November 30th, 2006
Katelyn, posting on Life Without Memories (http://alzheimersadvocacy.com/2006/11/29/electric-blankets-are-a-safety-concern-for-alzheimers-patients/) mentions a very real danger when we’re caring for Alzheimer’s patients…letting them use an electric blanket. She refers to an article that tells of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient experiencing burns, apparently by turning the electric blanket to “high” while her caregiver husband was sleeping.
As an Alzheimer’s patient becomes more incapable, remembering […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 30th, 2006
During wintertime and the shorter days of daylight, caregivers often experience the “blues,” while caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or recovering from the experience when that loved one is gone.
Although we wish for a cure for Alzheimer’s, and researchers are constantly looking for ways to prevent or cure this disease, none is in sight right now. […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 2 comments
November 28th, 2006
As I browsed the Internet for information about Alzheimer’s, I noticed that Howard Gruetzner is the featured speaker at a program sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Wise County’s Texas Cooperative Extension on December 14. If only I lived nearby I’d enjoy hearing his talk. (Unfortunately I live in New Hampshire.)
Howard Gruetzner, author of […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 26th, 2006
“Mother, you’ll like it once you get there. They have breakfast waiting for you.”
Mother lagged behind, petting her cat, taking off her hat and gloves, stopping to look at a magazine on the table while I stuffed her extra sweater, a change of underwear, and a magazine into the tote bag. Finally we were in […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 2 comments
November 25th, 2006
Katelyn, blogger of Life Without Memories and b5media’s Stamping Mad (www.stampingmad.com ), hosted the Carnival of Healing today. Alzheimer’s Notes appeared as one of the featured blogs at this carnival at Life Without Memories(http://alzheimersadvocacy.com ), along with other Alzheimer’s and health related blogs.
Blog carnivals are a great way to find information on blogs you may or […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 1 comment
November 24th, 2006
Knowing where to turn to find help for your family member when Alzheimer’s occurs…and to find understanding for you as a caregiver, can be a challenge. When my aunt and my mom developed this disease, I sometimes felt as though I were groping in the dark. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, we weren’t […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 23rd, 2006
I hope your Thanksgiving with your Alzheimer’s family member was an enjoyable one, even though it might have been different from those of the past. I had to realize that I couldn’t bring back the past, so we must enjoy Thanksgiving with Mother at this point in time.
Holiday celebrations change over the years as we grow up, leave […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 22nd, 2006
Large patchwork squares (13 x 15-inch) of various types of tactile, washable fabrics comprise The Touch Quilt found at The Alzheimer’s Online Store (http://alzstore.com/ ). This type of blanket or quilt often brings comfort, as well as warmth to the Alzheimer’s patient.
I often found my aunt rubbing her fingers over her skirt, a sweater, or […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 21st, 2006
“Mother never acted like that,” Jenny remarked when her mom began swearing at her roommate, then continued at the nurse who attempted to calm her. “Mother always punished us children if we swore,” Jenny continued.
Frequently the Alzheimer’s patient will have changes in personality that makes family members wonder if he/she is really the same person. Swearing, when […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 20th, 2006
“Mary, we must get some back closure blouses for your mom. She keeps unbuttoning hers and taking them off,” Pat, the head nurse on the Alzheimer’s unit said.
Taking her clothes off in public was something I would never have imagined Mother would do. However, like children, as adults regress into Alzheimer’s, they simply want to […]
By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
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