Banner Alzheimer's Institute

10/10/2025

One in four men and one in two women over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Unfortunately, changes that happen as we age can make it harder for our bones to heal. That’s because with osteoporosis, bone quality is lower, there’s less blood supply to the bone and the bone loses some of its ability to repair itself.

When you’re older, bone fractures can heal slowly and lead to other health complications. So, it’s important to keep your bones as healthy as possible.

10/10/2025

Mocktails are a sophisticated, non-alcoholic drink that offers social inclusion without the downside of alcohol, such as hangovers, extra calories or impaired judgment. Choosing mocktails and functional beverages isn’t just about skipping alcohol. It’s about rethinking what celebration looks like.

Skip the hangover and empty calories with mocktails and functional drinks. Discover the wellness benefits of non-alcoholic drinks, recipes and helpful tips.

10/10/2025

Banner Health is proud to expand our presence in Scottsdale with a team that reflects our commitment to exceptional heart care.

This month, we welcomed three outstanding Nurse Practitioners to the team: Shannon Hohnstein, Tashana Overman and Stephanie Ressler.

Earlier this week, four respected Scottsdale Cardiologists began seeing patients: Dr. David Rizik, Dr. Kevin Klassen, Dr. Robert Burke and Dr. Imad Khaled.

Together, this exceptional team brings deep expertise and a shared passion for serving our community. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to Banner Health.

10/09/2025

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancers yearly in the United States. As common as breast cancer is, there are a lot of common ideas about breast cancer and breast cancer screening which are not true.

Discover the truth about common myths surrounding breast cancer and screenings. Learn about family history, risk factors, implants, mammograms and more.

10/09/2025

Fall is here, and that means respiratory virus season is coming. Medical experts say now is the best time to get an annual flu shot.

Arizona had a massive flu season last fall and winter, with more than 75,000 confirmed cases — more than double what is typical in the state.

Dr. Aneesh Narang, assistant site medical director with the emergency department at the Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, said Arizonans should not underestimate how dangerous influenza can be. (via KJZZ Phoenix)

Arizona had a massive flu season last fall and winter, with 75,000 cases — more than double what is typical in the state. Experts recommend getting a flu shot in October, before flu season peaks.

10/09/2025

When respiratory viruses are spreading around, people can experience symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat and tiredness. Individuals might want to know whether the flu, COVID-19 or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is causing them. Since these infections can seem very similar, testing can help to get answers, so people know what to do next.

When should you test at home for flu, COVID or RSV? And what do the results really mean? This guide spells out what to do before you swab, and after.

10/08/2025

Most of us experience mood swings. Individuals might have days when they feel happy and at ease and other days when they're sad and tired. Changes in moods are part of being human. But if moods cycle higher and lower than average — between mania and depression — a person might have a mental health condition known as cyclothymia.

Mood swings that are more extreme than everyday changes but less severe than bipolar disorder could be cyclothymia. A mental health professional can help.

10/08/2025

A trip to the doctor or other health care provider can be stressful for anyone, but it can be especially scary for kids. They may worry about vaccinations, being examined or just being in an unfamiliar place. A child may not love going to the doctor, but with a few helpful strategies parents can make the experience less stressful.

Is your child nervous about their next doctor’s appointment? Here are pediatrician-recommended tips to reduce stress and build trust with their provider.

10/08/2025

Care Cards are now on sale! You can now get your Board of Visitors 2025 Care Card AZ, available for purchase online. With 100% of proceeds benefitting The BIG Pink Bus, Banner MD Anderson’s new mobile 3D mammography unit, your Care Card purchase not only brings significant savings and incentives to you, it also enables The BIG Pink Bus to bring life-saving breast cancer screenings to women across the Valley – especially those in underserved and outlying communities.

The BIG Pink Bus is a fully outfitted coach that brings 3D mammography—the gold standard in screening—to women where they are. 3D mammography offers greater accuracy, reducing false alarms, finding more cancers than conventional mammography, and detecting invasive cancers sooner. If cancer is detected, patients have immediate access to Banner MD Anderson’s Breast Cancer program for further diagnostic imaging, treatment, and supportive services. Over the past 25 years, the Care Card has become Arizona’s largest retail fundraiser, generating over $4 million for local charities supporting health care for women, children, and the elderly. Here’s how the Care Card works:
• Purchase your Care Card eCard online for $60.
• During the 10-day shopping period, Oct. 17-26, 2025, present your Care Card to receive a 20% discount on regular-priced merchandise at some 350 local retailers and restaurants (those with a heart next to their name will honor the Care Card for online sales).
• 100% of Care Card sale proceeds will benefit The BIG Pink Bus through the Banner Health Foundation.

Purchase your Care Card now: https://www.boardofvisitors.org/care-card/purchase-now/?promo=BANNER

How did you hear about Care Card? Don’t forget to enter “Banner” upon checking out.

10/07/2025

We’re proud to celebrate the Banner – University Family Care (B – UFC) Maternal Child Health (MCH) leaders who helped plan and participate in the second annual Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) Child and Family Wellness Fair on Sept. 27.

In partnership with SFMD and other community organizations, the B – UFC MCH team helped connect families with vital resources—from new car seats and safe-sleep cribs to fresh produce boxes and childcare essentials—thanks to a 2024–2025 Community Reinvestment award.

More than 70 families and 149 children benefited from this event. We’re grateful for the collaboration, community spirit and commitment to supporting family wellness across the region.

