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PODCASTS
PODCASTS
Aromatherapy: A Powerful Tool in Dementia Care
ICA Podcast: The Brain & Beyond
Date: 5/2025
Dr. Stelter is discussing the therapeutic benefits and applications of aromatherapy. She delves into how essential oils can be used to promote mental and physical well-being, offering insights into their effects on mood, stress reduction, and overall health. The conversation also touches on best practices for incorporating aromatherapy into daily routines and the scientific principles underlying its efficacy.
Sensory Tools for Dementia Care
Brain Shaman
Date: 09/04/2024
Dr. Stelter discusses how engaging the senses can create positive experiences. By incorporating tools like essential oils, music, color, and hands-on tactile experiences, we can enhance mood, attention, memory, language, neuroplasticity, food intake, independence, and connection. Likewise, reducing or eliminating negative stimuli, such as distressing news, violent media, or disruptive lights and sounds, helps diminish negative emotions and behaviors, fostering a more positive environment and overall experience.
International Care Givers Association (ICA): The crisis and Future of Dementia care
Brain Shaman
Date: 03/06/2024
Dr. Stelter engages in a discussion with the ICA about potential risks and causes, the various types (e.g. Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, etc.), detection, symptoms, prevention, and the good, bad, and future of dementia care, along with the ICA's revolutionary new systems-based approach.
We discuss the use of various tools such as: sleep, exercise / movement, nutrition, supplements, drugs, aromatherapy, music & sound, color, VR/AR, AI, psychedelics, communication, coaching, teamwork, and more.
The Dementia Connection Model with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
Date: 02/02/2024
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Laura Vaillancourt and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Stelter discuss how she linked theoretical concepts, such as retrogenesis theory, to practical treatments like sensory stimulation for dementia patients, revealing the impact of these methods on their moods and behavior.
Dr. Stelter's model applies to all caregivers, both professional and family, and involves evaluating dementia patients' needs based on their developmental age, not their chronological age. The results are impactful and long-term, incorporating these methods into daily routines as a 'prescription' for dementia care.
Taking Care of Mom & Dad
BEE Amazing
Date: 01/23/2024
Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses her story and how she got started in psychology, and mental health, and further into working with seniors and memory care. She dives into the power of olfactory stimulation and how it can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to care. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.
Unlocking the Power of Your Senses
Dementia Untanged by Banner Health
Date: 07/26/2023
Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses the power of olfactory stimulation and how it can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to care. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.
Dr. Stelter & Janice Shokrian / Tausi Brands
Connecting Caregivers Radio
Date: 06/30/2023
Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses how she became the Oil Doctor, and how to utilize non-pharmacological approaches and sensory-based tools. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.
Suicide Was Not The Solution for Dr. Stelter: Her Amazing Journey
Unarmored Talk
Date: 06/11/2023
Sergeant Major Mario P. Fields is joined by the incredible Dr. Jennifer Stelter, who shares her unique path into mental health support and dementia care, her own experiences with mental health challenges, and her immensely helpful book, The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease. Together, we deep dive into the importance of having a toolbox filled with knowledge and resources to confidently care for those struggling with mental health challenges or living with dementia - whether you're a family caregiver or a professional in senior living.
The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease
Positive Aging Community
Date: 05/12/2023
Join us for a live & interactive discussion with Jennifer R. Stelter, PsyD author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, is a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers understand, cope with, and handle some of the most challenging behaviors associated with the disease while encouraging and reinforcing independence and quality of life for their loved ones. Her Dementia Connection Model, which is based on current scientific research, will aid you in forging a positive bond with your loved one with less frustration.
An Interview with Dr. Stelter, Co-Founder, CEO & Creator of the Dementia Connection Model
All Home Care Matters
Date: 5/9/2023
This video features a candid conversation with Dr. Jennifer Stelter, exploring her journey as the co‑founder and CEO of The Dementia Connection Institute (formerly NeuroEssence). She discusses the core mission of the organization, emphasizing its innovative approach to advancing mental health through neuroscience‑informed strategies. Dr. Stelter also shares insights into the challenges she’s faced in building the company, from fundraising hurdles to scaling her vision. Finally, she offers a glimpse into upcoming initiatives and her optimistic outlook for the future of mental‑wellness education and outreach.
Be Healthy, Be You: The Use of Essential Oils
Connecting Caregivers Radio
Date: 4/18/2023
Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses with host Linda Burhans in a candid conversation the use of essential oils and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental Health Wealth
Global TV & Radio Podcast
Date: 11/30/2022
Dr. Jennifer Stelter talks about her own mental health journey and how that steared her towards helping others.
