5 Favorite Alzheimer’s Notes from 2006

Throughout b5 media’s Science and Health Channel blogs, we’re selecting some of our favorite posts from 2006.  There are some posts I have enjoyed writing more than others, posts I felt could encourage caregivers.  I also received messages from readers who related to them.

1. One of my favorites was the story I wrote at Christmas time, originally published in an Australian church magazine several years ago.  I felt it has a continued message of encouragement to caregivers who can’t bring their loved one home for Christmas.  This also would apply to any holiday.  Laura’s New Home for Christmas (An Alzheimer’s Story) could live for years to inspire families caring for loved ones with this disease.

2. An Alzheimer’s Autumn brought back bittersweet memories but made me realize how much small gestures and events meant to Mother in her world that was becoming a non-functioning one. 

3. As I’ve learned more about Alzheimer’s, in my continued study of this disease since Mother’s death, I’ve often wondered, “Would I be a better Alzheimer’s caregiver today?”  I know I would have done some things differently, but I realize, too, that I did the best I could considering what I knew at the time.  It’s what we can do…our best with what we know.

4. I’ve realized the value of scrapbooking our own memories with and about our family members.  I also experinced an enjoyable time helping early Alzheimer’s patients compile scrapbook pages.  They became so animated as they looked at pictures of themselves, selected colors and stickers, and relived some of their memories.

5. Humor for the Alzhiemer’s patient and ourselves is important in our lives if we’re going to have patience with one another.  Looking at situations with laughter and putting ourselves in the patient’s world, enables us to cope.  “They better sweep up those teeth,” relates one of these situations in Mother’s world.

I hope you enjoy these selections, if you haven’t read them already, and even if you have.  May they bring you inspiration, encouragement, and courage.