Too often, when someone receives a diagnosis of any type of dementia, they are seen a just that; a person with dementia. These stories are about human beings. They are about people like you and me; people with hopes and plans for the future, a life worth remembering.
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Change is stressful. You need to decide if you want to deal with the stress of the same old routine or deal with the stress of trying something new. Coping with change temporarily may lead to a better quality of life.
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They say Alzheimer’s is a series of goodbyes. And It’s true. I have said goodbye to so many things I had with Mom. What has been a surprise is that the very last goodbye has been harder than I ever expected.
I said goodbye to Mom knowing who I was on my 51st birthday. Then I said goodbye to understanding her conversations late last year. Finally, I said goodbye to walking in the regional park, watching kids at the swimming pool, or even going out to eat.
What I didn’t expect, and surprisingly wasn’t ready for was to say goodbye on March 31st, 2020. Mom lived in the memory care residence for 3 years and 2 weeks. Both my sister and I thought she’d be there a lot longer. A whole lot longer.
Many people have asked me if she died from the Covid-19 virus. The answer to that is no. She died from Alzheimer’s disease. I have her death certificate and her official cause of death is not eating or drinking for 2 days caused by Alzheimer’s.
In this episode, you'll hear from Laura (oldest grandkid), her Fading Memories son-in-law, and a really, long time friend. I hope you enjoy this special tribute.
Another episode about Mom
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How could I resist a humble fundraising assistance request? When it comes from a young man that wants to cure Alzheimer's, I couldn't. Instead of just resharing posts on Instagram, we created this bonus episode.
In this bonus episode, I talk to Akum Dhillion. He is a young man who was inspired by his Grandmother to go into Alzheimer's research. When he reached out to me to ask for assistance boosting his Instagram account, I asked if he would also like a bonus episode. Of course, he said yes.
I think you'll really enjoy this short, heartwarming story about a young person wanting and succeeding at making a difference. At the tender age of 12, Akum decided he was going to cure Alzheimer's.
What's an Alzheimer's podcast to do but help?
Your donation supports vital research, programs, and resources for those living with Alzheimer's. Akum is working with the Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. They are the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research.
Some of the things the Alzheimer's Assoc. funds are: Care & Support. They work nationally & locally to provide care & support for those affected by Alzheimer's & other dementias. As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. The association is committed to advancing vital research towards methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.
Finally, and this is where Akum & I play a part, The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer's disease advocacy. The Association advocates for critical Alzheimer's research and care initiatives at the state and federal level
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By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers! You can find us on social media at the following links. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Why We Walk – Alzheimer's Fundraising
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Being able to feed our brains while on the go is enough challenge. Doing so in a healthy way is even more so. This podcast episode talks about healthy brain nutrition and a new product that makes on-the-go brain health eastier.
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Caregiving has enough challenges. Adding in our new challenges due to the Covid-19 virus is almost too much. I've been checking in with past guests to see how they're coping. This episode is with Richard Creighton. He was one of two guests on the Caregiver Grief episode.
Richard is caring for his wife Kate. Our conversation details how the Shetler-in-place mandates are affecting their daily life. Both he and Kate are handling the changes well, However, drastic changes in daily life for someone living with Alzheimer's isn't ideal.
Kate has had changes that may or may not be related to the changes they're experiencing. Kate is in the very advanced stages of Alzheimer's so it's impossible to know what changes are related to the disease and which are to changes in daily life.
Even when this crazy time of sheltering-in-place and social distancing is over, these techniques will still be relevant. Caregivers need as many strategies as possible whether it's normal day-to-day caring or caring during this Covid-19 crisis.
Useful Episode on Caregiver Stress-Reducing Techniques (they worked!)
Richards Blog (Great reading!)
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Most of us see a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as the beginning of a journey that will be filled with frustration, sadness and possibly worse. There are very few positive stories we can read. But, what if, just by the way we approach caring for our loved one we can actually help keep their mind stimulated?
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When it comes to caring for your loved one, do you feel like you are the expert? Do you ever feel like the medical profession has no idea how to handle a person living with Alzheimer’s? Have you had to educate doctors, nurses, and every medical professional you encounter?
What’s been your experience after you’ve politely tried to help them help your loved one? If you’re like me, it hasn’t been a great experience. Navigating our health care, caring for someone with a serious diagnosis, and then being treated at best like the patients' personal driver is enough to make us want to quit dealing with the health care system altogether.
We know we can’t, so what alternatives can we take that won’t make the situation worse? How can we get the care for our loved one while also maintaining a professional relationship with their doctor?
My conversation with Gail Westerhill on this topic will inform and delight you. She will teach you with great wit & wisdom why You Are The Expert (on your loved one).
Health Care Advocacy for Seniors episode
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers! You can find us on social media at the following links. Facebook Instagram Twitter
I share more about my journey with Mom, stuff that's going on in my own life and most importantly, cute dog photos and videos.
Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!
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Covid-19 has upended our world. As if Alzheimer's weren't bad enough, now we have to contend with more uncertainties than ever! I thought it would be helpful to check in with past guests, see how they're coping and get tips to share.
This bonus episode check-in was with Susan Straley the author of “Alzheimer's Trippin' With George”. Her husband is no longer with us but we discussed how she would have handled his needs in this crazy time. Certainly, some of her ideas will be ones you can implement.
Even when this crazy time of sheltering-in-place and social distancing is over, these techniques will still be relevant. Caregivers need as many strategies as possible whether it's normal day-to-day caring or caring during this Covid-19 crisis.
Useful Episode on Caregiver Stress-Reducing Techniques (they worked!)
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers! You can find us on social media at the following links. Facebook Instagram Twitter
I share more about my journey with Mom, stuff that's going on in my own life and most importantly, cute dog photos and videos.
Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!
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Can we use food as a medicine? My guest, Dawn Renee has a compelling story of self-care & recovery. After a debilitating month in bed and a lifetime of chronic illnesses, Dawn believes you can. She has spent the past decade learning from others while assisting them with their daily health issues. Their experiences demonstrate that nutritional support and detoxing the body are crucial to maintaining good health.
Dawn Renee is currently devoted to the care of a woman with stage 4 ALS. Focused care for someone navigating so many obstacles has provided challenges for learning. As a result, she has gained an intimate understanding of how nutritional support affects us, our health and our cognitive well being.
Suggestions from Dawn (some of these I've also found to help my brain sharpness);
Eating eggs help rebuild the brain barrier myelin and nerve support.
Omega-3 fatty acids – also known as healthy fats are important for overall health.
Consider probiotics for improved gut health. There is research showing a “leaky” gut causes all sorts of problems.
Drink lots of water. It won't “rust your insides” as my Mom used to say. The worst thing that can happen (unless you REALLY overdo it) is you'll be well acquainted with all the bathrooms near you!
The Mind Diet – A Detailed Guide for Beginners
Tea & Brain Health
This Is Your Brain on Nutrition
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers! You can find us on social media at the following links. Facebook Instagram Twitter
I share more about my journey with Mom, stuff that's going on in my own life and most importantly, cute dog photos and videos.
Also, check out our new YouTube channel where you can see us in action!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download