What if dementia is not only a medical condition, but a story shaped by who gets to tell it?

In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with novelist and screenwriterAlfredo Botello to explore caregiving, storytelling, and the power of representation.

Alfredo shares his experience caring for his mother and how that journey influenced his writing. From the private realities of family caregiving to the public portrayals of dementia in film and media, the conversation examines the tension between lived experience and cultural narrative.

Together, Andrew and Alfredo ask a deeper question: who controls the story of dementia, and how does that shape how society responds to it?

They discuss humor and heartbreak, the emotional contradictions of caregiving, and the responsibility that comes with writing about cognitive change. Alfredo reflects on how storytelling can either flatten people into stereotypes or preserve their complexity.

The conversation also moves into the gap between what families experience and what audiences are shown. What gets dramatized? What gets softened? What gets left out entirely? And how does that influence stigma, understanding, and policy?

Along the way, they consider how stories can restore dignity, challenge assumptions, and give caregivers language for what often feels impossible to explain.

In this episode:
• How caregiving reshaped Alfredo’s understanding of story
• The difference between lived experience and public portrayal
• Why humor matters in dementia conversations
• The tension between vulnerability and representation
• How media influences stigma and perception
• What families wish more people understood
• The responsibility of writers telling dementia stories
• Where storytelling can help, and where it can harm
• How narrative control shapes cultural understanding

Whether you are a caregiver, a storyteller, or someone trying to understand dementia beyond headlines and tropes, this conversation invites you to reconsider not just what the story is, but who is telling it.

Learn more at:⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠https://alfredobotello.com

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.