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The Long and Winding Road…

~ An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond

The Long and Winding Road…

Category Archives: Helpful Resources

Tuesday’s Gleanings

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in "Super Foods", Advocacy and Awareness, Blogging, Caregivers, Diet, Helpful Resources, Humor, Inspiration, Research, Tips

≈ 2 Comments

picWell, it seems my self-diagnosed ADHD is in full swing tonight. I sat down over an hour ago to finish my Caregivers piece for tomorrow… and lo and behold, I haven’t even opened the document yet.

BUT…. I found another wonderful resource for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers and advocates. Check out The Dementia Queen… “Insight with a dash of humor on the side.”

The DQ, Sue Paul, is an occupational therapist and geriatric specialist. She works with ALZ and dementia patients, and, like many of us, created her blog in hopes that her experiences can help those struggling with the disease(s). Kudos to Sue!

On another note, and speaking of great kudos, I received this message from Max Wallack today:

“Unfortunately, even with the support of so many tireless Alzheimer’s advocates, my cause for Alzheimer’s research is not the winner of the $10,000 award in the Kids Who Give contest. However, the contest was a wonderful experience because I came to have contact with so many people who share my passion to make a difference in the course of this disease. Today, one supporter even donated $5,000 of his private funds for Alzheimer’s research at BUSM. I will continue to work hard and pursue my lifelong goal to tackle this disease on multiple fronts, encompassing compassionate care of those afflicted, support for weary caregivers, and research to find treatments and, perhaps, a cure.”

On behalf of Alzheimer’s/dementia caregivers, advocates, and families, I’d like to congratulate Max not only on his efforts in the Kids Who Give contest, but really on all of his endeavors. I don’t doubt for a second that we’ll be hearing great things about this young man. His future is bright, and we’re thankful that he has committed himself to the ALZ cause.

And, last but not least… (I warned you, didn’t I?? ADHD!!)   Have a glass of red wine while you read this article –> Red Wine Provides Hope for Alzheimer’s Sufferers.

Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK are finding that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and green tea extracts, is not only good for the heart, but may also slow the progression of ALZ. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that resveratrol prevents the formation of amyloid protein clumps which attach to brain cells, ultimately causing them to die.

So there you have it! In less than 400 words, we’ve met a Dementia Queen, celebrated an amazing young scholar and role model, and touted the benefits of red wine. How’s that for variety!?

~Goodnight friends.

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Hiding In the Canned Goods Aisle…and Other Stuff

11 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Books, Grieving, Helpful Resources, HomeReach, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Ruminations, Support system

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So if anyone spotted a weirdo hiding out in the canned foods aisle at Giant Eagle today, don’t be alarmed. Yep, that was me…

I was poring over the yogurt selections, completely oblivious to the music being piped throughout the store until Louis Armstrong’s version of Wonderful World came on…

Instantly, I felt my eyes well up. I grabbed my yogurt, while commanding my brain to think nothing but happy thoughts… yet all I could focus on was the song… and memories… and missing her… and sadness.  Made it to the canned goods aisle and read the label on every applesauce jar on the shelf until the song ended and I pulled it together… I can just hear it, “Security to aisle six; emotional fruit loop on the loose.” (((Sigh)))

Tonight, Jess and I got a message from one of her dear old friends from elementary school. Apparently she had just heard about Mom’s passing, and sent us the most touching note describing her memories of “gram.” She put her feelings into words so beautifully; a flurry of emotions washed over me like falling rain on an early spring day. Happiness, sadness, pride, love, admiration, inspiration…  Never underestimate the power of words.

I hope that somehow, somewhere, some way, Mom knew how much she was loved and what a massive impact she had on so many lives… We should all be so lucky.

A new GriefShare series is starting this Wednesday evening at Vineyard. I am planning to go, although right now I’m thinking I might sit there and cry for two hours straight. I guess we’ll see. Maybe being in the presence of others who can relate will be a good thing. Right now, I just feel very alone where all of this is concerned. I suppose this would be where siblings might come in handy… (and I stress [might] because I know that’s a crap shoot at best).

Coincidentally, the manager of Bereavement Services at HomeReach/Kobacker also left a voice mail today. Just reaching out to explain what they have to offer in terms of counseling and support… maybe I’ll call them back tomorrow. Hiding In the Canned Goods Aisle....

What sounds most appealing right now is disappearing to a quiet, far away retreat for about six months and coming back to a new place, new living arrangements, new job, and a fresh outlook on life…. Ah, one can dream…

In the meantime, perhaps there is comfort and inspiration in knowing that a book titled Where the Tree Falls the Forest Rises, by Charlene Elderkin, is filled with essays by real people who open up and share their personal stories of death and how it changed their lives…   I guess I’m not alone after all.

From Ms. Elderkin’s website:

One change that death brings to the bereaved is rarely discussed — the power of death to generate new life in those who loved the deceased.

Where the tree falls, the forest rises is a collection of true stories that offer an intimate glimpse into personal renewal following the death of a loved one. Without denying the experience of grief and loss, these first-hand accounts illustrate how ordinary people find a way to integrate the death of their beloved into a forever-changed life. How this integration unfolds and when is as varied as the people writing their stories.

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Don’t Avoid It Any Longer…

11 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advance Directives, Blogging, Caregivers.com, End of Life Planning, Finances, Helpful Resources, Living Will, Long Term Care Insurance, Tips

≈ 1 Comment

Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Living Will, Health Care Directive, DNR order, POLST, MOLST…. overwhelming, right? And, nobody wants to think or talk about any of it when things are going well. But trust me, when you find yourself in crisis mode, emotionally wracked and physically drained, unable to think clearly, you will be glad someone loved you enough to do it.

The Gift of Planning and Preparation, today on Caregivers. Read it, share it, take it to heart.

 

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Marilyn, BA (before Alzheimer's)

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