More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. On this episode, a look at what the disease feels like from the inside. Volker is a retired professor and former president of the American Family Therapy Academy who spent decades building couple and family therapy programs at the University of Iowa and Purdue University. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2025, though symptoms first appeared in 2022. Edie, his wife, joins the conversation as his primary caregiver. (This show was originally produced Nov. 24, 2026.)
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On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with experts in caregiving and those caught in this "sandwich generation," balancing care for aging parents and children. (This show originally aired May 22, 2025.) -
A retired therapist and professor shares what Alzheimer's has felt like for him. Volker Thomas and Edie Pierce Thomas, his wife and primary caregiver, open up about diagnosis, caregiving and the moments that still bring relief. -
Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision making, or simply care about a person with the disease, there are resources available.
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Caregiving always comes with challenges, but those in the sandwich generation are pulled between the needs of several generations.
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Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is among those leading a lawsuit against the federal government's new requirement for nursing home staffing. -
Adovcates say there is a critical need for providers who understand the unique needs of people who faced great trauma to come to America.
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According to the AARP, 330,000 caregivers are working without pay while caring for loved ones and family members who are unable to care for themselves due to age, illness or disability. -
There are 330,000 unpaid caregivers in Iowa right now. We’ll talk about the challenges they face and what could be done to give them the support they need for this essential work.
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A look at recent Alzheimer’s research that will be discussed at an upcoming Dementia Summit, as well as a discussion on the importance of early intervention