Be Health, Be You: The Use of Essential Oils
Connecting Caregivers Radio with Linda Burhans
Date: 10/20/2022
Jennifer R. Stelter, PsyD author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, is a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers understand, cope with, and handle some of the most challenging behaviors associated with the disease while encouraging and reinforcing independence and quality of life for their loved ones. Her Dementia Connection Model, which is based on current scientific research, will aid you in forging a positive bond with your loved one with less frustration.
Aging Gracefully: Brain Health
Global TV & Radio Podcast
Date: 10/6/2022
Dr. Stelter discusses brain health strategies and how to lower your risk for developing dementia.
Dementia Connection Model©
Caregiver Magazine/Podcast
Date: 9/30/2022
Dr. Jennifer Stelter and Editor in Chief at Caregiver Magazine, Gary Barg, talk about Dr. Stelter’s Dementia Connection Model© that was published in her Johns Hopkins Press book titled “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzhiemer Disease.”
The Dementia Connection Model©
Peace with Dementia Podcast
Date: 9/27/2022
Matt Estrada, Peace with Dementia Podcaster, and Dr. Stelter talk about her model of care called the Dementia Connection Model©, and she goes through an example of how to apply the model from start to finish.
What’s Trending: Alzheimer’s
Global TV & Radio Podcast
Date: 9/1/2022
Dr. Jennifer Stelter chats about what is Alzheimer disease and her new model of care, the Dementia Connection Model©, that was published in her Johns Hopkins Press book titled “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzhiemer Disease.”
Meets Author & Dementia Care Expert
In Pursuit of Wellness
Date: 8/31/2022
Marisa Payne, Creator of Pursuit of Wellness, and Dr. Stelter talk about her model of care called the Dementia Connection Model©, and discusses why caregivers needs to read “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease”.
Dementia Education; Why?
The Nursing Home Podcast
Date: 7/25/2022
Dr. Jennifer Stelter and Jessica Ryan talk with Shmuel Septimus, The Nursing Home Podcaster, chat about why dementia education is necessary when caring for those living with dementia.
Part 2: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
The Caregiver’s Toolbox
Date: 07/4/2022
Ryan talks with Dr. Jennifer Stelter, the author of "The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease"
4 Points to Address Resident Engagement & Staff Education
Bridge the Gap Podcast
Date: 6/13/2022
Dr. Stelter discusses how to best connect with residents using engagement and how education can enhance staff’s skills to do so.
Part 2: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast
Date: 03/14/2022
This is the second part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may also find it difficult to connect with your loved one and to understand what those living with Alzheimer disease are going through. In The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, Dr. Jennifer Stelter, a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers.
Understanding the Dementia Connection Model
Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast
Date: 02/26/2022
In this episode, Fran and Sue welcome back Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss the "dementia connection model" and how it explains what's going on with dementia in a loved one and practical advice on how to intervene.
Part 1: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast
Date: 02/17/2022
This is the first part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may also find it difficult to connect with your loved one and to understand what those living with Alzheimer disease are going through. In The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, Dr. Jennifer Stelter, a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers.
BLOGS & ARTICLES
BLOGS & ARTICLES
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The GUIDE Model: A Needed Solution
To date, when an individual has been told they have dementia, all too often practitioners tell the
person, “There’s not much that can be done,” leaving the family and the person feeling hopeless
and helpless. What should be said is, “There is no cure yet. However, there are several things that
can be done…”
Date: 8/1/2023
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In Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Stelter to Bring Her Insights on Dementia Care
Caring at home for someone with dementia isn’t always an easy task- it involves a lot of complexities and ever-changing care needs. Caregiving often falls on the shoulders of family members until a professional in-home caregiver takes charge of the health and well-being of the elderly with dementia.
Source: CareSmartz 360
Date: 5/1/2023
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Gift Giving to Those with Dementia
The holidays are right around the corner. What do you get mom who is living with dementia? Or perhaps grandpa, sister, or the resident you adopted?
Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Date: 12/2022
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I am Thankful for...
Wouldn’t it be amazing if those living with dementia could just articulate what they are thankful for or what makes them happy and calm?… Well, they don’t need to. We need to.
Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Date: 11/2022
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The Scent of Happiness: Why Happy People Smell Differently
You’re walking down the street and pass someone who’s smiling and looks happy. You can’t help but inhale their scent — it’s warm and inviting, like you imagine the person to be. Do happy people smell differently, you wonder?
Source: The Zoe Report
Date: 10/30/2022
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In Their World at Halloween Time
Halloween can be a fun time of year for children and teenagers to dress up as their favorite characters, attend parties, go trick or treating, and eat lots of candy. Heck, even adults may partake as well. However, for those with progressing dementia, Halloween time can be quite scary, increasing unproductive and negative behavioral expressions. But why?
Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Date: 10/2022
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Something smells…and I like it
Aromatherapy is a relatively safe, all-natural use of essential oils to support one’s health.
Although research has shown that a person’s sense of smell may decrease as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the nose is still an entryway for the sensory stimuli of essential oils…
Source: McKnight’s Long Term Care News
Date: 9/26/2022
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Are You Ready for the Holidays?
Spending time together as family, especially around the holidays, is priceless. However, sometimes this can be a challenging season for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease…
Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Date: 9/2022
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Older Adults And Pets
Pets can serve as a source of love and happiness for pretty much anyone—but this is particularly true for older adults. Why?
Source: Aging in Place
Date: 8/5/2022
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Is It Ok for People With Dementia to Primarily Drink Supplements?
Ponder this question…if you could only drink your meals for the rest of your life, would you want to? I think hardly not. It’s not a way of life…
Source: Pedal for Alzhimer’s
Date: 8/2022
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Boosting Staff Retention and Clinical Outcome with Dementia Training
Dementia training indicates integrity, credibility, empathy, and investment, all reasons that staff want to work for you. Then, retained and trained staff boost your clinical outcome.
Source: Bridge the Gap Magazine
Date: Summer/2022
Presentations
Presentations
Using Aromatherapy Effectively in Dementia Care
Linked Senior
11/14/23
In dementia care, positive sensory stimuli, like using aromatherapy, can ignite positive feelings, memories, and response behaviors for those we care for, as shown when using the Dementia Connection Model©. Jennifer Stelter, Psy.D., DCS, DCST and Jessica Ryan, BS, DCS, DCSCT, the executive team at the Dementia Connection Institute by NeuroEssence, LLC, dive into why olfactory stimulation using essential oils is one of the most powerful, person-centered approaches in dementia care. Learn how to use essential oils effectively, and walk away with an aromatherapy toolbox that you can implement right away. Also, hear the experiences of using essential oils with the aging population from an Activity Director and caregiver!
National Family Caregivers Conference 2023
Global Caregivers Network
11/10/23
For the National Family Caregivers Conference, Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses the Dementia Connection Model and the use of essential oils.
The Perfect Day in Dementia Care
Linked Senior
10/25/2022
Individuals living with dementia thrive best when their day is structured. Implementing non-pharmacological interventions throughout the day can help minimize and even prevent some of the common behavioral symptoms that occur as their dementia progresses. Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Clinical Psychologist, and Jessica Ryan, Biologist, will review a handful of non-pharmacological tools that can be used in the morning, afternoon, and evening to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.
Publications
Publications
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SENIOR LIFESTYLE MARKS 10 YEARS OF ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP AND ADVANCES IN MEMORY CARE
Senior Lifestyle celebrates 10 years partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighting its innovative Embrace memory care program and sensory-based Essence initiative. Developed with dementia care expert Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Essence uses essential oils and sensory therapies to enhance residents’ quality of life by reducing distress, improving sleep, and fostering emotional connection.
Memory Care
Date: 6/2025
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SENIOR LIFESTYLE MARKS 10 YEARS OF ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP AND ADVANCES IN MEMORY CARE
Senior Lifestyle celebrates 10 years partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighting its innovative Embrace memory care program and sensory-based Essence initiative. Developed with dementia care expert Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Essence uses essential oils and sensory therapies to enhance residents’ quality of life by reducing distress, improving sleep, and fostering emotional connection.
Memory Care
Date: 6/2025
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SENIOR LIFESTYLE MARKS 10 YEARS OF ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP AND ADVANCES IN MEMORY CARE
Senior Lifestyle celebrates 10 years partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighting its innovative Embrace memory care program and sensory-based Essence initiative. Developed with dementia care expert Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Essence uses essential oils and sensory therapies to enhance residents’ quality of life by reducing distress, improving sleep, and fostering emotional connection.
Memory Care
Date: 6/2025
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Role of Activity Professionals in Applying APIE Model to Enhance Residents’ Activity and Engagement in Long-Term Care Settings
Residents’ activity is a strong contributor to the quality of life in long-term care facilities. Hence, activity professionals have an essential role to play in enhancing residents’ activity engagement.
OBM Geriatrics
Date: 6/2023
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Supporting resident engagement via web-based assessment system: experience of activity professionals from long-term care settings
Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are observed among residents in long-term care settings. Activity professionals can help prevent this by encouraging residents and providing them with opportunities to be more active during daily life. Questionnaires measuring the extent to which activity professionals design and implement activities among residents are lacking.
Educational Gerontology
Date: 2/2023