Join Mary Elaine and Betsy Sloan as they talk about finding your voice amid the noise. Betsy is the host of Chatting with Betsy, and advocate for early-onset Alzheimer’s awareness. She shares her caregiving journey with her husband, who had an early onset Alzheimer’s. She also talks about how she fought for the correct diagnosis as the experts dismissed the possibility of the disease due to his young age. This dismissal paved the path for her to take up space, raise awareness, and advocate for early onset Alzheimer’s awareness so no one would ever feel alone again in this kind of journey.
Outline of the episode:
- Betsy Sloane’s caregiving story
- What are some of the signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s?
- How did Matt’s diagnosis change her life?
- The ignorance and arrogance of medical professionals
- Speech-language pathologist significance in early detection
- Her advice to caregivers
About Betsy Sloan:
Radio Host, Alzheimer’s Advocate, and Caregiver
Betsy Sloan is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse and Teacher’s Aide. She is the mom of an adult son with special needs and his caregiver. Her first experience with Alzheimer’s was with her mom-in-law. Her dad also had Alzheimer’s.
Then her husband Matt had Early Onset Alzheimer’s at age 56. Matt’s journey changed her life for the better! She found her gifts, power, and her voice. Matt’s journey was a battle from getting a diagnosis to getting proper hospice care.
She went in her car to raise awareness of Early Onset Alzheimer’s but at that time there wasn’t much information available. The doctors said that Matt was too young!
She started talking about caregiving and showed Matt’s journey. In September 2019, Betsy was given her show, Chatting with Betsy. She is the Creator and Founder of the #Kick Alzheimer’s Ass Movement Group on Facebook.
Matt passed away on Jan 1, 2020. Betsy told Matt she would carry on with her work and honor his memory and she has.
Catch Betsy Sloan on…
Connect with Caregiver Cast Podcast…
https://www.caregiverlifelinecommunitypodcasts.com/
Website: www.caregiverlifelinecommunity.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryelainepetrucci/
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Don’t forget to join Mary’s Facebook Group, Caregiver Lifeline Community; https://www.facebook.com/groups/373423030311924
