This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD Melissa B PhD

“Women are more likely than men to have the mutated gene (APOE4) associated with Alzheimer's disease.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition with various risk factors. Women face a higher risk due to multiple contributing factors.  In this episode, we explore some of the reasons that women may have a higher risk for developing dementia in their lifetime.
 
THE IMPACT OF MENOPAUSE ON ALZHEIMER'S RISK
 
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that presents a distinct challenge for women. In fact, approximately two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's are female. One question scientists still have is how menopause might affect cognitive decline.
 
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK FACTORS
 
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and women tend to outlive men.  In 2020, 4.2 million women are living with dementia, compared to 2.7 million men. To keep things in perspective, this means that of all adults over the age of 65, dementia only affects 11% of women and 9% of men. Scientists are still not sure why women are more affected but age, biological factors, and social influences all play a role in this complex issue.
 
THE ROLE OF MENOPAUSE
 
Understanding Alzheimer's risk in women is believed to be closely tied to the hormonal changes during menopause. Perimenopause, which typically starts between ages 45 to 55 and can last 7 to 14 years, and marks the transition to menopause. During this time, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, hormones that help protect the brain. The decrease in these hormones aligns with a potential decline in cognitive function and a higher risk of Alzheimer's.
 
EXPLORING TREATMENT OPTIONS
 
Estrogen therapy is believed to reduce dementia risk during early menopause, but it's important to work with your provider to determine if the risks outweigh the benefits. 
 
The FDA advises against using hormone therapy in women over 65 and women already diagnosed with dementia due to possible worsening of cognitive symptoms. More research is needed to understand how hormone therapy affects brain health, and if there are safer treatments such as bioidentical estrogen (compared to synthetic estrogen) personalized to the individual person.



MITIGATING ALZHEIMER'S RISK
 
While we wait for more evidence about the impact of menopause on brain health, it’s important to take a comprehensive preventive approach. This includes making lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress to reduce Alzheimer's risk factors. It's also crucial to stay socially connected, keep mentally active, and have regular medical check-ups as part of a holistic preventive strategy.
 
RESOURCES
 
Join AgeWiseU to find and get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com.  
 
 
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN AGEWISEU: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free as an Insider or upgrade to being a MVP. Updated weekly, AgeWiseU MVP is a digital hub of over 175 hours of curated content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging! MVPs are also invited to join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A

“As a nurse, I'm all about lifestyle strategies and preventing Alzheimer’s from even happening to us”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Alzheimer's disease poses a significant threat to individuals and societies worldwide due to its devastating impact on cognitive function and quality of life. Although a cure has not been found, ongoing research gives hope for better treatments to ease symptoms, slow down the disease, and make life better for people with Alzheimer's.
 
THE STATE OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH
 
Alzheimer's disease, a top 10 leading cause of death, remains a problem in medical science. Despite decades of research and billions of dollars invested, no effective prevention, treatment, or cure exists. The failure rate of clinical drug trials is staggering, with over 146 drugs failing to deliver promising results.
 
CHALLENGES IN DRUG DEVELOPMENT
 
The complexity of Alzheimer's disease poses significant challenges in drug development. Many experimental drugs fail because they either don't work or cause serious side effects. In this episode, I explain several reasons for this including misdiagnosed study participants, the impact of research focus, and more. 
 
FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF CLINICAL RESEARCH
 
The future of Alzheimer's disease research lies in a multifaceted approach, targeting various aspects of the disease's pathology. New studies show that inflammation plays a big role in damage to the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, which opens up possibilities for new treatments. While clinical trials continue to face challenges, there's hope that personalized treatments and lifestyle changes can lower the risk of Alzheimer's.
 
HOW TO KEEP A HEALTHY BRAIN
 
To keep your brain healthy, proactive measures play an important role. Lifestyle strategies like managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While we're waiting for breakthroughs in drug development, these strategies give us all ways we can take control of our brain health.
 
RESOURCES
 
Two great resources can help you keep your brain healthy. The AARP Staying Sharp program provides access to cognitive assessments, daily activities, and educational resources, promoting brain-healthy habits. Additionally, the Brain Health Resource Center offers comprehensive information on Alzheimer's disease and related conditions, along with free hearing tests for AARP members.
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN AGEWISEU INSIDER: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free! Updated weekly, AgeWiseU is a digital hub of over 175 hours of content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A REVIEW: SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel; LIKE the podcast by giving this episode a thumbs up; SHARE this episode with others; and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my private community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisisgettingold
 

“Once diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, on average, individuals tend to live 5 to 8 years”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked, yet it affects millions worldwide. Join me as I explain one of the complicated types of dementia. In this week’s episode, we’ll explore Lewy body dementia, understand its symptoms, causes, stages, and how it can be treated. 
 
