“We go back to the same conversations several times a day.” - Lisa Cypers Kamen

Age-related memory loss is a natural part of the aging process. Some people experience a more deeply-rooted memory issue, such as Alzheimer’s, and become deeply forgetful. Deeply forgetful people often need caregivers for what used to be normal activities. While every case is different, there are some general guidelines on how to restore dignity and selfhood to those afflicted with dementia. To dig deeper Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with physician, speaker, and author, Dr. Stephen G. Post about the latest findings about how to care for loved ones. Dr. Post shares common questions of caregivers and patients, how caregivers can respect the wishes of those they care for, and the proven positive psychological aspects of treatment. All from his book, Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease.

Stephen G. Post — Cultivating Dignity for the Deeply Forgetful:

• Moments of relative lucidity in people with Alzheimer’s offer insights into the multifaceted nature of the condition. [2:16]
• Stephen shares some of the common questions caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients ask about the affliction. [5:11] 
• Many people with Alzheimer’s are investigating or considering assisted suicide, or euthanasia, and in many states it is legal. [7:39]
• How to help caregivers understand that their loved ones' wishes need to be respected? [10:41]
• Stephen identifies the role of a caregiver for deeply forgetful people. [18:39]
• Dogs can be useful companions to those who are deeply forgetful. [21:23]
• Positive psychology offers more dementia care than pharmaceuticals or other medical models. [26:11]

About Lisa’s guest:

STEPHEN G. POST, PhD is the Founding Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, where he also serves as

Professor of Family, Population, and Preventative Medicine. Post has also taught at the University of Chicago Medical School, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1988–2008). He is an elected Member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of Alzheimer's Disease International and a widely respected opinion leader, speaker, and best-selling author.