Thinking Ahead About Alzheimer's and Care Needs with Betsy Haddad

Betsy Haddad has returned to the podcast to share some exciting news on the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.  Since the passing of her beloved dad, Edward, Betsy has had time to reflect on his suffering and that has channeled her grief into activism in the fight against the disease.  Betsy is a member of Generation X and she grew up in the era of 80's music.  She has two wonderful adult sons who are the light of her life.  In her spare time, Betsy loves to sing - performing occasionally at local restaurants with her friend on keyboard.  She also sings with the Orlando Episcopal Cathedral church choir.

In this episode you will hear about a blood test (still in its trial stages) that measures protein levels, believed to be a tool to detect Alzheimer's early on.  Betsy, herself, has had the blood test so you'll want to hear her take on what this means for her.

Betsy shares about GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) designed to support people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers and how this test model provides a care navigator who is in charge of the person with the diagnosis' care, supports the caregiver and provides opportunities for respite care for the caregiver.  Betsy also mentioned RIPPL through Alzheimer's Association.

We also hear from Betsy, who works as a consultant in the health insurance industry, about an important distinction between long-term care insurance and hybrid long-term care insurance.  

Betsy doesn't just talk about her wish to improve the future for others; she puts her words into action by participating in research to advance the science and she's connecting folks to resources that she has discovered through and since her caregiving journey.