Kristy Russell takes us on a deeply personal and professional journey through the world of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). As Utah's sole specialist covering the entire state, Kristy shares how her grandmother's Lewy body dementia diagnosis transformed her perspective on memory care after initially swearing off working with dementia patients due to challenging experiences.
The conversation tackles misconceptions head-on. Memory loss is just one symptom — thinking, behavior, and problem-solving abilities are equally affected. Kristy reveals a startling reality: only half of people with Alzheimer's are diagnosed, and of those, merely 30% share their diagnosis with loved ones, often fearing loss of independence.
Communication emerges as the cornerstone challenge for caregivers. Through vivid examples, Kristy explains why arguing with someone with dementia about recent events is futile. Her “filing cabinet” metaphor brilliantly illustrates how memory works — newest files disappear first — helping caregivers understand why their loved ones can't simply “try harder” to remember.
For overwhelmed caregivers, Kristy offers practical Wisdom about delegation and self-care. “The energy you put out is the energy you're going to get back from the person with dementia,” she notes, emphasizing that seeking help isn't failure but excellence in Caregiving. She explains respite options and encourages caregivers to maintain their own health appointments and activities.
Looking forward, Kristy shares hope about new medications like aducanumab that can remove brain plaques in early stages, signaling a positive trajectory in treatment development. Her powerful closing message resonates deeply: “You're doing a good job and you're not alone.”
Whether you're caring for someone with dementia, working in healthcare, or simply seeking to understand these conditions better, this episode provides invaluable insights, practical strategies, and heartfelt encouragement for the journey ahead.
• Kristy's journey from swearing off dementia care to becoming Utah's statewide ADRD specialist
• Only about half of people with Alzheimer's disease are diagnosed, and of those, only 30% share their diagnosis with family and friends
• Early diagnosis allows for better planning and less crisis management as the disease progresses
• Communication challenges require meeting people with dementia in their reality rather than constantly correcting them
• The “filing cabinet” memory metaphor explains why recent memories disappear first
• Self-care for caregivers includes delegating tasks and utilizing respite services
• New medications like aducanumab can help in early stages by removing brain plaques
• The Utah government's WISE initiative focuses on helping seniors age in place independently
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