Mary Lou Falcone joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Mary Lou Falcone joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

I Didn't See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia with Mary Lou Falcone

Is it possible to not just slow down, but actually reverse advanced Alzheimer’s disease? In this groundbreaking episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, co-hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with two visionary researchers from Case Western Reserve University who are challenging decades of medical dogma.

Dr. Andrew Pieper, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, alongside postdoctoral researcher Dr. Kalyana Chauvi, share the astonishing results of their latest study. Traditionally, Alzheimer’s has been viewed as a chronic, strictly irreversible condition. However, using a class of neuroprotective compounds known as P7C3, their lab has demonstrated that symptomatic, cognitively impaired mice can actually recover their function and clear out brain pathology.

Tune in to discover how targeting cellular energy could completely change the future of dementia care and provide long-awaited hope to millions of families and caregivers worldwide.

Key Takeaways & Highlights


Shifting the Dogma: For decades, the scientific community believed the best we could hope for was slowing down Alzheimer's progression. This new research proves that the brain is dynamically capable of recovering from advanced neurodegenerative states—even after some cell death has occurred.


The Power of Cellular Energy: Instead of focusing purely on traditional amyloid plaques and tangles, the P7C3 compound targets the mitochondria. By restoring the brain’s energy levels, the brain is equipped to fight off damage, repair itself, and restore lost memory and learning capabilities.


The "Aha" Moment: Dr. Chauvi describes the thrilling moment she witnessed advanced, symptomatic mice successfully navigate the Morris Water Maze test after treatment, behaving just like mice that never had the disease.


Looking to the Future: Learn about the next steps for this research, including the formation of Glengarry Brain Health and the timeline for moving these life-changing discoveries into Phase 1 human clinical safety trials.

About Dr. Pieper

Andrew A. Pieper, MD, PhD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work sits at the intersection of clinical medicine and translational neuroscience. Dr. Pieper earned his MD and PhD degrees from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where his doctoral work in neuroscience under Solomon H. Snyder focused on mechanisms of cell death.

He holds the Rebecca E. Barchas University Professorship in Translational Psychiatry and the University Hospitals Morley-Mather Chair of Neuropsychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, where he also directs the Center for Brain Health Medicines at the Harrington Discovery Institute. His laboratory is best known for pioneering the discovery and development of the P7C3 class of neuroprotective compounds. These energy stabilizing molecules have demonstrated the capacity to prevent pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease in preclinical models and to restore brain resilience such that pathology is reversed and cognitive function is recovered even with advanced neurodegenerative disease.

About Dr. Chaubey

Dr. Kalyani Chaubey, PhD, completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, followed by a PhD in Neurotoxicology in India, with her PhD focused on the impact of organophosphorus toxins on the brain.

She joined the Pieper lab for her postdoctoral work, focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of neurodegeneration, and is currently a Research Scientist in the lab working with Dr. Andrew Pieper. Her most recent discovery is

