UK-based CEO of ADI , Paola Barbarino says, “All the women affected by dementia are exposed to what has been termed a triple jeopardy. They are discriminated against as a result of their AGE, of their GENDER, and of their CONDITION.” “And then I looked up Dementia ” yields demeaning synonyms in the dictionary for [...]
Clinical Trials at Your Fingertips Clinical trials offer patients and caregivers the opportunity to be involved in their family’s medical care. Their participation in dementia research will help shape the future of medicine. Unfortunately, most people don’t know about clinical trials. For those that do, it’s difficult to find ones for which they qualify. Studies [...]
Karen Miller’s mother suffered a massive stroke at age fifty. “My mother’s stroke caused paralysis on her right side and took away her ability to speak. Also, she didn’t recognize her reflection in the mirror,” said Karen during a recent interview. “Mom became emotional and seemed to lose her ability to reason. It wasn’t until [...]
Your parents cared for you growing up, and you want to return the favor. That makes sense, you feel obligated, you feel a sense of responsibility, you feel that you “owe it to them”. Before you jump in with both feet, you need to consider all of the implications of this decision. This is a [...]
Nearly 20 years ago, I delivered a speech in honor of a former caregiver for her husband with Parkinson’s. I titled it, It’s NOT the Thought That Counts . Rodin The Thinker Photo by Crystal Borde The speech was inspired by regret. In 1994, while on a tight schedule in Milwaukee, I decided not to [...]
If we’re to survive, we caregivers must find something to laugh about. We’ll thrive and find joy each day, when we tap our well of caregiver humor. There’s much to laugh about in simple everyday interactions if we stop being so serious about ourselves. I used to visit, José, my caregiver friend Lisa’s husband. He [...]
At Death’s Door brings to life the end of life. Many of us remain unaware of the important issues families face near the end of life. What does a DNR/DNI entail? What are the leading conditions that lead to irreversible decline? Who has the legal right to make decisions regarding our healthcare? What options does [...]
Lyn Purser was born 46 years ago with intellectual disabilities. Born four months premature, she was placed on antibiotics shortly after birth. Five months later, she and her older brother left Italy for America with their parents. At age 14, she experienced a period of seizures that were inadequately controlled with medication. As a result, [...]
Healthcare Lessons from Both Sides of the World While we address healthcare coverage here in the US, there are a few lessons we can learn from two families – one along the eastern side of the U.S. and the other in the southern hemisphere in Sydney Australia. Rebecca and Scott Doig on their wedding day. [...]
The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help families reduce tensions and stress. Guest article by Monica Moreno Monica Moreno, Senior Director Care and Support at the Alzheimer's Association Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is never easy. It is life-changing for the person receiving the diagnosis and for family members. The disease may take a devastating toll [...]
