I often wonder how much the marginally nutritious foods we eat contribute to different forms of dementia. Can you picture your grandparents sitting in front of the TV munching on cheese puffs? In the Boomers: Aging Beats the Alternative group on LinkedIn; one of the members started the discussion: W[...]
How do you talk to your children about the next chapter in your life? One of the most difficult topics to discuss with your children is the next chapter in your life. While they may be worried about you and want the best for you, you also want to maintain your independence and freedom. Making your w[...]
When does one become a caregiver? Seventeen years ago, I was regularly calling my father in Wisconsin. He was showing signs of dementia. The Department on Aging representative called to say that my father was a safety risk and they were considering a 72-hour psychiatric evaluation. WHAT? I knew righ[...]
Norman (Norrms) Mc Namara, who lives with dementia wrote “TODAY” to help us better understand what it’s like. (Unedited. TCV Ed.) TODAY Today I put both Coffee and tea in the same cup! Today I put toothpaste on my face instead of shaving foam! Today I thought my hanki[...]
Caregivers give so much of themselves, of their time and their energy, to those for whom they care. Many go into the field because of their desire to help someone and make a significant difference in lives. The rewards are certainly not monetary–nobody gets rich giving care. But aging isn̵[...]
Help Build Dementia Caregiver Care Planning Tool Two researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Center on Aging and School of Nursing need your help in creating a dementia caregiver care planning tool. Doctors Gaugler and Kane have written this letter (slightly edited and reformatted). Ple[...]
Claire Abel, The Caregiver’s Voice Caregiver of the Month, has been caring for her 103-year old mother for the past 16 years. What makes Claire (seated at left with one of her doggies); an inspiring caregiver is her ability to find the joy each day. (Click on photos to see an enlarged pop-up.)[...]
This eye-opening story from Berrie Holtzhausen of Dementia Namibia, (Namibia is a country in the southwestern region of Africa) had me reflecting on what it means to be a more “advanced nation” dealing with dementia. Berrie recounts stopping in a village to speak to the “headman&#[...]
A Call to Action for Dementia Awareness Michael Ellenbogen, diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease, was featured on The Caregiver’s Voice last month. Ellenbogen sent a Call to Action for worldwide dementia awareness. This Call to Action invites us to publicly post the Purple Ange[...]
Happy 4th of July! Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. I remember starting the day by participating in a parade which ended with ice cream, afternoons fearfully performing classical violin in front of a crowd who’d rather hear rock music, and popcorn and Coke while watching the fi[...]
Longer days in the Northern Hemisphere mean the sun shines light on those cluttered areas we need to clear out of our lives. But how do we take time to clear out the clutter when we have so many other important things to do during our 24 hours — like caregiving, working, eating, and occasional[...]
