73: What It Means to Live Well with Dementia with Sam and Susan Simon

<p>Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sam and Susan Simon for an inspiring conversation about what it means to live well after a dementia diagnosis. Together, they share how purpose, creativity, advocacy, and connection continue to shape their lives and relationship as they navigate dementia as a couple.</p><p>Years before Sam’s own diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for Susan through Stage 3 breast cancer. Now, their roles are evolving as Susan supports Sam while they proactively plan for the future together.</p><p>Sam also discusses how he transformed his experience into his one-man play, Dementia Man, An Existential Journey, using storytelling and advocacy to help others better understand life after diagnosis and hold on to a sense of identity and purpose.</p><p><strong>Episode highlights include:</strong></p><p>-Experiencing caregiving from both sides</p><p>-Living well after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis</p><p>-Finding purpose through advocacy, creativity, and storytelling</p><p>-Supporting independence while navigating dementia together</p><p>-Planning proactively for the future with hope and intention</p><p><strong>Helpful links from the episode:</strong></p><p>-Dementia Man: An Existential Journey: Choosing Life and Finding Meaning with Alzheimer’s: dementiaman.com</p><p>-Washington Post article: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/26/alzheimers-dementia-man-play/"><u>“In a one-man play, an 80-year-old chronicles his own dementia”</u></a></p><p>-Facebook: facebook.com/dementiaman</p><p>-Instagram: @thedementiaman</p><p>-YouTube: youtube.com/@dementiaman_</p><p>To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit <a href="http://www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats"><u>www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats</u></a>. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at <a href="mailto:caregiverchats@homeinstead.com"><u>caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com</u></a>.</p><p>Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.</p><p><strong>Follow us on social media:</strong></p><p>Instagram: @caregiverchatspodcast @homeinsteadinc</p><p>Facebook: @homeinsteadinc</p><p>YouTube: @homeinsteadinc</p><p>TikTok: @homeinstead.inc</p><p><br></p>