Think Out Loud
One week ago, Lois and I were interviewed live on Think Out Loud, a daily interview show on our local public radio station, OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting). A recording of the interview can be found here. Both of us were a little nervous. You can’t count on editing to fix your goofs on live radio. But the 23-minute interview went well. The questions were thoughtful, and I think we were able to make our point that Alzheimer’s is a long disease that starts in the brain up to 20 years before cognitive symptoms appear. We talked about the lifestyle modifications that can slow the disease significantly and the likelihood that future treatments will probably be most effective in the earliest stages, perhaps even before cognitive impairment has started. Lois fielded some questions about caregiving and the challenges of living with someone with cognitive issues. As a thank you for our appearance, we received a coffee mug that reads OPB on one side and Think Out Loud on the other. The next morning as I was drinking my coffee in my new mug, I realized how appropriate that admonishment was: THINK OUT LOUD. That is exactly what I am doing more and more when I get confused, especially first thing in the morning. I have learned that I need to slow down and start talking out loud to myself. What a calming organizational tool this has become for me. Thank you OPB!
So glad to see — and hear this, Dan. You and Lois are the best! And so is OPB!
Well done to the both of you
I just listened to your interview, Dan and Lois. It was a good one and I’m glad I heard it in your voices. You come across as intelligent, thoughtful, steady people. Not a surprise. Thank you.
Anne
Thank you for sharing your message and insight. Interesting you talk about talking out loud. I remember learning once that in order to comprehend something you should use all of your senses meaning , read it with your eyes , say it out loud with your voice, write it down, listen to the words
When I studied during college, I tried to involve all senses to comprehend what I needed to know( esp test time)
Great interview and thank you for sharing your experiences. I was diagnosed two weeks ago and struggling to find information about an early diagnosis. Today I found your book and this website. Although I know there isn’t a cure, your insights are helping me to focus on an action plan. There are numerous articles – yet I don’t trust everything I read these days and hearing from someone who is living through this and knows how to communicate to people going through this, gives me hope. Bless you
Thank for your kind comments. Stay active, eat well, exercise your brain, get at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep, and control any cardiovascular risk factors. I would also suggest that you look into volunteering for a study. It may not help you directly, but it may contribute to the knowledge base that will most likely lead to eventual cures.
Dan