Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers

In this episode, host Jeff Edwards reminds us of one of the most important caregiving lessons: you can't do this alone. Whether in-person or online, caregiver support groups can provide encouragement, education, and a sense of community during one of life's most challenging journeys. This week, we explore exciting developments in Alzheimer's research, including a simple blood test that may help detect and stage the disease earlier than ever. We'll also discuss common habits that may be harming your brain health without you even realizing it, and what you can do to protect your cognitive future. Plus, Dr. John Huffaker returns for another edition of "What's New with Alzheimer's," answering a listener's question about mini-strokes and their relationship to Alzheimer's disease. Jeff also shares updates on: The upcoming 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's events  The continuing development of the original caregiver anthem, "GutPunched: I Still Choose You"  And a reminder of the Five Caregiver Tenets that form the foundation of the GutPunched community.  Whether you're caring for a spouse, parent, family member, or friend, this episode offers practical information, encouragement, and hope for the caregiving journey. Because caregivers need support, too. GutPunchedPodcast #Alzheimers #CaregiverSupport #Caregiving #DementiaCare #BrainHealth #MemoryLoss #AlzheimersAwareness #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverLife #DrJohnHuffaker #WalkToEndAlzheimers #HopeForAlzheimers #CognitiveHealth #Podcast Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, iHeart, YouTube, and GUTPUNCHED.COM  

In Episode 91 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards continues his interview with Dr. John Huffaker of the Neuropsychiatric Research Center (NPRC), discussing how clinical research centers help advance Alzheimer’s treatment and provide opportunities for families. This episode also shares caregiver adjustment strategies from the Alzheimer’s Association, focusing on coping with the emotional and practical challenges of a new dementia diagnosis. Topics include: Benefits of Alzheimer’s clinical trials Adjusting to life after diagnosis Caregiver mental health Building a support system Alzheimer’s research updates Caregiver survival strategies GutPunched delivers real-life Alzheimer’s caregiver advice, research insights, and practical tools for families navigating dementia care. #AlzheimersCaregiver #AlzheimersPodcast #DementiaCareTips #ClinicalTrials #MemoryLossSupport #CaregiverResources #AlzheimersResearch #JeffEdwards #GutPunchedPodcast  

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards explores the extraordinary role music plays in the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and the caregivers who support them. Despite cold snaps across the country (and Florida’s version of “cold”), Jeff sets the stage for an engaging and hopeful conversation centered on the healing power of music. Joined by Justin Russo, Director of Programming at Music & Memory and The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), the episode makes a compelling case for why music is far more than entertainment; it’s therapy. Justin explains how personalized music can spark memories, reduce agitation, improve mood, and reconnect individuals with dementia to their sense of identity. Jeff also shares fascinating facts about music’s impact on the brain and why caregivers should seriously consider incorporating music into daily care routines. The episode also features another installment of “What’s New in Alzheimer’s” with Dr. John Huffaker, who answers listener-submitted questions and breaks down key developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. As always, Jeff reinforces the podcast’s Five Caregiver Tenets, emphasizing self-care, community support, practical planning, and the emotional realities of caregiving. The episode closes with heartfelt thanks to sponsors NPRC (Neuropsychiatric Research Center) and Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care for their continued support of caregivers everywhere. 🎧 Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone who loves music, this episode will move you, inform you, and remind you why music truly matters. GUTPUNCHED.COM Available on The Podcast Playground, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, and all the major platforms. #GutPunchedPodcast #AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #MusicAndMemory #MusicTherapy #CaregivingLife #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaSupport #PodcastEpisode  

In episode 87, Jeff Edwards wraps up his discussion with Dr. John Huffaker from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center (NPRC).  Fresh from his first men’s caregiver group meeting of the year, standing-room-only and filled with new faces, Jeff reflects on the power of shared experience and why no caregiver should ever try to do this alone. Together with Dr. Huffaker, the episode dives into current Alzheimer’s research, the clinical studies underway at NPRC, and the amount of credible information now available to patients and caregivers alike. Jeff also breaks down a timely news topic: The finger-prick blood test making headlines and what it could mean for earlier detection and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. Listeners will hear another installment of “What’s New in Alzheimer’s with Dr. John Huffaker,” and are encouraged to submit their own questions for future episodes. As always, Jeff reinforces the Five Tenets of Caregiving, the backbone of GutPunched, reminding caregivers to take care of themselves, ask for help, create systems of support, and give caregiving everything they’ve got. With gratitude to sponsors NPRC and Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care, this episode delivers education, encouragement, and hope because no one should walk this journey alone. #AlzheimersCaregiving #CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiversMatter #YouAreNotAlone #HopeForCaregivers #GutPunchedPodcast  

Welcome to 2026, and welcome back to Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers. Host Jeff Edwards opens the year by tackling one word that caregivers often feel has disappeared after a devastating diagnosis: HOPE. When Alzheimer’s or dementia enters your life, the first feeling is often no hope — medically, emotionally, spiritually. In this episode, Jeff unpacks what hope really means, why losing it impacts both health and well-being, and why reclaiming it matters now more than ever. From psychology and medical science to faith-based reflection, this conversation explores how hope isn’t denial, it’s survival. Jeff also breaks down current dementia therapies (as of December 2025), highlighting where real progress is being made and what caregivers should know going forward. In the second half of the episode, Jeff reconnects with an old friend: BJ Odom, a man who jokingly describes himself as having “More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget,” the title of his newly released book. Through hardship, humor, and relentless perseverance, this guest embodies what living with hope truly looks like. His story is honest, emotional, hilarious, and deeply human, filled with laughter, tears, and optimism from start to finish. As always, Jeff revisits the GutPunched Caregiver Tenets, essential reminders that caregiving is not a solo mission, self-care is non-negotiable, and asking for help is not a weakness. This episode is a reminder to every caregiver who feels exhausted, isolated, or overwhelmed:You are not alone. There is help. And yes, there is hope. #AlzheimersCaregiver #DementiaCaregiving #CaregiverSupport #HopeForCaregivers #GutPunchedPodcast #DementiaAwareness #CaregiverLife #AlzheimersPodcast #NotSoSexyCaregiving #CaregiverHope