The narratives we inherited about Alzheimer's disease—that memory loss means the person is already gone, that there's nothing we can do—are outdated and actively harmful. In this episode, I break down where these old stories came from, how stigma shows up in everyday interactions, why the science has fundamentally changed what's possible, and five practical steps to break free from narratives that hurt us. This is the first episode in our "Rewriting Your Future: The New Vision of Life with Memory Loss" series.

Who Will Be There When I Forget? Planning Alzheimer's Care Without Traditional Family

Three in the morning. The question circles: Who will be there when I can no longer remember my own name?

In this deeply vulnerable episode, Teri shares her most personal fear as someone who has spent six years as her mother's co-caregiver through Alzheimer's disease and clinical trials—while being single, childless, and facing the same genetic risk herself.

Over 35% of Americans aged 45-64 have no children. That number is growing. Yet our entire care infrastructure assumes traditional family caregivers exist. What happens when they don't?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The reality of planning for Alzheimer's care without children or a spouse

• Why traditional assumptions about aging fail millions of Americans

• Financial realities: $600K-$1.8M for long-term memory care

• The caregiver shortage crisis and its impact on solo agers

• Innovative care models: caregiver co-ops, intentional living communities, expanded professional options

• Concrete legal and financial planning steps you can take today

• Policy changes needed to support this growing population

• Why there's still hope despite the fear

Content Warning: This episode contains heavy emotional content about aging, progressive illness, caregiving, and end-of-life planning.

Silence doesn't serve us. If you're carrying this fear—you're not alone.

Resources mentioned:

• Free 10-minute clarity call: memorytreatmentadvisors.com/schedule

• Legal planning templates and resources: [link]

• Community care models: [link]

About the Host: Teri Youngdale is the founder of Memory Treatment Advisors and Alzheimer's Survivor. She has served as her mother's co-caregiver through six years of Alzheimer's disease, including participation in groundbreaking clinical trials like Leqembi. Teri helps families create personalized roadmaps for prevention, treatment options, and long-term care planning.

Listen with clarity, courage, and care.

Expert (Author Name):

Teri J. Youngdale