Wine, Women, & Dementia: Building Caregiver Community with a side of Humor – With Kitty Norton
- S2025E157
- 59:28
- November 18th 2025
Welcome to the fourth film discussion in AlzAuthors' 10th Anniversary Film Festival. This powerful episode features a deep-dive into the documentary "Wine, Women & Dementia,” and offers community, validation, practical wisdom, and a celebration of caregivers.
Meet Kitty Norton, creator and director of "Wine, Women & Dementia." After leaving her television career in Los Angeles, Kitty returned to Portland, Oregon to care for her mother with dementia. From her experience she later crafted this touching film to honor family caregivers and raise authentic awareness of dementia’s impact.
Kitty’s film has won awards and is used by medical organizations for staff training. It’s a must-watch for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the realities of dementia care. Learn about her journey, the healing power of humor, and the importance of support networks for caregivers everywhere.
Why This Episode Matters
- Dementia Caregiving Resources: Gain firsthand advice and inspiration from those who’ve traveled the road of dementia caregiving.
- Film Festival Celebration: Discover why film is a powerful medium for sharing caregiving wisdom and breaking the stigma around dementia.
- Empowering Community: Learn how blogging, filmmaking, and online support groups are changing the landscape for caregivers.
- Real Talk: The podcast doesn’t shy away from tough topics—money dilemmas, family dynamics, humor in adversity, and finding community.
Key Takeaways
- Validation & Connection: As shared by Kitty Norton, "Wine, Women & Dementia" helps caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Audience feedback shows viewers finally feel understood and less alone.
- Community Building: The episode highlights how caregivers form lasting friendships and essential support systems—online, through art, and in local groups.
- The Power of Humor: Humor is a key theme. Listeners will find real stories of finding laughter and lightness, even amidst difficult caregiving situations.
- Practical Advice: From navigating support groups to honoring the dignity of people with dementia, the conversation offers lots of tips for caregivers.
Connect & Learn More
- Find and follow Kitty Norton on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
- Visit WWD to learn more about the film and how to schedule a screening event
Connect with AlzAuthors:
Learn about the Moderators
About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our mission is to lift the silence and stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia Podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
Thanks for listening.
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AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us each week as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
Meet Our Hosts
Marianne Sciucco is a registered nurse, dementia daughter, and author of the novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, based on a couple she met through her work. It is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease. Marianne cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20+-year nursing career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey, and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. She's a founding member of AlzAuthors, sits on the Board, and is a director and manager. She can talk about AlzAuthors all day.
Christy Byrne Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.
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AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. The podcast is one way we provide knowledge, comfort, and support to busy caregivers desperate for information. Your generosity will help us to continue our mission to lift the silence and stigma that often accompanies a dementia diagnosis. Please consider making a donation. Thank you.