Let's Talk Dementia

The BOLD ACT was signed on December 31, 2018, and it provides $100 million dollars towards closing the existing infrastructure gaps in our health care system and help deliver valuable new resources for the prevention, treatment and care of Alzheimer's Disease.  (Alzheimer's Today Magazine, Winter 2019 - You might want to subscribe to this free magazine - www.alzfdn.org).  $100 million dollars!!!  Let's change the face of Alzheimer's!  I conclude with a cute story about Democrats and Christians.  FUNNY!

Today's episode is not a cheery as usual, but I hope the cartoon above made you giggle.  We are talking about a two year old boy diagnosed with dementia.  How terribly sad, but his mother is inspiring.  Write me with your story at [email protected]

 

Hey, Dude - Ever thought of renting a truck?

 

It's a great day to sit down and talk with your LO (loved one) about their past.  What was their first paying job?  Did they like their boss?  Where did they go to high school?  Did they ever get in trouble while at school?  There are so many questions you can ask.  If you are asking your mother these questions, then I recommend the book Reflections from a Mother's Heart, and you can order it at https://amzn.to/2knXHeg.

Life is always changing, and that is true no matter what life situation we might be experiencing.  Dementia makes it more difficult!  In today's episode we talk about that.  Write me with your thoughts - [email protected] .

Having fun is such a healing part of our life.  If we laugh and relax, our body respond in a positive way.  This is true for your LO with dementia.  Don't forget to share fun "outside experiences" with them.  Today's episode relives my mother's trip to a park in the mountains, her trip down a big slide, and swinging to Mars.  She had a fantastic time!   It makes me happy to recall it.  Write me with your thoughts at [email protected].  Happy to hear from you.

Have you been considering starting a dementia care support group?  That's a great idea.  Go for it!   I have a few ideas that might help.  Write me at [email protected] .

 

 

Are you purchasing Hershey's syrup so you can use the bottle as a water bottle?  It is a funny idea!  Today's podcast is about the over-flowing abundant grace of God - even in the face of dementia.  Life can be difficult for the individual with dementia AND the caregiver.  Realizing God's grace is sufficient no matter the situation is a calming and relaxing thought.  Write me with your thoughts - [email protected] .

Our loved ones deserve dignity as they travel this difficult journey of dementia.  Much of that dignity becomes the responsibility of the caregiver.  Write me with your thoughts at [email protected].

A listener wrote in with a question from Charlotte, North Carolina.  She was concerned about changes being made to her Dad's medications while living in memory care.  The community did NOT communicate with her these changes in dosage or the addition of more medications.  Her question was, "Should I have been notified"?  Oh YES!!  Listen in for my thoughts on the subject.  Write me at [email protected] .

Why does constipation make dementia worse?  That is a great question, and I tackle the answer on today's episode.  Write me with your questions - [email protected]