Rhonda Collins, Chief Medical Officer of Revera

Forget me not

What is dementia? This six-episode podcast series, featuring Dr. Rhonda Collins, Revera’s Chief Medical Officer, offers insight and hope to people living with dementia and the people who care for them. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Collins shares practical, compassionate and inspiring stories about how people with dementia can live their lives with purpose, the vital role caregivers play and the importance of planning for the long road of one’s dementia journey.

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What is dementia?
Run-time 16:26

There are more than 500,000 Canadians living with dementia with about 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite these large numbers, dementia remains largely misunderstood. Dr. Rhonda Collins shares her expertise to help dispel common myths and misperceptions about dementia.

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The diagnosis
Run-time 19:25
A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming. Dr. Collins discusses the role of the physician in preparing patients for life with dementia by not only providing professional support and helping to build the right treatment plans, but by demonstrating empathy and compassion.

 

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Living with dementia
Run-time 35:58
Dementia is often thought of in terms of loss and the things people can no longer do. This creates an environment of barriers for people living with dementia. Dr. Collins speaks with Mary Beth Wighton, a woman living with dementia, about her remarkable journey from diagnosis to depression to coping to advocacy. Learn about the fight for better support for people with dementia.

 

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Finding support
Run-time 21:21
One of the biggest challenges for people living with dementia is finding solutions that will help them to continue to live independently. Finding the right support to fit your needs and wants is crucial to being able to lead the type of life you want. Sarah Putman from the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region shares how her organization supports people with dementia and helps them realize their full potential.

 

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Being a caregiver
Run-time 21:50
It’s said that for every one person who’s diagnosed with dementia 10 others are impacted. Johanna Weintzettl and her husband Herbert were married in 1953 and had many happy years together. Then in 2011, their lives changed when Herbert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Johanna shares her experience of caring for her husband through their shared dementia journey.

 

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Advance care planning
Run-time 17:15
Advance care planning is a difficult, emotional subject for most people to discuss, especially with their families. Dr. Collins reminds us that how we choose to live at the end of life is a deeply personal decision, and one best planned for in advance.

 

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