10/07/2025

Depression is a common condition that affects about 21 million people in the U.S. People who mean well often say things that aren’t helpful, and might even make a family member or friend with depression feel worse. Supporting a person with depression and connecting them with the care they need can make a difference.

When someone you care about is struggling with depression, you want to help. But you might not know what to say or do. Here’s how to make a difference.

10/07/2025

In the past, the only way to repair or replace a damaged valve was through open-heart surgery. Today, patients have more options. New treatments mean faster recovery, less pain and hope for people who may not have been candidates before. And in the years ahead, even more exciting changes are on the way.

A Banner Health cardiologist shares four key things about the future of heart valve repair, from minimally invasive options to what advances mean to you.

09/26/2025

Nearly 40,000 frozen blood samples collected during one of the largest U.S. studies of high blood pressure may soon reveal critical clues about who is most at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — and a Phoenix researcher is helping to lead the charge.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $21.6 million, five-year grant to a team of researchers, including Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, to explore how hypertension may contribute to brain disease. Their work will focus on identifying molecules in blood that signal the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

This groundbreaking study represents a first-of-its-kind approach that positions Banner Alzheimer's Institute at the forefront of innovative dementia research. More:

U.S. studies of high blood pressure may soon reveal critical clues about who is most at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

09/24/2025

We're excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring Bob Ehlers, a powerful advocate in the dementia community. In this deeply moving conversation, he discusses his personal journey and how his mild cognitive impairment diagnosis became a source of empowerment rather than defeat.

Bob opens up about the early warning signs that led him to seek help, the process of receiving his cognitive impairment diagnosis, and how he transformed his experience into meaningful advocacy work. Listen now to hear how one person's diagnosis became a platform for change and encouragement within the dementia community. Bob's story reminds us that having a voice in your healthcare journey matters and that sharing our experiences can create meaningful support for others facing similar challenges.

Click here to listen: https://cutt.ly/DementiaUntangledEp115

09/16/2025

CAREGIVER CORNER SPOTLIGHT: For Mary Lawrie, caregiving has been a journey of patience, love, and growth.

When asked what resource was most essential for her day-to-day life as a caregiver, she said, “My one and only resource that I held close to my heart was patience. Your love will always shine by being patient.”

Her advice for new caregivers? “Always be mindful of your emotions that can affect you and your family. Stay strong and resilient in a difficult situation.”

Through the challenges, Mary found unexpected joy: “Surprisingly enough, I have learned to be a better human being by helping others. It fills my heart with love.”

She also discovered the importance of acceptance: “Using a softer voice and gentle hand goes a long, long way to helping with acceptance.”

Mary says it’s important to remind yourself on tough days that caregiving is also about self-care: “It’s not easy to do, but taking time for yourself benefits both people involved. Love yourself, and your love will translate to your partner.”

09/10/2025

New Podcast Episode Alert: "The Accidental Caregiver" with Dr. Stuart Ghertner

Sometimes life transforms us in ways we never expected. In this deeply moving episode of Dementia Untangled, retired psychologist Dr. Stuart Ghertner opens his heart about becoming the primary caregiver for his beloved wife, Pam.
What makes this story unique? Stuart shares his dual perspective—both as a trained mental health professional AND as a devoted husband navigating the emotional complexities of caregiving. His clinical expertise helped him recognize subtle changes in Pam's behavior, but his journey as a husband taught him so much more.

Listen now and be inspired by this honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and the unexpected paths that shape our lives: https://cutt.ly/DementiaUntangledEp114

09/09/2025

Since Ann Taylor of Peoria was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease two years ago, she and her husband Rusty have been sharing their experiences through their Youtube channel to help others better understand the disease.

On their channel, they discuss what it has been like to take part in two clinical trials at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and share updates on their daily lives. The couple, who have been married for 28 years, always enjoys lots of laughter and hope regardless of their challenges. Several of the videos have amassed thousands of views.

“When Ann was diagnosed, we looked for other people's experiences with early onset Alzheimer’s,” says Rusty. “We found a few, but felt like sharing our situation could add to what is out there. Each person's experience is unique, so we hope that our story provides another perspective on living with this condition.”

Ann is currently taking part in her second clinical trial at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix.

Ann and Rusty share their experiences with Ann's diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's.

09/09/2025

09/03/2025

CAREGIVER CORNER SPOTLIGHT: Mark Garrity of Phoenix cares for his partner Leonard Chayrez, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in his 50s.

“I naturally tend to plan for what could go wrong, but I’ve learned the importance of living in the moment,” Mark shared. “Leonard still has a fountain of joy that spills over onto me—especially when I need it most. To stay grounded, I rely on prayer, meditation, laughter, patience, and the support of family and fellow care partners. These are the tools in my ‘toolbox’ that keep me on the right path.”

Mark says what has surprised him most is Leonard’s eagerness to remain engaged: “He wants to ‘own’ his journey and understand as much as he can. Alzheimer’s requires us to keep learning, growing, and being compassionate with ourselves and each other.”

Their story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of Alzheimer’s, resilience and love can guide the way forward.

08/27/2025

We're excited to share our newest podcast episode featuring Susan Dickinson, CEO of

In this important conversation, Susan breaks down what frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is, how it differs from Alzheimer's, and why early, accurate diagnosis matters.

Learn about the behavioral changes and executive function challenges that characterize this condition that often occurs in middle age.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, caring for someone with dementia, or simply interested in brain health, this episode offers valuable insights into a condition that affects thousands but remains widely misunderstood.

Listen now at https://cutt.ly/DementiaUntangledEp113 and please share with anyone who might benefit from this information.