WELCOME TO A NEW PATH FOR MOM
Mom didn’t see it coming. None of us did. On February 13, 2005, the love of her life and husband for 55 years died very suddenly. In the midst of that shock and turmoil, we didn’t know that her brain was going through irreversible changes that would affect her and us for the rest of her life.
It wasn’t long before Mom was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and eventually she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I want to share our story and be a source of help to other people who are trying to navigate through this horrible disease. You may know someone who is showing signs that something isn’t right and you just don’t know what to do, where to begin or what is ahead. You may also have to face a new path.
I think Mom would want me to help others, even if only a little bit, and give her journey through this disease some meaning.
BLOG POSTS
Alzheimer’s and Coronavirus. Shaky Ground for Sure.
Most people are just happier when on a schedule. Adults and children alike. It’s especially true if someone has Alzheimer’s disease. Covid-19 won’t help, but there are things you can do.
Pet Therapy 101
Mom always loved animals so it wasn’t a surprise to me that she loved Pet Therapy days. A service would come in to her assisted living residence every week or two and bring a variety of animal visitors.
Mom Throws the F-Bomb. Really?
When my sweet, good natured, happy Mom was in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease, occasionally she would behave in ways that I would have thought impossible.
Smelling Salts, Anyone?
Well, who knew that Mom’s Alzheimer’s disease would lead to something called Vasovagal Syncope. Thanks to Google, I found out that Vasovagal Syncope is the medical term for fainting or passing out.
Talking Turkey about Thanksgiving
Mom loved Thanksgiving. Even during her Alzheimer’s disease, she enjoyed the family time and traditions. Why then did we have to stop participating in the Thanksgiving feasts at her assisted living facility?
Here Kitty Kitty!
There were some lessons that I just couldn’t grasp. One of those lessons was that learning to love and take care of a pet can be easy. That is, unless you have Alzheimer’s disease.
For Emergency Use Only
Emergency room visits were never a significant part of my Mom’s life. That is, until she had Alzheimer’s disease.
When Old is New Again
Mom loved Christmas. With Mom’s Alzheimer’s disease, however, there were new challenges and we had to learn to go with the flow.
Go Mom Go!
Mom was happy on her exercise bike. Most of us know that regular exercise is important for our health but what we haven’t known until recently is that it is most likely vital for brain health.
The Case of the Missing Toothbrush
Mom and I had always enjoyed talking with each other, but at this stage of her Alzheimer’s disease she often called me only when she was mad or frustrated.
THE ALZHEIMER’S STORE
This is a short video describing the helpful products you can find at The Alzheimer’s Store. There are many different products for the various stages of the disease.