impairment. Don & Lynda have co-authored several books pertaining to this and provide insights based on their experiences. Some focus points include learning to sing 'with' rather than 'for' and expecting the unexpected. https://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Don-Wendorf-Psy.D./e/B00EN5JPHW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share  

This is part 3 of our series entitled 'Art & Neurodegeneration' and features an interview with Daphne Johnston, founder of the Respite for All Foundation. Daphne discusses the respite care, what it is, how it helps, who it helps and how her foundation has taken a unique spin to focus on 'the person' and developing the art of relationships. http://uxz.f0a.myftpupload.com/respite-ministry/ https://www.respiteforall.org/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B7BHWK5/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

This is the second episode in our Arts & Neurodegeneration Series and features Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN, who is a practicing neurologist and founder of the Cognitive Dynamics Foundation. Dr. Potts discusses his journey with dementia both as a neurologist and as a son. Dr. Potts discusses his personal experience with the transformative power of visual art and how this led to an amazing program Bringing Art to Life. https://www.cognitivedynamics.org/ https://www.thisisalabama.org/2020/07/30/this-alzheimers-patient-inspired-hundreds-with-his-stunning-art/ Cognitive Dynamics Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AQWphQ3RtFKyj1xHdY2RA Cognitive Dynamics FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Cognitive-Dynamics-Foundation-162239647129910/ LestersLegacy, a website for Dad's art: https://www.lesterslegacy.com/ https://danielcpotts.wordpress.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dcpottsmd/  https://twitter.com/DanielCPotts https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcpotts/  

This episode kicks off our series on Art & Neurodegeneration by interviewing Craig Price about improvisation. Craig is the Director of Community Education & Wellness for the Naples Players in Naples, FL. Craig not only demonstrates how fun improvisation can be, but also how it applies to people with cognitive impairment and their care partners! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxkFW_u680&feature=youtu.be  https://naplesplayers.org/

This interview features Andrea Spencer & Lawrence Kosick who are representatives from ElderSource & GetSetUp, respectively. This discussion focuses on the new partnership between these two organizations to provide nearly 300 different virtual classes on topics ranging from technology to exercise. These are classes for and by individuals older than age 55. These classes are a tremendous opportunity for engagement that you don't want to miss! www.myeldersource.org ElderSource Help Line: 1-888-242-4464 https://www.getsetup.io/ Call 1-888-559-1614 to learn how to get connected into a class. www.getsetup.io/partner/eldersource

This episode features an interview with Susan Ryan, author of the book Our Journey of Love: 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey. Susan discusses several of the major themes, such as massive acceptance & radical presence, in her book and how to practically apply them to one's caregiver experience. 

This episode features the second half of a round table discussion on caregiver challenges from the vantage point of a current caregiver (Kandice Jacobs Robinson), two prior caregivers (Lynda Everman & Don Wendorf) and a caregiver coach (Katie Newby). Through the sharing of firsthand experiences, we expect this episode to provide new insights for finding your flow, your balance and seeing beauty as a caregiver.

Most caregivers realize that finding balance can be an ongoing and dynamic challenge This episode features the first half of a round table discussion that provides a look at caregiver challenges from the vantage point of a current caregiver (Kandice Jacobs Robinson), two prior caregivers (Lynda Everman & Don Wendorf) and a caregiver coach (Katie Newby). We hope that this episode provides caregivers with strategies for facing common and major challenges as well as finding beauty even in the struggle.

As we kick off 2021, many people are pursuing New Years resolutions to better their lives. We encourage caregivers to take an honest appraisal of their current situation and determine if their current approach is sustainable, healthy and good. This episode features an interview with Katie Newby, a caregiver coach, who helps guide us through some key questions and strategies to determine if you are thriving, surviving, struggling or in crisis...and what to do about it.