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What Love Requires When Alzheimer's Moves In

Episode 46: What Love Requires When Alzheimer's Moves In

Betty Olson, 82, on becoming her husband Peter's sole caregiver after Alzheimer's reshaped their decades-long marriage following his 2023 kidney transplant.

Show notes

Emily welcomes Betty Olson, 82, who shares what it means to become the sole caregiver for her husband of decades. Peter Olson, 84, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's — symptoms that came into sharp focus following a kidney transplant in July 2023. Betty traces the arc of their life together: meeting in a scuba class, their complementary strengths, building a home in Clinton. She describes the early signs of cognitive decline, the practical challenges of managing a household when familiar tools and simple directions become obstacles, and the emotional weight of watching someone you know completely change. The conversation includes moments of unexpected humor, honest fears about the cost of in-home care, and Betty's determination to hold onto her own identity through church, choir, volunteering, and an upcoming shoulder replacement.

This episode was Sponsored by Hudson Solar and Battery Solutions.

Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

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Guests

Betty Olson

Betty Olson

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