The Professional Newsman: A Lead Story on Love and Loss
“The Pandemic You Don’t See: It’s Here!” That is the headline Bryan Jenkins—a veteran "Town Crier" and professional newsman—gives to the silent crisis of dementia caregiving. For decades, Bryan’s career was defined by "The Hunt": chasing public policy shifts, reporting on riots, and measuring the human impact of world events. But in 2018, the story became personal.
A sudden family tragedy forced Bryan to walk away from a burgeoning business to become the primary caregiver for his dementia-stricken sister and his frail, 83-year-old mother. Facing this monumental task while battling his own progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Bryan didn’t just survive; he applied his journalistic toolset to navigate a failing system with "conversational butter" and a relentless curiosity for answers.
From changing diapers while balanced on a walker to finding a transformative "moment of lucidity" in a quiet bedroom, Bryan’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. His upcoming book, Surviving Dementia – Caregiver Tactics for Living, serves as a "Day-One Blueprint" for the millions of families about to be "smacked in the face" by the realities of care.
"My ego was never bigger than my love for my family... I became 'the man' for my sister and my mother. They would’ve done the same for me."
Read how this retired newsman turned his investigative edge into a lifeline for his family, and discover his vital tactics for navigating the legal and medical minefields of dementia.