Alder, MM, RN has a Master's degree in Music Therapy and is a registered nurse. She's been a Licensed Hospice Counselor and has worked with children and geriatrics, including those with Alzheimer's disease. She's been featured on CNN, local and international television and newspapers for her life's work of promoting quality of life for people of all abilities.

Brenda is a performing singer songwriter with a MA in Music Education and teaches guitar, piano, and voice privately. She pioneered the Music Therapy Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she worked with patients of all ages and diagnosis, including Alzheimer's disease. Both co-creators have published articles in professional journals and have extensive presentation experience.

At Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's, we understand that caregiving can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters—especially when you're balancing the needs of young children and a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. We're here to lighten that load, bringing clarity, connection, and compassion to your caregiving journey.

Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's offers families not only information, but also activities designed to foster meaningful interactions—from diagnosis through the severe stage.

The seeds of Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's were sown in a moment of heartfelt interaction between Alder’s 8-year-old niece, and Alder’s mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. As her mother faced the challenges of the disease, her niece's innocent questions highlighted a gap in resources: How do we help children understand and interact meaningfully with loved ones experiencing dementia?

Driven by this personal experience and the desire to create positive change, Alder teamed up with Brenda to co-create the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Awareness Program and

Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Disease Picture Book.

About Mackenzie

In the program, Mackenzie is an 8-year-old hero. After being told her Gran has Alzheimer's, she goes on a journey to learn about the disease, and to figure out how she can help her Gran. Mackenzie discovers how to maintain a meaningful relationship with her Gran using art, music and dance.

Join Mackenzie as she learns how to enJOY and interact with her Gran. This multi-media Program will help your family have quality time with your loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, or any type of dementia.

get to know

Alder & Brenda

Both are committed to...

the healthy habits below. They understand it's very important to

mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease or any type of dementia.

They choose to do this by:

Healthy Living -

Alder is a vegetarian

and

Brenda eats no processed food

Exercise -

Both have regular exercise routines

Alder walked 2 El Caminos and

Brenda rode 9,000 miles on a bicycle

Learning New Skills -

Both are doing their best to learn new computer programs & skills

Alzheimer's Education -

both are passionate about helping the next generation navigate

the disease

Healthy Eating

Alder is a vegetarian.
Brenda eats whole foods.

Exercise

Both have regular exercise routines.

Alder has walked 2 El Caminos.

Brenda did a 9,000 mile bicycle tour.

Learning New Skills

Both are doing their best to learn new computer programs and skills.

Alzheimer's Education

Both are passionate about learning how to mitigate Alzheimer's and helping caregivers and the next generation navigate the disease

To the caregivers of the Sandwich Generation—those who are lovingly juggling care for both aging parents and young children—Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's is your ally. We are committed to addressing the balance of care responsibilities, offering resources that are mindful of the emotional, physical, and social needs unique to your family.

Through our program and book, we aim to build a community rich in understanding, where personal stories and shared experiences empower each member, and where practical tools and emotional support are readily available.

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Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Awareness Program (MMAAP)

Our mission is to see every caregiver equipped with the knowledge and confidence to develop meaningful interactions that enrich both the young hearts and the beloved elders

in their care.

How do we accomplish our mission?

We provide families with techniques to manage time and teach children and loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia how to interact successfully using our digital, video series and picture book to nurture their children, support their loved ones, create positive memories, and find time for self-care.

If you’re grappling with how to communicate effectively with your loved one, manage household dynamics, or carve out time for yourself without the weight of guilt, you’re in the right place. We provide information, tips for interacting and coping, and activities for engagement applicable from diagnosis through the severe stage, and we do this while honoring your time.

The multicultureal videos in our MMAAP are concise and comprehensive for children and adults alike. The Quick Reference Guide included in the MMAAP eases your caregiving journey by making the information from the videos accessible at your fingertips. The resources and techniques guide you to solutions that are simple to use and powerful in effect.

And, the MMAAP is all-inclusive. We serve those who have hearing impairments by providing transcripts of the videos, and we serve those who have visual impairments because the MMAAP is an auditory program.

We also serve the curious adult concerned about their own brain health or the health of a loved one.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

"This program would be very helpful for friends and families of patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia or in hospice care." Dr. Jack Swanson, MD - Wisconsin

"Wow! This program is excellent! Well done! Great job explaining the stages of the disease. The concepts are presented and explained in a very clear, effective way. This information speaks well to other types of dementia that cause mental decline such as Lewy Body dementia, or Parkinson’s disease. It's easy for kids and adults to understand. I highly recommend this program."

Free Download

Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Toolkit For Caregivers And Their Families

The toolkit is a great introductory resource for families to have at their finger tips. It contains information, tips, and activities on understanding and interacting with your love one who has Alzheimer's or any type of dementia.