WHAT IS LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to chemical changes and the death of brain cells. This results in various challenges with movement, balance, thinking, behavior, and mood. One key feature of LBD is the fluctuation in cognitive ability, making it challenging to determine the disease's stage.
 
DO YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
Symptoms of Lewy body dementia include memory problems, confusion, strange body movements, sleep disorders, hallucinations, and dizziness. People with LBD may experience auditory or vivid visual hallucinations, which can be distressing or gentle, depending on the image they are seeing. This type of dementia also affects the body's automatic functions, causing issues like changes in blood pressure, temperature sensitivity, and loss of smell.
 
WHAT CAUSES LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
While the cause of Lewy body dementia remains unknown, it involves abnormal clumping of a protein called alpha-synuclein in areas of the brain responsible for thinking and movement. These clumps, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with the production of neurotransmitters, resulting in issues with muscle movement, memory, and thinking abilities.
 
CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
 
Diagnosing Lewy body dementia can be tricky. Its symptoms can be similar to those of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Typically, a team of specialists, including primary care providers, neurologists, and psychiatrists, is needed for a thorough evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include cognitive assessments, brain scans, blood tests, and sleep studies.
 
HOW DOES IT PROGRESS?
 
In the early stages of Lewy body dementia, memory remains intact, but confusion and mild cognitive changes may appear. Attention span can vary and hallucinations and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder can occur.
 
As Lewy body dementia progresses, cognitive decline worsens, attention span decreases, and confusion increases. Movement problems develop, leading to falls and difficulty with tasks like bathing and dressing. Communication becomes harder, swallowing may be challenging, and paranoia or delusions may worsen.
 
In the late stages, muscles become very stiff and sensitive to touch. People need help with most daily tasks like eating and bathing. Speech becomes very difficult, often turning into a whisper or stopping completely.
 
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
 
While there is no cure for LBD yet, there are treatments that manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors may help maintain cognitive function.
 
RESOURCES
 
You can learn more by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website at 
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies



Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/  to learn more.
 
Download the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://melissabphd.com/10warningsigns/
 
Download the checklist for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: https://melissabphd.com/diagnosischecklist/
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes

“Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are gradual and they're very subtle.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
What is Parkinson's disease dementia? How does it manifest differently from other forms of dementia? Join me in this insightful episode where we answer these questions and discuss more of its symptoms and available medication.
WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
 
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder affecting individuals over 50, characterized by motor issues such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and balance problems. As it advances, cognitive issues known as Parkinson's disease dementia may emerge about ten years after the initial diagnosis.
 
RELATIONSHIP OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE TO LEWY BODIES
 
Parkinson's disease is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies, leading to chemical changes and eventually dementia symptoms like difficulty concentrating or hallucinations. While people with Parkinson's dementia and Lewy body dementia share clinical features, there are key distinctions. In Parkinson's disease, dementia develops after experiencing movement issues, whereas those with Lewy body dementia first experience cognitive changes and later develop motor problems.
 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are gradual and subtle. They usually appear around ten years after the initial diagnosis, focusing more on movement issues than cognitive changes. In severe cases, symptoms may involve REM sleep disorders, causing a person to physically act out dreams or experience hallucinations. 
 
HOW IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE DEMENTIA DIFFERENT THAN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
 
While both are forms of dementia, they impact our memory differently. Alzheimer's typically hinders the creation and storage of new memories, while Parkinson's dementia can lead to problems with both short and long-term memory loss.
 
CAUSES AND MEDICATIONS
 
The potential causes of Parkinson's disease dementia are linked to the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. This leads to the formation of clumps that contribute to the death of neurons or nerve cells.
 
While there is still no cure for Parkinson's disease dementia, medications are available to manage symptoms and enhance the individual's quality of life.
 
RESOURCES
 
The Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons has information about understanding Parkinson’s disease, strategies for living with Parkinson’s as well as other resources and support if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this disease and are experiencing changes in your memory.
 
Download the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://melissabphd.com/10warningsigns/
Download the checklist for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: https://melissabphd.com/diagnosischecklist/
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast. Within the first 18 months of launching this podcast, we reached a ranking of top 10% globally. 
 
The best way you can help the podcast continue to grow is to LIKE the podcast with a thumbs up, SHARE the podcasts you like with others, SUBSCRIBE, and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
 
For the most up-to-date news and information about the podcast and other products and services, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media. 
 
If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my Group - look for This is Getting Old: Moving Towar

“Understanding the unique needs of each resident requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medical care.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
In this episode, Melissa Batchelor and Rebecca Adelman explore the crucial topic of managing expectations in assisted living. Drawing from their extensive experience, they shed light on the five key domains that significantly impact residents and their families in assisted living facilities.
DOMAIN 1: COMMUNICATION
 
We discuss the importance of clear, transparent communication between residents, families, and the caregiving team. From daily routines to healthcare updates, understanding the nuances of communication helps create an environment of trust and support.
 
