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Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser
Living with Alzheimer's: Rebecca Chopp's Inspiring Journey
Ep. 205
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In this podcast episode, Dr. Ron Kaiser welcomes Dr. Rebecca Chopp, a distinguished academic leader and author who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Rebecca shares her unique and inspiring journey of living with Alzheimer's and how she's refused to surrender to the disease. Her story is a testament to the power of attitude, lifestyle interventions, and resilience in the face of a challenging diagnosis.
Rebecca earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and had a successful career, including serving as the president of Colgate University and Swarthmore College. In 2019, she was the Chancellor of the University of Denver when she received the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Her first neurologist had outdated knowledge about the disease and painted a bleak picture of her future, but Rebecca's life took a different turn after getting a second opinion from a more positive neurologist..
Refusing to Surrender:
Rebecca discusses her initial struggles with the diagnosis and the stigma associated with Alzheimer's. Many people hesitate to seek diagnosis due to the fear and misconceptions about the disease. However, she emphasizes the importance of getting an early diagnosis and maintaining a positive attitude.
Rebecca outlines key components of her lifestyle changes to delay the progress of her Alzheimer's symptoms. These include diet, exercise, sleep, and creativity. She follows a Mediterranean-style diet, prioritizes sleep, and incorporates exercise into her daily routine. Creativity, whether through painting, music, or gardening, has been a vital aspect of her journey.
Recognizing Alzheimer's Symptoms:
Rebecca shares how Alzheimer's has affected her daily life, particularly her short-term memory and time management skills. She also discusses the gradual loss of her ability to drive, highlighting that Alzheimer's symptoms vary among individuals.
Rebecca's Career and Life Before Alzheimer's:
Rebecca's journey to becoming an academic leader, from her modest upbringing to her academic pursuits in theology and administration, is highlighted. She reflects on the joy she found in her career and her interest in spirituality.
Rebecca's upcoming book, "STILL ME: Accepting Alzheimer's Without Losing Yourself," is discussed. The book provides insights into her diagnosis, living well with Alzheimer's, the science behind the disease, and practical tips for those facing a similar journey. All proceeds from the book will go toward further Alzheimer's research.
Rebecca encourages individuals to seek a second opinion if they receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She recommends valuable resources such as the Alzheimer's Association and Us Against Dementia for information, guidance, and support.
Rebecca's story serves as an inspiration to those facing Alzheimer's and their families. Her message is clear: refuse to surrender, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and find joy in the journey. Her book and website are valuable resources for those seeking guidance and information about living with Alzheimer's
https://www.rebeccachoppenterprise.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-chopp-1a0225b0
https://twitter.com/chancellorchopp?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.chopp
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36:23||Ep. 269This is a special replay of an episode of the REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast that was first posted on February 2023.Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes it can seem like your to-do list is never-ending. Other times you’re dealing with sudden loss or grief. Whatever it is that life throws at you, it can be difficult to process and easy for bad habits to prevail. But what if there was a way to deal with life’s hardships, or even just evolve into a better version of yourself? Mindfulness is a mental state achieved through awareness. Those who practice it see improvements in things like concentration, self-control, objectivity, and emotional intelligence. Donald Altman is a psychotherapist and mindfulness expert. A former Buddhist monk, Donald is an international workshop trainer whose passions lie in applying ancient practices in the modern world to help people deal with self-growth, relationships, and workplace dynamics. Donald is also an award-winning author, having penned over 20 books in his lifetime. His most recent book, Travelers, a story about a mystical journey through space and time set in the backdrop of a psychiatric hospital, was just released. In this episode, I speak to Donald about his newest book release, how he defines mindfulness, what he suggests for those wishing to get into the practice, and so much more. Tune in to Episode 173 of REJUVENAGING® and start your mindfulness journey with Donald Altman.Some Questions I Ask:From the standpoint of an expert, what is mindfulness? (7:33)Can you tell us a little more about your journey? (12:32)For somebody who lives mindfully, how does their day-to-day life differ from somebody who isn't really aware of mindfulness? (17:44)Do you find that there's any resistance among, say, older folks, of learning mindfulness? (25:35)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Donald views mindfulness (9:25)What Donald suggests for those who want to start practicing mindfulness (11:27)How Donald got into writing (14:43)Which one of Donald’s books to read when starting your mindfulness journey (16:17)About the plot of Donald’s new book ‘Travelers’ (19:17)How Donald suggests introducing mindfulness to someone who has trouble focusing (28:09)ResourcesTravelers: A NovelDonald Altman’s other booksDonald Altman’s webinarsOur sponsor's page and discountsConnect with Donald AltmanWebsiteLinkedIn268. Setting Goals and Embracing Positivity for a Fulfilling 2025
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35:59||Ep. 261In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, communication expert and author, Dr. Amanda Kenderes shares her insights into understanding communication styles through her groundbreaking "Talk Types" framework. Her book, Talk Types: How What We Say Reveals Who We Are, delves into the three core categories of communication and how these shape our interactions and relationships. Amanda explains the basis of these categories — objective understanding (A), subjective experience (B), and subjective understanding (C) — and how each combination, or "talk type," reflects unique motivations and conversational preferences. By recognizing our own talk type and others’, we can unlock the key to better personal and professional relationships.Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up internationally and learning the nuances of communication across cultures, which inspired her fascination with deep and meaningful conversations. Her experiences led to the creation of the "Talk Types" model. Whether it's connecting with loved ones, resolving conflicts, or building effective leadership skills, Amanda discusses how understanding and adapting to talk types can greatly enhance communication. She also provides practical examples, like navigating parent-child dynamics and professional meetings, where recognizing talk types fosters empathy and cooperation.Dr. Ron and Dr. Amanda also explore practical applications of the Talk Types model in everyday life. From decoding our children’s preferences to better understanding our partners, Amanda explains how we can apply this knowledge to strengthen relationships. Her insights on how to "translate" communication across different talk types to help listeners connect on a deeper level, even when styles differ. This conversation underscores how cultivating awareness of talk types is a powerful tool to enrich our lives, improve our interactions, and foster more fulfilling connections.For more information on Dr. Amandahttps://amandakenderes.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kenderes/https://www.instagram.com/amandakenderes/https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Types-How-What-Reveals/dp/B0D12Z8QPJ