the phenomenon that restoring and maintaining energy balance in the brain is sufficient to both prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s disease in animal models. This is the first demonstration of the ability to achieve recovery and restore cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease has prompted a new way for the field to consider this condition.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Is it possible to not just slow down, but actually reverse advanced Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease? In this groundbreaking episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, co-hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with two visionary researchers from Case Western Reserve University who are challenging decades of medical dogma.
Dr. Andrew Pieper, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, alongside postdoctoral researcher Dr. Kalyana Chauvi, share the astonishing results of their latest study. Traditionally, Alzheimer&rsquo;s has been viewed as a chronic, strictly irreversible condition. However, using a class of neuroprotective compounds known as P7C3, their lab has demonstrated that symptomatic, cognitively impaired mice can actually recover their function and clear out brain pathology.
Tune in to discover how targeting cellular energy could completely change the future of dementia care and provide long-awaited hope to millions of families and caregivers worldwide.
Key Takeaways &amp; Highlights
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
Shifting the Dogma: For decades, the scientific community believed the best we could hope for was slowing down Alzheimer's progression. This new research proves that the brain is dynamically capable of recovering from advanced neurodegenerative states&mdash;even after some cell death has occurred.
</li>
<li>
The Power of Cellular Energy: Instead of focusing purely on traditional amyloid plaques and tangles, the P7C3 compound targets the mitochondria. By restoring the brain&rsquo;s energy levels, the brain is equipped to fight off damage, repair itself, and restore lost memory and learning capabilities.
</li>
<li>
The "Aha" Moment: Dr. Chauvi describes the thrilling moment she witnessed advanced, symptomatic mice successfully navigate the Morris Water Maze test after treatment, behaving just like mice that never had the disease.
</li>
<li>
Looking to the Future: Learn about the next steps for this research, including the formation of Glengarry Brain Health and the timeline for moving these life-changing discoveries into Phase 1 human clinical safety trials.
</li>
</ul>
About Dr. Pieper
Andrew A. Pieper, MD, PhD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work sits at the intersection of clinical medicine and translational neuroscience. Dr. Pieper earned his MD and PhD degrees from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where his doctoral work in neuroscience under Solomon H. Snyder focused on mechanisms of cell death.
He holds the Rebecca E. Barchas University Professorship in Translational Psychiatry and the University Hospitals Morley-Mather Chair of Neuropsychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, where he also directs the Center for Brain Health Medicines at the Harrington Discovery Institute. His laboratory is best known for pioneering the discovery and development of the P7C3 class of neuroprotective compounds. These energy stabilizing molecules have demonstrated the capacity to prevent pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease in preclinical models and to restore brain resilience such that pathology is reversed and cognitive function is recovered even with advanced neurodegenerative disease.
About Dr. Chaubey
Dr. Kalyani Chaubey, PhD, completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, followed by a PhD in Neurotoxicology in India, with her PhD focused on the impact of organophosphorus toxins on the brain.
She joined the Pieper lab for her postdoctoral work, focused on Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease and related forms of neurodegeneration, and is currently a Research Scientist in the lab working with Dr. Andrew Pieper. Her most recent discovery is
the phenomenon that restoring and maintaining energy balance in the brain is sufficient to both prevent and reverse Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease in animal models. This is the first demonstration of the ability to achieve recovery and restore cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease has prompted a new way for the field to consider this condition.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Reversing the "Irreversible": A New Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Research | Dr. Andrew Pieper & Dr. Kalyani Chaubey

What do you do when a loved one begins showing signs of mental illness? For many families, identifying the warning signs, finding accessible care, and overcoming deep-rooted cultural stigmas can feel like an overwhelming, uphill battle. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Maria Honigman (Director of Programs) and Olga Rodriguez (Director of Education) from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater San Antonio to discuss how families can navigate these complex emotional and practical challenges.

Drawing from professional expertise and deeply personal "lived experiences," Maria and Olga break down the subtle behavioral shifts caregivers should look out for, the unique stresses of the "sandwich generation," and the vital importance of prioritizing your own mental well-being while supporting someone else. They also highlight NAMI's extensive, completely free educational programs and support groups designed to ensure no caregiver ever has to walk this journey alone.

Key Takeaways & Main Topics


Recognizing the Warning Signs: Learn how to identify early indicators of mental health struggles, including sudden mood changes, social withdrawal, increased anxiety or sadness, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.


The "Oxygen Mask" Rule of Self-Care: Why taking care of your own mental and physical health isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. The guests share actionable advice on establishing healthy boundaries, managing caregiver guilt, and using simple grounding techniques to recharge.


The Sandwich Generation Dynamics: An exploration of the unique communication challenges that arise whether you are an adult parent advocating for a child, or an adult child navigating the resistance of a parent experiencing mental health issues.


Breaking the Stigma in Faith and Culture: A candid conversation on overcoming cultural barriers—such as the Hispanic proverb "la ropa sucia se lava en casa" (don't air dirty laundry)—and how faith communities can safely bridge religious beliefs with professional mental health advocacy.


Free NAMI Resources Explained: Discover NAMI’s tailored, cost-free educational classes, including Family-to-Family (for relatives of adults), NAMI Basics (for parents of children under 17), and Home Front (for military and veteran families).

