In a recent episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth welcomed Dr. Angelica Catusco, founder of The Dementia Docs and a licensed occupational therapist, for an inspiring conversation about dementia care, caregiver support, and why a diagnosis should never be viewed as the end of the story.
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Dr. Catusco built her practice around a simple but powerful belief: people living with dementia can continue to live meaningful lives when they receive the right support, education, and care.
“This is where we’re beginning,” Catusco said. “This isn’t the end.”
Throughout the conversation, she shared how her own family’s caregiving experiences inspired her career. After watching both her mother care for her grandmother and later advocate for her younger brother through medical challenges, she developed a passion for helping families navigate complex healthcare systems with greater confidence and compassion.
One of the episode’s central themes was the often-overlooked role of family caregivers. Catusco emphasized that caregivers frequently neglect their own physical and emotional well-being while focusing entirely on their loved one.
“They neglect their own self-care in the process,” she said.
Roth noted that more than 60 million Americans serve as family caregivers and stressed that asking for help is not a sign of failure.
“It’s okay to ask for help,” Roth said.
The discussion also explored how occupational therapy can dramatically improve quality of life for people living with dementia. Rather than focusing only on the diagnosis, Catusco evaluates the entire person, including their home environment, daily routines, relationships, and meaningful activities, helping families preserve independence for as long as possible.
“The more independent the person is that’s living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the less burden that the caregiver has to carry,” she explained.
Roth and Catusco also tackled several common misconceptions about dementia. One of the biggest, she said, is believing that significant memory loss is simply a normal part of aging.
“Preventative healthcare is a lot better than reactive healthcare,” Catusco said, encouraging families to seek evaluations early when cognitive changes become noticeable.
The pair discussed how healthcare providers can better support families immediately following a diagnosis. Rather than delivering difficult news and sending patients home with little guidance, Catusco believes clinicians should provide reassurance, education, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.
“I have a team of people that are going to help you,” she said. “You’re not alone.”
Another important topic was the growing role of artificial intelligence and technology in dementia care. While both agreed that emerging tools can improve education, engagement, and caregiver support, they emphasized that technology should always complement human relationships rather than replace them.
“It’s those relationships that really do make a big difference,” Catusco said.
The episode also highlighted the value of support groups, caregiver education, and community connections. Catusco shared how hearing others’ experiences often helps caregivers realize they are not alone, while Roth encouraged listeners to look out for neighbors and friends who may quietly be caring for loved ones behind closed doors.
“Don’t ask. Just do,” Roth said, encouraging simple acts of kindness like dropping off a meal or checking in on a caregiver.
During the rapid-fire segment, listeners also got to know Dr. Catusco beyond her clinical work, from her love of yoga and meditation to her favorite brain-health habit: staying socially connected while keeping both the mind and body active.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You to hear Bob Roth and Dr. Angelica Catusco discuss caregiver burnout, dementia myths, occupational therapy, aging in place, and how families can find hope after a diagnosis.
📌 Learn more about Health Futures: Taking Stock in You
📌 Learn more about Cypress HomeCare Solutions
📌 Learn more about The Dementia Docs
📝 This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice.
