Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler Episode: 331: Kelsey Cook and the Dementia Hat Trick: Jokes, Genes, and Grief
Release Date: April 28, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Promotion

The episode begins with Ryan Sickler welcoming Kelsey Cook back to "The HoneyDew." Kelsey takes a moment to promote her latest projects, including her new special "Mark Your Territory" available on YouTube and Hulu, her podcast "Pretend Problems" with her boyfriend Chad Daniels, and her ongoing comedy tour. She shares links to her website and social media handles for listeners interested in her work.

Kelsey Cook [04:20]:
"Hello. So my new special 'Mark Your Territory' is out right now on YouTube and Hulu. You can go watch it wherever you want to watch it. My podcast, 'Pretend Problems' with my boyfriend who's also a comedian, Chad Daniels is out everywhere. Would love if you checked that out. And then I'm on tour. You can get tickets@kelseycook.com and you can follow me on all social media. elseicook.comedy."

2. Revisiting Kelsey's Mother's Dementia Journey

Ryan brings the conversation back to Kelsey's personal story, specifically her mother's battle with dementia. Kelsey clarifies that her mother was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form distinct from Alzheimer's, characterized by behavioral changes rather than just memory issues. She discusses the challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis, as FTD often presents symptoms that can be mistaken for personality disorders.

Kelsey Cook [05:38]:
"That's become such a big part of the awareness that people are trying to get out with this particular disease because it's called frontotemporal dementia, FTD. And it's the most common form of dementia for people under 60."

Kelsey recounts her mother's severe episode on New Year's Eve, where her paranoia led her to call 911, fearing she was being followed by the cartel. This incident marked a significant deterioration in her mother's health, culminating in a final diagnosis following emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer and complications from COVID-19.

Kelsey Cook [07:22]:
"She had tried to move down here to LA, where I was living at the time. And I got a call on New Year's Eve day from the police saying, your mom called 911 because she thought she was being followed by the cartel."

3. The Impact of Anesthesia and Hospitalization

Kelsey discusses the tragic impact of anesthesia on her mother's condition. The surgery, intended to save her life, instead accelerated her dementia, leading to her mother becoming catatonic shortly after the procedure. Despite initial signs of improvement, her mother's condition fluctuated, ultimately resulting in her being bedridden and wheelchair-bound.

Kelsey Cook [09:25]:
"It's like the most heartbreaking thing. When I hugged my mom before she went into surgery, I had no idea that that was the last day I would have with, like, my mom."

4. Kelsey's Genetic Testing Journey

The conversation shifts to Kelsey's decision to undergo genetic testing to determine if she carries the mutated genes associated with FTD. She expresses anxiety about the results but feels compelled to contribute to research and potentially help others by participating in clinical trials.

Kelsey Cook [23:36]:
"I've found out we do have two great aunts that have or had dementia. But either way, I don't know. I was kind of living in the ignorance is bliss thing for a couple of years."

Ryan emphasizes the importance of genetic testing, especially for those with a family history of the disease, highlighting the benefits of early awareness and potential participation in research.

Ryan Sickler [21:44]:
"You've got that imprint. Regardless if you ever talk to them again the rest of your life."

5. Speaking at an FTD Fundraiser

Kelsey shares her experience speaking at a fundraising event for FTD. Unlike the previous speaker, a somber Mayo Clinic doctor who discouraged genetic testing, Kelsey attempted to balance her comedic background with the seriousness of the topic. Despite feeling nervous and receiving mixed feedback—where one attendee wished she had incorporated more humor—Kelsey found solace in connecting emotionally with the audience.

Kelsey Cook [37:08]:
"Nobody's saying anything. Very solemn. And I get up, the woman's like, that was great, but I just wish you'd been a little funnier."

6. Balancing Personal Life and Dealings with Dementia

Discussing her personal life, Kelsey delves into her relationship with her boyfriend Chad, who supports her through her mother's illness. They navigate complex family dynamics, including Chad's adult daughter, and contemplate the implications of genetic testing on their future together.

Kelsey Cook [52:38]:
"I'm about to be 36 in a couple months... we really love our life together. And he has a hilarious joke in his Netflix special where he, like, his daughter's in college now."

7. Advice for Listeners Facing Similar Challenges

Towards the end of the episode, Kelsey offers heartfelt advice to listeners dealing with dementia in their families. She underscores the importance of connecting with support groups, such as those provided by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), and sharing experiences to combat the isolating nature of the disease.

Kelsey Cook [56:04]:
"The less alone you can feel, the better because it's a very isolating experience... connecting can feel better."

She also touches on the financial and emotional strains dementia imposes on families, highlighting the importance of planning and seeking support.

8. Final Thoughts and Continued Support

As the episode concludes, Kelsey reiterates her commitment to staying informed and involved in research should she test positive for the mutated genes. Ryan expresses his support and encourages listeners to follow Kelsey's journey.

Kelsey Cook [62:30]:
"I will. I really will text you. I promise."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kelsey Cook [05:38]:
  "It's called frontotemporal dementia, FTD. And it's the most common form of dementia for people under 60."

• Kelsey Cook [07:22]:
  "She thought she was being followed by the cartel. We're here with her in the grocery store parking lot and she won't get in the ambulance with us because she doesn't believe we are who we say we are."

• Kelsey Cook [09:25]:
  "It's like the most heartbreaking thing... I had no idea that that was the last day I would have with, like, my mom."

• Ryan Sickler [21:44]:
  "You've got that imprint. Regardless if you ever talk to them again the rest of your life."

• Kelsey Cook [37:08]:
  "Nobody's saying anything. Very solemn. And I get up, the woman's like, that was great, but I just wish you'd been a little funnier."

• Kelsey Cook [56:04]:
  "The less alone you can feel, the better because it's a very isolating experience."

Conclusion

Episode 331 of "The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler" offers a poignant exploration of Kelsey Cook's experiences with her mother's frontotemporal dementia. Through candid discussions about diagnosis challenges, the emotional toll on families, and the intersection of comedy with personal tragedy, the episode provides both insight and support for listeners navigating similar hardships. Kelsey's vulnerability and resilience shine through, making for a deeply engaging and heartfelt listening experience.