Find a new perspective, a moment of humor, and just maybe, a way to survive.
My Spouse Has Dementia

A free, bi-weekly podcast that uses personal stories, occasional interviews, and simple rituals to support dementia caregiving spouses

Recent EPISODES

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Wandering and the Bring Me Back Home Program
Jan. 3, 2024

Wandering and the Bring Me Back Home Program

For a person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia, wandering can be dangerous. If that person isn't found within 24 hours, the chances that he or she will suffer serious injury, even death, increase dramatically. The f…
The Dilemma of Dementia and Driving: Taking away the keys?
Nov. 19, 2023

The Dilemma of Dementia and Driving: Taking away the keys?

Your spouse has Alzheimer's. You know he - or she - shouldn't be driving. When you bring up the subject, you hear some version of, "That's ridiculous! I know how to drive a car."  He might be right. He might still know how t…
Nov. 5, 2023

"I Didn't See It Coming" - Interview with LBD caregiver Mary Lou Falcone

Mary Lou Falcone became a caregiver when her father had a massive stroke. She was 10 years old. The experience prepared her for the day, many years later, when her husband, illustrator and 1950s rocker Nicky Zann, was diagno…
Illusive Dreams and Frustrating Dementia Care Ads
Oct. 3, 2023

Illusive Dreams and Frustrating Dementia Care Ads

Sometimes, the dreams we carry inspire us. Then life changes, especially if your spouse has dementia. Now, those same dreams weigh us down… and we have to let go. Advertisements for some memory care facilities and some demen…
My Caregiver Friend Died First
Aug. 14, 2023

My Caregiver Friend Died First

This is a cautionary tale about a dear friend, a family caregiver who died first. She was in her mid-70s, a few weeks younger than I am. In mid-April, she had a stroke. She died mid-July, just as I faced the one-year milesto…
Why Join a Support Group? To Survive!
June 16, 2023

Why Join a Support Group? To Survive!

Questions and answers. Frustrations and fresh ideas. Support and compassion. They’re all elements of what a good support group can provide. There are differences in the various forms of dementia and differences in the pa…
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Recent Blog Posts

My Spouse Has Dementia featured on WTIC AM 1080 "Saturdays with Steve Parker"!

Recently, I was the guest on "Saturdays with Steve Parker," a community-based show on WTIC 1080 AM Radio, part of the Audacy.com network. Because November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Steve had invited me on his show to talk about "My Spouse Has…

Episode #11 - The Power of Grief and Community

When tragedy reshapes your life, having a supportive community is key to your survival.  My husband died three months ago. I've been in a cave of sorts, rarely leaving the house. My neighbors drew me back into the world of the living… wi…

KPFA 94.1 Radio Airs "My Spouse Has Dementia" program for Int'l Women's Day

My friend and podcast marketing mage David Hooper of Build a Big Podcast created this video for me. Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. KPFA 94.1 radio in California will air it along with other programs created by women and dealing with…

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Reviews

AMAZING

"Thank you SO much for sharing your experience. I am knee deep in this. I just sent this link to my husband’s kids & my support group coordinator. Grateful beyond words to you."

Robbi44 | Nov. 29, 2022

Gracefully honest

"Love listening to the stories she shares- experiences of loss, love, grief, validation, worry, sadness, and peace. reminder that caregivers must be caretakers of their own health and well-being! Insp…"

SWAB516 | June 10, 2022

On The Road Again

"My intention is to take this full journey with Zita. Her words are clear, revealing, and true to the bone. As a daughter to a mom, who I struggled over her care with one brother and her sisters, dear…"

Susan Heffron Hajec | May 3, 2022

"None"

None | March 1, 2022

Compassion and Care

"Listen to one woman’s account of her caregiving journey, from the shock of the first diagnosis of her spouse’s progressive dementia, to the frank discussion of how the disease has changed not only hi…"

leftymlb | Feb. 10, 2022
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Host Zita Christian