Karen Sandone joins me today to share the deeply personal story of caring for her husband Anthony after his younger onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and what it has meant for their marriage, their family, and her own identity. This conversation is for anyone navigating dementia caregiving, grieving a partner who is still physically present, or trying to understand how to support someone living this reality.We discuss Anthony’s early symptoms, the long road to diagnosis, the emotional and practical weight of caregiving, and the community Karen has built through Surviving the Now. Karen also offers concrete advice for caregivers and for friends who want to show up in meaningful ways.


You’ll Learn:

  • Karen introduces Anthony as the funny, athletic, talkative person she has known since grade school and later reunited with in adulthood.
  • The first warning signs appeared during COVID in 2020, including word-finding issues, unfinished sentences, memory lapses, getting lost, and trouble interpreting GPS.
  • Karen explains how the diagnosis changed their marriage from husband and wife into a caregiver-patient relationship, with many daily “lasts” along the way.
  • She describes the emotional toll of caregiving as a form of grief, including selling their home to help cover care costs and watching Anthony’s abilities decline.
  • Karen talks about shifting from “why me” to “watch me,” and using her voice to advocate for caregivers and for Anthony.
  • Their six children and grandchildren have become part of the support system, with Anthony’s children helping with care, logistics, and emotional support.


Connect with Karen:


Follow Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksandone/


Follow Surviving the Now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575290213823


TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ksandone


Surviving the Now: https://survivingthenow.com/


Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Rss Apple Podcaster
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Amy Schmidt. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Amy Schmidt och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.