Janna's Journey with Alzheimer's: A Story of Resilience
Through our website, podcasts, and speaking engagements, we seek to support and uplift individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones by sharing insights, personal breakthroughs and techniques that encourage resilience, hope, and a better quality of life.
Meet Janna and Larry
Your Guides on the Alzheimer's Journey
Explore Our Episodes
The Alzheimer's Thriver Podcast - Words from the Horse’s Mouth Getting an Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel like your world is crashing down — but what if the story you're telling yourself is a barrier to thriving, even with Alzheimer’s?In this heartfelt first episode, Janna, a former teacher turned Alzheimer's thriver, shares her raw journey from denial and despair to hope and empowerment.
Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's can feel like being placed on a fast-moving, unstoppable train — but what if there were real ways to slow it down? In this honest and encouraging episode, Janna and her husband Larry share how simple but consistent habits — from mindful speech exercises to intentional movement — have helped Janna maintain her abilities and quality of life.
If you've ever been given help by a loved one — only to find they accidentally made things worse — you're not alone. In this heartfelt episode, Janna and her husband Larry open up about the delicate balance between offering help and respecting independence. Through honest conversations and real-life examples, they share what it really feels like when “help” is not help, crossing the line —
Ever feel like your brain just powers down as the day wears on? If late afternoons bring confusion, exhaustion, or deep sadness, you might be experiencing sundowning — a common but misunderstood Alzheimer's symptom.In this deeply relatable episode, Janna and Larry unpack what sundowning really feels like, how it affects your sense of self, and what practical habits can ease its weight.
When Alzheimer’s hits, it’s easy to ask: Why me? Is there any meaning in the pain? In this moving episode, Janna opens up about how her faith has helped her move from despair to determination—not just to survive with Alzheimer’s, but to thrive. Joined by her husband Larry, the two explore tough spiritual questions, share the routines that keep Janna grounded, and reflect on how belief, empathy, and mindset can shape what’s possible—even in the face of a diagnosis that tries to define you.
Ever wake up and wonder where you are — or even who you are — for a few disorienting minutes? For those living with Alzheimer’s, that confusion can be a daily, unsettling experience. But it doesn’t have to lead to panic.
In this insightful episode, Janna and Larry open up about Janna’s experiences with disorientation after waking, and how she’s learned to respond with calm, patience, and mindfulness. They also explore practical tips for navigating the fear of getting lost and the importance of creating safe, familiar routines.
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for Alzheimer’s—but could small shifts in food and movement help slow things down?
In this honest and hope-filled episode, Janna and Larry share what they’ve personally tried in the areas of diet and exercise, and how those changes have impacted Janna’s inflammation, energy, and daily outlook. From anti-inflammatory foods to brain-boosting walks, they offer no medical claims—just real results, told straight from lived experience.
Giving up the keys is one of the hardest — and most emotional — steps for people living with Alzheimer’s. But it can also be one of the most important acts of self-awareness and courage.
In this powerful episode, Janna and Larry open up about the real story behind Janna’s decision to stop driving: the denial, the scary moments, the emotional fallout, and the deep pride that made it feel so hard. With honesty and humility, they unpack how they navigated the turning point, and what it means to keep thriving — even when letting go of something big.
When words don’t come out right — or aren’t received the way you hoped — it’s easy for conversations to spiral into arguments. And when Alzheimer’s is in the mix, it’s even harder.
In this honest and often humorous episode, Janna and Larry explore why communication can break down so quickly, even with the best intentions. They share real-life examples of misunderstandings, emotional triggers, and missed signals — and offer simple ways couples and care partners can speak (and listen) with more grace.
Not sure when or how to tell loved ones about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? You’re not alone. The early stage is often filled with confusion, self-doubt, and fear of being treated differently. But hiding it only makes things harder. In this powerful episode, Janna shares how she broke the news to her sons and grandkids, and the surprising freedom that came with naming the diagnosis out loud. You’ll also hear the simple communication shift that helps her stay present and engaged in fast-paced conversations, even with memory challenges.
