In this episode of In Good Company – Eldercare in Your Backyard, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst sit down with Mark Applegate, Dementia Care Specialist at the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and a leading advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Mark’s journey into dementia care began with his own family’s experiences and has grown into a mission of advocacy, education, and hands-on support. From facilitating 14 caregiver support groups to participating in over 80 clinical research trials, Mark has dedicated his life to helping families navigate dementia with compassion and hope. 💡 In this conversation, we explore: Mark’s personal story of caregiving and the lessons that shaped his work Common misconceptions about dementia and how to shift caregiver mindsets The unique challenges of rural eldercare in southwest Missouri Safety, innovation, and tech tools supporting dementia care Resources at SeniorAge and first steps for overwhelmed families Mark’s vision for the future of eldercare and what gives him hope ✨ Plus, Mark shares insights from his advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Association, his leadership with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (coming up Sept. 27 in Springfield, MO), and his reflections on what it truly means to be in good company.