Passionate Advocates Talk about Alzheimer’s Support and Caregiving

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

As we kick off Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we talk about the state of Alzheimer’s research, as well as the challenges of caregiver support and services with two passionate advocates: James Taylor, the CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s, and Carol Steinberg, a writer, nonprofit executive and author of a celebrated intergenerational children’s book for families who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s. Jim will provide updates on Alzheimer’s research and development, in addition to major advances in treatments. He’ll explain a range of issues, from the importance of early diagnosis to the dire shortage of experienced neurologists. Carol, the author of Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly: A Heartfelt Children’s Story About Alzheimer’s Disease, will describe the impact of Alzheimer's disease on young caregivers and the need for socialization and support across the caregiving community. And both Jim and Carol will share their individual caregiving stories, acknowledging the reality of “caregiver burden,” but choosing to embrace the positive experiences and personal growth they’ve achieved through caregiving.

ABOUT THE GUESTS: 

Jim Taylor serves as President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s (VoA), a patient advocacy organization, whose mission is to promote speedy and equitable access to FDA-approved diagnostics and therapeutics for dementia.  Jim has an MBA from the University of Chicago and successful career in IBM finance. His wife, Geri, was diagnosed in 2012 with Alzheimer’s disease and they have spoke to over 15,000 people across the US and in Europe addressing stigma, living well with dementia, and promoting clinical trial participation. In 2020, the couple was awarded the Perennial Hero Award by the Alliance for Aging Research (DC). Jim is an Alzheimer’s patient advocate for the FDA and the New York State Alzheimer’s Council.  Geri died in August, 2024, and he continues their work in her memory.

Carol Steinberg

Carol Steinberg is an accomplished writer/editor and a former award-winning journalist who contributed regularly to The New York Times, Success magazine, and other publications. In a mid-life career change, Carol left journalism to serve for many years as an executive at local and national Alzheimer’s organizations. She became passionate about contributing to the Alzheimer’s community after her father passed away from the disease. Now semi-retired, she continues her advocacy work, including writing the biweekly newsletter for Voices of Alzheimer’s. Based on her family’s experience and her Alzheimer’s expertise, Carol is the author of a new children’s book—Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly—which uniquely combines a heartfelt story about Alzheimer’s disease and a collection of intergenerational activities. The book, published in November 2024, is available on Amazon.

Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly: A Heartfelt Children’s Story About Alzheimer’s Disease Plus a Guide to Intergenerational Activities

Amazon URL: https://bit.ly/ComeGrandpaMeow

Contact: James Taylor: jmilburnta@aol.com

 Carol Steinberg: carolsteinberg1@gmail.com

Facebook:

LinkedIn: Jim Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-taylor-23512135a/

                Carol Steinberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolsteinbergwriter/

Instagram: @bycarolsteinberg

Website: https://www.voicesofad.com/