In response to one of my posts, the question arose as to whether this blog is for caregivers of Alzheimer’s and related dementias or is it for those afflicted with the disease. Primarily, this is for caregivers. However, I find that many of the suggestions and feelings I relay apply for anyone with or affected by this disease. So many of the feelings that caregiver’s experience are also experienced with those who have Alzheimer’s. The blog may be enlightening for either group of people. We need to better understand the experience of everyone affected by this illness.

All are welcome.

Another site where I am the Alzheimer’s Expert may be found on www.webmdcom. on the Alzheimer’s community that includes everyone, with postings and discussions arising from caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s. I also answer questions as the Alzheimer’s Expert for www.sharecare.com.

Hope to hear fron some of you on these sites as well.

I’m with you,

Judy

Now that the hype is subsiding, the decorations removed, the sugary yummies eaten, we face how to take care of ourselves in this New Year. I find it so difficult to do.  It’s so hard to put myself first when a loved one’s needs supercede my own. It’s hard for me to say STOP. Go out for that brisk walk.Yet the more I learn the more I realize that those walks are not a simple indulgence but actually the number one antidote to the negative effects of stress on brain cells. By getting out and walking, we are taking an active role in restoring our neurons. Ask for some help so that you can do this for yourself.

And I’ll stop making excuses about why I cannot take the time to take care of myself.

I’m with you,

Judy

You would think that Christmas is the happiest time for all yet this plainly is not so.  Christmas is at best a time of great stress, whether it is from battling the crowds at stores, feeling excited or sad, or unable to get out in the first place. It reminds us of past holiday celebrations when our loved ones were healthy and well. It reminds of us when being part of the excitement was easy compared to being a caregiver now. 

The internet helps those stay-at-home shoppers.  But then there’s the financial part, whether buying  in person or on line.

Perhaps this is another opportunity to refer to our ‘gratitude’ list or add to it. Doing so may help relieve some of the tension and remind us all that this is the season to be grateful for what we have while being aware of how things keep changing.

Perhaps we should ask for the gift of relieving us by helping out.  Perhaps we should ask for the gift of stopping by to visit us, bringing some good coffee or a a snack.

As our loved ones keep living in the moment, so do we need to live in the moment and appreicate all that we have.

I’m with you,

Judy

Well, we survived Thanksgiving, and now we plunge into the rest of the holiday season.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling the caregiver blues as well as joy. The excitement of the holidays is a stressor for everyone and may precipitate some agitation in someone who doesn’t really remember, making it even harder on you. You may feel sad as you recall past celebrations with a loved one, and what future celebrations may look like.

Many people don’t talk about the downside of the holidays, but you have plenty of company. If we allow the negative feelings to surface along with the positive, the holidays will be a better experience for you.

Colorful lights appear every day, and the stores are filled with Christmas music and gay decorations. What a hype to buy, buy, buy. The holidays are so much more than that. If your loved one is at home, perhaps he can participate by assisting as you hang up a wreath, or she could  help bake holiday cookies.

Just allow yourself to feel – and know that we are all with you.

Judy

Gratitude is healthy. According to the latest research that was reported in the N.Y. Times, Tuesday, November 22, 2011, gratitude has many emotional and physiological benefits. From better health to better sleep, from less anxiety to more satisfaction, people feel better when they feel gratitude. As little as once a month, when people jotted down 5 things to be grateful for, they felt more optimistic, happier, and had fewer physical problems than those who didn’t keep a journal. As caregivers, it’s really important for us to find the time to start a ‘gratitude’ list. With Thanksgiving this week, now is a good time to begin. Here’s my list. I am grateful for:

1. My physical and emotional health.
2. Having people I love and who love me in my life.
3. Friends.
4. The sunshine and clean air here in Northern California.
5. The ability to write and communicate with people.

I could go on but limiting it to 5 makes it doable for me. I hope it’s doable for you.

I’m with you,

Judy

Sometimes it’s hard to identify what to be thankful for when you feel worn out. Yet Thanksgiving is around the bend, and it is a day to celebrate what we do have, not what is missing. Thinking about it before the holiday may make it easier to honor on Thanksgiving day. One way to do this is to make a gratitude list. Yes. On a day that is going well, when you feel good about yourself, jot down all the things you are grateful for. I make mental lists of my own whenever I feel good and it helps me appreciate all that I have. In the coming days, I’ll share some of the items on my list with you.

I’m with you,
Judy

I’ve been so busy as the new Expert on Alzheimer’s for both WebMD and sharecare.com.

Please enter the WebMD Alzheimer’s Community and follow the discussions.  Better yet, join them.  Visit sharecare and ask questions by clicking on ‘Brain…’ and then add in ‘Alzheimer’s’.

http://tinyurl.com/4yzx77q  (WebMD)     http://sharecare.com

And now, it’s November and National Caregivers Month. For those  who deal with Alzheimer’s, this month is especially meaningful.  First of all, you are the unsung heroes.  That’s why I entitled my new book, Support for Alzheimer’s Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes. (I’ll let you know when the book will be available sometime in 2012.) I salute you for the courage and sacrifice to be there for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Be proud of yourselves – you are truly heroes.

I’m with you,

Judy

I just returned from an extensive vacation so forgive the hiatus.  Once again, I experienced what it is like to take care of someone close who is in need.  What an ordeal.  The thing that really got me was the anxiety 24/7.  The preoccuptation with:  will he be all right, can he manage this, what about tomorrow – all of that really affected me.  I know how it must be for you.   I met some people who were traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s – and the look in their eyes reflected my own.  The miracle is that we managed to enjoy ourselves anyway.  Share uplifting experiences while you can.

I’m with you,

Judy

We need to remind ourselves that we must take care of us, too.  When was the last time you made a doctor’s apppointment for you?  How long has it been since you last saw the dentist?  When was the last time you went out with coffee with a friend, saw a movie, or just had fun?  Laughter can be the best antidote for the caregiver blues.

I’m with you,

Judy

There is no question that one of the most aggravating behaviors is wandering.  That feeling of not knowing where your loved one is, are the outside exits secured, is the kitchen safe – that can fill you with apprehension.  Here are some startrer tips about precautions you can take:

• Use keyed or combination dead bolt locks on all exit doors.
• Place a 2 foot wide band of black tape before any exit door – it will be perceived as a large hole to avoid.
• Alarm the exit doors so you know when they are opened.
• Place a large red STOP sign on all exit doors.
• Secure the kitchen stove by removing all knobs.

Here’s to a more relaxed existence.

I’m with you,

Judy