AlzheimersNotes.com 
Pets of many kinds help entertain and bring a smile to the lips of Alzheimer’s patients.  I saw my mom develop an affinity for a cat and dog she never had before.  They became almost the center of her life.  When we had to move her to our home 275 miles from where she was living, we brought her cat.  This helped Mother adjust much better than if we’d found another home for Kitty.
When Mother lived at the nursing home, I saw how residents responded to the cats and dogs that visited on “pet day.”  Perhaps the animal reminded them of …read more

The results from my latest poll on Alzheimer’s Notes indicates that a wide majority of  people would write about their experiences as an Alzheimer’s caregiver for a family member.  Eighty-six percent responded that they would; no one said no; no one voted that they’d write if it could be done anonymously; Fourteen percent were undecided.
More caregivers and family members have become more open about this disease as it affects a family member or close friend.  They are willing to share and to seek information.  More resources have become available.
Why write?  I think my next poll will ask some questions on this …read more

Caring Today is written by experienced caregivers, provides practical advice and knowledge for familly caregivers. Articles and resources offer stress relief advice, expert opinions and a forum to discuss and ask questions.
Recent articles include ‘6 Ways to Bust a Bad Mood’ about dealing with caregiver blues, The Slipping Away Time about a son helping his mother face Alzheimer’s Disease, and When Caring Becomes Plural about a daughter caring for two ailing parents.
Articles and information is available at the Caring Today website. There is also a print magazine

There are so many interesting blogs out in cyberspace that tackle the issues of Alzheimer’s Disease. Most focus on research, education, and resources. But many have evolved because the blogger has someone in their life who has Alzheimer’s disease. These types of blogs are similar to the old fashioned diary or journal and offer a slice of life perspective. They give Alzheimer’s a human face.
Kathy is one such blogger. She started KnowItAlz while caring for her father who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. Reading Kathy’s blog is a little like reading a letter from home…she even provides you with a cast …read more

The Alzheimer’s Association’s web site, www.alz.org, has been awarded one of th sixe 2007 Caregiver Friendly Awards by Today’s Caregiver magazine. These awards recognize outstanding books, media, products, and services that have been created with the needs of caregivers in mind.
Check out the other recipients of the award here…

Did you know that if you googled ‘blogs about Alzheimer’s Disese’ you would have 974,000 results to wade through.
Or if you googled ‘Alzheimer’s blogs’ the you would find over 1,260,000 results.
That’s way to many for anyone to go through in search for information.
So, to make it easier, I thought I’d list some of my favorite ones:
The Mom & Me Journals – an account of one caregiver’s journey in dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease
The Tangled Neuron – information about Alzheimer’s and dementia in easy to read language
Sunshine and Descent – a son’s personal account of his fathers journey into Alzheimer’s disease
Caregiving, Aging, …read more

Periodically I share notes and recollections from Mother’s Alzheimer’s years. 
“The other night the aide asked if I’d like to feed Mother [she could no longer feed herself].  They were amazed she ate so well for me.  Whether she was hungry, simply liked the food that night, or really did realize or sense someone familiar there is no way of telling.”
We also found that my suggestions about Mother’s likes and dislikes regarding food helpful.  One day Mother wouldn’t eat the pureed meat the aide was trying to feed her.  She clamped her lips shut. 
When I suggested the aide try the mashed …read more