Dr. Francesca Falzarano, founder of the Falzarano Family Caregiver Lab at USC, joins us to explore how her personal caregiving journey inspired groundbreaking research into dementia care. From grief and identity to technology and connection, we discuss how caregiving changes us—and how research can truly serve caregivers. This episode is a powerful look at turning loss into impact and rethinking the future of dementia support.

Caregiving can feel like an identity that eclipses everything else. In this heartfelt conversation, Nikki Nurse shares her 12-year journey caring for her mom with early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s. She opens up about balancing self-care, navigating grief, and redefining caregiving beyond sacrifice. Nikki discusses sustainable self-care, emotional resilience, and how caregivers can reclaim their confidence and embrace permission to be seen and celebrated.