Alzheimer's Disease Page


Current Archive

	When 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

	When 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

	The 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... Read More

	Managing Wandering Behavior Saturday, February 13, 2010
Most Alzheimer’s patients (60%) experience wandering behavior at some point in their lives. The risks and reality of this fact present challenges and... Read More

	Keeping Christmas Special Saturday, November 28, 2009
When I forget, Please remember How much I love the changing of the seasons And holidays, especially the wonder Of Christmas . . . Read More

	Coping With Stubborn Resistance Saturday, October 03, 2009
The flow of information about the functioning of the brain is stunning and exciting. The “emotional brain” is... Read More

	A Sixth Sense Saturday, August 29, 2009
Early in our education, our teachers asked us to name “the five senses.” Dutifully we responded with the words tasting, seeing, hearing touching, and smelling. As if these aren’t enough... Read More

	Caring For The Caregiver Tuesday, August 04, 2009
As my mother’s condition with Alzheimer’s became more certain and symptoms more distinct, we siblings became increasingly concerned for both her and our father. They were... Read More

	Dealing With Apathy And Depression Sunday, July 19, 2009
The emotions of the person with Alzheimer’s span the entire spectrum of mental challenge. Perhaps apathy and what comes through as depression top the list of crippling feelings. Dad sleeps most of the time, or he sits and stares as if he doesn’t see. He is disinterested in any activity, and sometimes he seems agitated – even angry. These behaviors may be signs of . . . 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 Truth At Any Cost? Friday, June 05, 2009
I remember so well a thought from the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson to the effect that “foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Doubtless, I have applied this idea in ways that . . . Read More

	Safe And Sound At Home? Thursday, April 30, 2009
When a family member or friend is traveling we wait for the call when the loved one says, “I’m home, safe and sound.” We are relieved. But in some cases, being home does not always assure safety. In fact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports . . . Read More

	From Placidity to Aggression Monday, April 06, 2009
In 2005 a movie was released that touched the hearts of those who saw it. But to the families of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, The Notebook has become a classic. In gripping narrative it recalls . . . Read More

	Finishing Well Thursday, March 05, 2009
I had seen him and his wife periodically during the past five years. Our visits were always rich and delightful. Although he had been diagnosed for some time with Alzheimer’s, he retained the ability . . . Read More

	Can My Loved One Still Drive? Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sometimes some of life’s most important values clash in strange places. This is the case when safety and independence become competing claims. They meet head on at life’s intersections – literally and figuratively. This question is . . . Read More

	Color The Goldfinch Purple Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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

	Caregiving - A High Risk Job Monday, November 17, 2008
During the decade our family cared for our mother, we never discussed the impact of caregiving stress in real terms. We did take some steps to try to protect ourselves from major illnesses, but we probably never imagined . . . Read More

	Coping with Frightening Feelings Thursday, November 06, 2008
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

	When Prompts and Post-its Aren't Enough Friday, October 24, 2008
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

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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	Can The Alzheimer's Patient Live Alone? Monday, August 18, 2008
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? Thursday, July 17, 2008
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, July 08, 2008
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 two years ago. What impressed me about Easter was her family . . . Read More