Featured Guests


Maria Honigman – Director of Programs, NAMI Greater San Antonio


Olga Rodriguez – Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio

To find a free NAMI support group or educational program near you, search for your local NAMI chapter online or visit caregiversos.org.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

What do you do when a loved one begins showing signs of mental illness? For many families, identifying the warning signs, finding accessible care, and overcoming deep-rooted cultural stigmas can feel like an overwhelming, uphill battle. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Maria Honigman (Director of Programs) and Olga Rodriguez (Director of Education) from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater San Antonio to discuss how families can navigate these complex emotional and practical challenges.
Drawing from professional expertise and deeply personal "lived experiences," Maria and Olga break down the subtle behavioral shifts caregivers should look out for, the unique stresses of the "sandwich generation," and the vital importance of prioritizing your own mental well-being while supporting someone else. They also highlight NAMI's extensive, completely free educational programs and support groups designed to ensure no caregiver ever has to walk this journey alone.
Key Takeaways &amp; Main Topics
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
Recognizing the Warning Signs: Learn how to identify early indicators of mental health struggles, including sudden mood changes, social withdrawal, increased anxiety or sadness, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.
</li>
<li>
The "Oxygen Mask" Rule of Self-Care: Why taking care of your own mental and physical health isn&rsquo;t selfish&mdash;it&rsquo;s necessary. The guests share actionable advice on establishing healthy boundaries, managing caregiver guilt, and using simple grounding techniques to recharge.
</li>
<li>
The Sandwich Generation Dynamics: An exploration of the unique communication challenges that arise whether you are an adult parent advocating for a child, or an adult child navigating the resistance of a parent experiencing mental health issues.
</li>
<li>
Breaking the Stigma in Faith and Culture: A candid conversation on overcoming cultural barriers&mdash;such as the Hispanic proverb "la ropa sucia se lava en casa" (don't air dirty laundry)&mdash;and how faith communities can safely bridge religious beliefs with professional mental health advocacy.
</li>
<li>
Free NAMI Resources Explained: Discover NAMI&rsquo;s tailored, cost-free educational classes, including Family-to-Family (for relatives of adults), NAMI Basics (for parents of children under 17), and Home Front (for military and veteran families).
</li>
</ul>
Featured Guests
<ul data-path-to-node="12">
<li>
Maria Honigman &ndash; Director of Programs, NAMI Greater San Antonio
</li>
<li>
Olga Rodriguez &ndash; Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio
</li>
</ul>
To find a free NAMI support group or educational program near you, search for your local NAMI chapter online or visit caregiversos.org.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

When Mental Illness Hits Home: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support, Self-Care, & NAMI Resources | Olga Rodriguez & Maria Hoenigman

When a family member chooses to live an isolated life, it can be incredibly difficult to know when—and how—to step in. It becomes even more challenging when that loved one flatly refuses medical help, hides their symptoms, or is dealing with cognitive decline.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Alzheimer’s advocate, researcher, and clinical trial participant Nancy Meserve. Nancy shares a deeply personal and eye-opening account of intervening in the life of her 77-year-old sister, Marie, who had spent years living isolated as a functional hoarder and avoiding medical professionals since 2018.

Through Nancy’s journey—navigating a surprise heart failure diagnosis, massive caffeine misuse, and early-stage dementia—listeners will learn actionable strategies for breaking through a loved one's denial, handling long specialist wait times, and managing the emotional toll of caregiving.

About Nancy

Nancy Meserve is an Alzheimer's disease advocate, researcher, clinical trial participant, and author of The Lived Experience of Participants in Preclinical Alzheimer's Intervention Research, published in the Alzheimer's Association journal, Alzheimer's & Dementia. She is widely recognized for her dedicated focus on documenting and improving the day-to-day lived experiences of those participating in early Alzheimer's research.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:


Trusting Your Instincts: Why noticing that "something is off" is your most powerful tool, even when experts or the individual tell you otherwise.


The Stealth of Isolation: How older adults living alone successfully mask severe physical and cognitive changes, from shuffling gaits to extreme word-finding difficulties.


