Alzheimer's Disease Page


Current Archive

	The Sundowner Syndrome Wednesday, November 09, 2011
One of the most frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease is some form of “Why does my loved one beg to go home?” . . . Read More

	Color The Goldfinch Purple Tuesday, November 01, 2011
One of the most arduous challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is the “changing rules of engagement.” He/she has always enjoyed distinctive activity, has communicated in rather predictable patterns, and has contributed his/her part to the wellbeing of the family and community. But the patterns begin to change and . . . Read More

	Coping with Frightening Feelings Monday, July 25, 2011
I recently led a seminar on the subject of caregiving to chronically ill persons. Of course because of my experience, Alzheimer’s disease was foremost in my thoughts. I met Clara who openly shared what so many caregivers feel or have felt. . . Read More

A Flower By Any Other Name
Monday, July 25, 2011

The use of language is a brand for being human and for building civilizations. We are amazed when someone includes in his resume a reference to “fluency in three languages.” Even two is impressive enough. But our propensity is gargantuan for taking the gift of language for granted. Language connects, includes, interprets, and defines us. It is the stuff of all social structures. We speak it, hear it, read it, symbolize it, and sign it; but it is made up of word symbols we’ve learned over a lifetime. Therefore . . .
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	An Undeniable Wake-up Call Monday, July 04, 2011
Some things cannot be denied. Eventually the variant behaviors of a loved one cry out for help. At last our love for them breaks through denial and the generational barrier protecting us from fear of our own mortality. It happened when my father died . . . Read More

	When Prompts and Post-its Aren't Enough Monday, July 04, 2011
We had waltzed around our parents’ need for help because they both resisted “intruders” in their home. A time usually comes when parents, one or both, must be helped to understand that some kind of help is needed for their survival. “When” is the . . . Read More

	Is Denial Normal? Thursday, May 05, 2011
The denial we experienced with our mother’s Alzheimer’s disease came to mind when I read an interesting account in the “My Turn” featuie Newsweek. It was written by Anya Ulinich whose great-grandmother lived in Moscow and whom she had not seen for more than a year. She was aghast at what she found. . . Read More

	Can The Alzheimer's Patient Live Alone? Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Who among us lights up when we think about losing our independence? This word describes a powerful dynamic in the development of human qualities from birth to adulthood. Once established, we adamantly resist giving up any part of our personal independence, even when . . . Read More

	What is My Loved One Feeling? Tuesday, April 05, 2011
A certain answer to this question is that we can’t possibly know. Of course the feelings within the Alzheimer’s patient run the gamut across the wide terrain of denial, fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, confusion and depression to an emotionally barren state of nothingness. What a loved one is feeling depends on . . . Read More

	Who is the Caregiver? Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Her name was Easter. She had Alzheimer’s disease. She was my younger sister’s roommate in a health care facility; my sister suffered a variety of complications from diabetes and died four years ago. What impressed me about Easter was her family . . . Read More

	What is Happening to Mother? Tuesday, January 25, 2011
As my mother began to show early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease I bought a new car to make the long trip often to her home. It was dependable, well equipped and marketed as the "Ultimate Driving Machine." But it had a feature I was ambivalent about . . . Read More

	A 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

	The 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 . . . Read More

	Amazing 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 . . . Read More

A 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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	How 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 . . . Read More

	How 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, . . . Read More

	Prevent, 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 . . . Read More

	What 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. . . Read More

	10 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. . . Read More