DOMAIN 2: FAMILY SYSTEMS
 
It’s a necessity to understand the unique needs and expectations of both residents and their families. Assisted living is more than physical care; it's about recognizing the emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects that shape an individual's well-being. The key lies in adopting a holistic approach that goes beyond medical care, fostering an environment where residents feel seen, heard, and truly understood.
 
DOMAIN 3: GOALS OF CARE
 
From advanced care planning to end-of-life discussions, this domain explores the delicate yet pivotal conversations surrounding desires, wishes, and how one envisions the later stages of life. We emphasize the need for proactive discussions, empowering families to make informed decisions aligned with their loved ones' wishes.
 
DOMAIN 4: AGING PROCESS
 
We challenge the misconception that normal aging implies a decline, highlighting the diversity among older adults. Emphasizing the role of health literacy as a powerful tool, we empower families to navigate the complexities of chronic illness and aging. Our goal is to reshape the conversation and promote a more inclusive understanding of the aging experience.
 
DOMAIN 5: EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
 
Acknowledging the impact of religion, spirituality, and diverse belief systems, we highlight the importance of creating an environment that respects and nurtures these facets. This domain serves as the emotional compass, guiding families through the challenges and joys of assisted living.
 
Whether you're a family member, caregiver, or simply curious about elder care, this episode is packed with valuable information.
 
Download Rebecca Adelman's Guide Path white paper here: https://guidepathllc.com/guide-path-collective




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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast. Within the first 18 months of launching this podcast, we reached a ranking of top 10% globally. 
 
The best way you can help the podcast continue to grow is to LIKE the podcast with a thumbs up, SHARE the podcasts you like with others, SUBSCRIBE, and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
 
For the most up-to-date news and information about the podcast and other products and services, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media. 
 
If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my Group - look for This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World ~ and I'll see you there! 
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/249685261464834/
 
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About Rebecca Adelman
 
Rebecca Adelman is a lawyer, entrepreneur, influencer, and tho

All dementias don't look the same; they don't show up the same way that Alzheimer's disease does. 
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN



Listen to today's episode where I talk about frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare kind of dementia. I'll walk you through how FTD is different from Alzheimer's disease and share insights into why seeking medical care is crucial if any of these symptoms are interrupting your life or the life of a loved one.
 
People with frontotemporal dementia tend to have clusters of symptom types that occur together like behavioral changes, speech and language symptoms, and movement conditions. The difficulty with FTD is that it can show up differently for different people and memory isn’t usually affected in the early stages, so it’s very difficult to diagnose. In fact, FTD is one of the rarest types of dementia. While around 6.5 million Americans ages 65 and above live with Alzheimer's disease, only 3% of those people have frontotemporal dementia.
 
IMPACT ON YOUNGER AGE GROUPS 
Frontotemporal dementia mostly shows up in younger people, from as early as age 45 to 64, which is younger compared to other types of dementia. Due to inadvertent ageism in our healthcare system, providers may dismiss symptoms as something else because the person is younger than we typically expect a person to have cognitive issues.  
 
EARLY WARNING SIGNS
 
It's important to note that the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can vary widely, and individuals may not exhibit all of these symptoms discussed in the podcast. However, one of the early signs of FTD often includes a change in personality or behavior, such as becoming socially inappropriate, impulsive, apathetic, or withdrawn. These psychiatric symptoms also delay getting to an accurate diagnosis or a misdiagnosis of depression or anxiety initially.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing cognitive or behavioral changes, it is crucial to seek medical advice immediately.
 
CELEBRITIES' BATTLES WITH FTD
 
In the past year, two celebrities have been diagnosed with FTD, most notably Bruce Willis in February 2023; and in Feb 2024, Wendy Williams. Both are now bravely sharing their experiences with FTD to help raise awareness. 
 
DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS
 
Just like with every other dementia, early symptoms of FTD can be subtle and often go unnoticed because they start slowly and progress over a long period of time. Another challenge is that FTD isn't as well-known as other types of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease, making it hard for primary care doctors and even big academic medical centers to recognize it.
 
The process of diagnosing this type of dementia is a long journey, and can take up to 2 to 3 years of various appointments, ruling out other conditions, and talking to neurology experts to get to the correct answer/ diagnosis.
 
The more we all understand FTD better, we can take steps towards being a more compassionate and informed community.
 
You can learn more about FTD from the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. This organization can help people living with disease, their families and caregivers connect in person and with online support groups. 
 
Their website is theaftd.org and they have a helpline. The helpline phone number is 866-507-7222. You can e-mail them at info@theaftd.org. 
 
Be sure to check out more resources on my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about brain health and dementia. And be sure to get your FREE downloads at:
 
10 Warning Signs:
https://melissabphd.com/10warningsigns/
 
Diagnosis Checklist:
https://melissabphd.com/diagnosischecklist/
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to lea