Using Urgent Care as a Gateway: How a single trip to an urgent care clinic can bypass years of medical avoidance and unlock critical hospital and specialist referrals.


Navigating the Neurology Bottleneck: Reality-tested advice on managing long wait times for cognitive care (including 9-month or year-long delays for neurologist appointments).


Creative Memory Scaffolding: Nancy's brilliant "Staples folder" method using provider photos and bios to build trust and comfort for a loved one who resists strangers or forgets appointments.

Key Caregiver Takeaways:

📌 Scale Back What's "Ideal" — Don't force a radical lifestyle change. Instead, figure out what a healthy, safe "new normal" looks like while still respecting their chosen way of life.

📌 Meet Them Where They Are — Build rapport through things that bring them joy first. Taking a moment to visit a favorite building or park can completely shift a resistant loved one into an agreeable mood for a doctor's visit.

📌 Investigate the Basket & Routine — Take your loved one to the grocery or supplement store. Watching what they buy can reveal hidden issues, such as dangerous amounts of hidden caffeine or unmanaged physical fatigue.

📌 Give Yourself Grace — Intervening with a resistant family member is emotionally exhausting. It is okay to step away, cry, and practice self-care.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

When a family member chooses to live an isolated life, it can be incredibly difficult to know when&mdash;and how&mdash;to step in. It becomes even more challenging when that loved one flatly refuses medical help, hides their symptoms, or is dealing with cognitive decline.
In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Alzheimer&rsquo;s advocate, researcher, and clinical trial participant Nancy Meserve. Nancy shares a deeply personal and eye-opening account of intervening in the life of her 77-year-old sister, Marie, who had spent years living isolated as a functional hoarder and avoiding medical professionals since 2018.
Through Nancy&rsquo;s journey&mdash;navigating a surprise heart failure diagnosis, massive caffeine misuse, and early-stage dementia&mdash;listeners will learn actionable strategies for breaking through a loved one's denial, handling long specialist wait times, and managing the emotional toll of caregiving.
About Nancy
Nancy Meserve is an Alzheimer's disease advocate, researcher, clinical trial participant, and author of The Lived Experience of Participants in Preclinical Alzheimer's Intervention Research, published in the Alzheimer's Association journal, Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia. She is widely recognized for her dedicated focus on documenting and improving the day-to-day lived experiences of those participating in early Alzheimer's research.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
Trusting Your Instincts: Why noticing that "something is off" is your most powerful tool, even when experts or the individual tell you otherwise.
</li>
<li>
The Stealth of Isolation: How older adults living alone successfully mask severe physical and cognitive changes, from shuffling gaits to extreme word-finding difficulties.
</li>
<li>
Using Urgent Care as a Gateway: How a single trip to an urgent care clinic can bypass years of medical avoidance and unlock critical hospital and specialist referrals.
</li>
<li>
Navigating the Neurology Bottleneck: Reality-tested advice on managing long wait times for cognitive care (including 9-month or year-long delays for neurologist appointments).
</li>
<li>
Creative Memory Scaffolding: Nancy's brilliant "Staples folder" method using provider photos and bios to build trust and comfort for a loved one who resists strangers or forgets appointments.
</li>
</ul>
Key Caregiver Takeaways:
📌 Scale Back What's "Ideal" &mdash; Don't force a radical lifestyle change. Instead, figure out what a healthy, safe "new normal" looks like while still respecting their chosen way of life.
📌 Meet Them Where They Are &mdash; Build rapport through things that bring them joy first. Taking a moment to visit a favorite building or park can completely shift a resistant loved one into an agreeable mood for a doctor's visit.
📌 Investigate the Basket &amp; Routine &mdash; Take your loved one to the grocery or supplement store. Watching what they buy can reveal hidden issues, such as dangerous amounts of hidden caffeine or unmanaged physical fatigue.
📌 Give Yourself Grace &mdash; Intervening with a resistant family member is emotionally exhausting. It is okay to step away, cry, and practice self-care.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

I Didn't See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia with Mary Lou Falcone

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