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Alzheimer's Page

Welcome to this web page on Alzheimer’s disease. Whatever drew you to this site, we share a common interest. My family shared my mother’s difficult journey with Alzheimer’s for more than a decade. My sister and I have shared what we learned in our book Please Take Me Home Before Dark.


On this site I will touch base with this book periodically. Additionally, readers of this page and I will further explore a wide range of topics about Alzheimer’s disease, now afflicting more than 5.1 million persons, their friends, families and caregivers. This site, as well as our book, is dedicated to helping these persons feel: I am not alone, I am more informed, I am understood, and I have hope.


To get started, you may want to gauge your awareness of some of the facts about Alzheimer’s disease by taking a brief inventory and reviewing some answers and commentary.

                                                                            



Billie J. Pate is a gifted writer with published works in education and music. She has master’s degrees in social work and in education. Her professional experience includes writing, editing, training, and executive management in national organizations. She resides in Franklin, Tennessee. You may purchase her book, Please Take Me Home Before Dark, at www.insightbooks.com



Billie invites you to log in and post comments at the end of each blog entry. She looks forward to hearing from you.


Note: Click on the yellow button of each category to find all of the articles, past and present, for that specific category.


Current  Archive  
AlzheimerWhen The Body Breaks Down
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 
The breakdown of our mother’s body did not occur suddenly just as the disruption of her mental processes had not.  Interdisciplinary studies remind us that . . . Read More
AlzheimerWhen Mealtimes Become Challenging
Friday, May 14, 2010 
From the early onset of our mother’s illness until her death, she faced nutrition issues.  We see them more clearly now, in the illuminating light of hindsight...
 Read More
AlzheimerThe Memory Keeping Shelf
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 
In a beautiful book of poems called The Keeping Shelf, my friend, the late Muriel Blackwell explained where she got her title.  Her grandparents had...
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AlzheimerA Parade Without Trumpets
Thursday, July 02, 2009 
The mention of Alzheimer’s disease produces a depth of reaction that is difficult for some to understand.  The disease is not a condition that necessarily deserves more caring or grief than other chronic illnesses. But Alzheimer’s does . . . Read More
AlzheimerThe Cascading Impact of "Aging in Place"
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 
I was struck by the statement by a guest on the Today Show recently that more than 44 million Americans over 18 years of age are caring for another adult.  And they are doing so without pay. According to AARP 10 million of these cared-for adults are unable . . .
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AlzheimerAmazing Resources Available
Friday, September 26, 2008 
Caregivers who are dealing with the strident demands of Alzheimer’s disease have little time to plow through volumes of material for help. That’s why I am distilling lots of information to bring you relevant, to-the-point ideas. But in case you need . . .
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AlzheimerA Care Plan Sounds Too Formal?
Friday, August 29, 2008 
The awareness that a family member with Alzheimer’s needs some assistance usually develops gradually. As long as mild memory loss is the main challenge, we can practice some of the common sense memory aids that have been passed along among caregivers. Examples include: post-it notes, lists on the refrigerator, postings inside the closet about what to wear, etc. These are helpful provided the receiver is aware of the problems he faces and is receptive to gentle reminders. But this type of “rescue” will not last forever, and it is important to . . .
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AlzheimerHow Long Will The Suffering Last?
Friday, August 08, 2008 
The question, “How long does Alzheimer’s disease last?” is an honest query, but it belies intense suffering in the caregiver as well as concern for the loved one who is suffering. The answer to such a question is . . .
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AlzheimerHow Can I Know If It's Alzheimer's
Tuesday, July 08, 2008 
When Alois Alzheimer was working with demented patients in Frankfort, Germany around 1900, he had an interesting patient called Mrs. Auguste D. Her behavior was bizarre and her memory loss was significant. When he coaxed her to write her name, she could not do it though she tried. She looked into Alzheimer’s face and said, . . .
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AlzheimerPrevent, Destroy and Clean Out
Tuesday, July 08, 2008 
A young man approached me as I exited the room where my Bible study class had met. He was clasping his hands tightly and had a demeanor of concern. Then he told me about how worried he was about his grandparent who has Alzheimer’s disease. He thought since I had written a book on the subject I could offer him hope. I did my best, but . . .
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AlzheimerWhat Do I Know About Alzheimer's Disease?
Thursday, July 03, 2008 

This inventory is neither comprehensive nor does it measure the deep emotion inherent in Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. It simply provides a broad context for understanding the widespread impact of the disease. The status of Alzheimer's in our society is changing. Therefore, these facts will change in the months ahead. . .

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Alzheimer10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Thursday, July 03, 2008 
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help you recognize the difference between normal age-related memory changes and possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. . .
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