In Episode 88 of GutPunched, host Jeff Edwards takes on one of the most difficult and least discussed aspects of Alzheimer’s and dementia: the silence that surrounds it.

Jeff opens with a deeply personal reflection on how families often hide diagnoses out of fear, embarrassment, or misunderstanding. From memories of his grandmother being labeled “senile” to the unspoken rule of don’t tell anyone, Jeff explores how secrecy has shaped generations of caregivers and the heavy emotional cost that comes with it.

As medical language has evolved, Alzheimer’s, dementia, MCI, Lewy Body, and Frontotemporal Disease, Jeff asks an important question: Have our conversations evolved too? And if not, what are we missing?

Drawing from his own experience following his wife’s diagnosis, Jeff explains why openness made caregiving easier, not harder. By sharing their reality, they found more understanding, compassion, and support, and removed the burden of shame that so often follows cognitive decline.

This episode also covers:

• Congress renewing its commitment to Alzheimer’s and dementia research

• New findings on medications that may be harmful to people living with dementia

• A new installment of “What’s New in Alzheimer’s” with Dr. John Huffaker

Listeners are reminded that caregiving is not meant to be done alone and are guided by GutPunched’s Five Tenets of Caregiving, which focus on self-care, building support systems, and embracing the reality of the caregiving journey.

Jeff teases an upcoming, highly anticipated episode:
“Making the Case for Music in Dementia Care,” featuring Justin Russo.

This episode is a reminder that silence helps no one and that honesty, connection, and shared experience can bring real hope.

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