Tag Archives: Alzheimer’s disease
Drifting Away
The dense crowd made it difficult to navigate to the elevator. Finally there, we rode down packed in like sardines. The doors opened, and we flooded out into another mass of humanity. Somehow, I’d let go of Marshall’s hand and couldn’t find him anywhere. I frantically dove through the crowd calling his name. I awoke […]
Feed Your Brain
Life is more fun when we’re healthy, and staying healthy often is in our hands. Researchers believe many of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is related to lifestyle. Helping to keep the body healthy helps to keep the mind healthy as well. Smoking, obesity, limited physical activity, a fatty, sugary diet, and drug and […]
The Sad Part of Happy Events
A group of friends recently gathered to present a magic show at the memory community in which Marshall resides. These dear friends donated time and talent to honor Marshall and bring magic and laughter to the residents, staff, and family members. The hour-long show was packed with laughter and surprise. The residents in this community are at […]
The Most Expensive Disease in the Nation
The Reason to Hope event was held in the Chicago area last week. Representing the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and the more than 15 million caregivers it takes to care for them, my husband, Marshall Brodien, and I were honored with the Courage Award. We are grateful to the Illinois Alzheimer’s […]
Caregiver, Be Brave
When can we no longer leave our loved one alone? When do we take away the car keys? When do we prohibit the use of power tools – or any tools? When do we install security or tracking? And when, or if, do we move our loved one to an assisted living home for memory […]
Leaning Forward
One of the best pieces of advice I received at the beginning of Marshall’s Alzheimer’s symptoms was not to anticipate what happens next. So many factors are involved that it’s impossible to predict the exact course. Worrying about what may never happen is pointless. One situation I never considered was Marshall requiring a walker. I […]
When Night Becomes Day
It was 3 am. My 21 month-old granddaughter, Isabella, tumbled over the side of her crib and padded into her parents’ bedroom. “Watch George Oooo Ahhhh Ahhh,” she asked? Translation: “Can I watch a Curious George video?” (With monkey sounds.) Toddlers, like Isabella, eventually learn the difference between night and day. They also learn that […]
What Happens Next?
The path of Alzheimer’s is a downward slope. As of now, there is no cure, and there’s no getting better. As much as we understand that, it’s human nature to stop periodically and wonder what we can expect to happen next with our loved one. Most often, the answer is the same. No one can know for sure. […]
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