Monday, November 22, 2010

The Plan to End Alzheimer's Disease by 2020 (Podcast)

At the most recent TEDMED conference Rudy Tanzi spoke about the plan to end Alzheimer's disease by 2020.

Rudy Tanzi is one the world's leading Alzheimer's disease research scientist.




Click above to Listen. Please share this podcast with family, friends, support groups, and the Alzheimer's community.


If you don't see the podcast go here.

Original content Rudy Tanzi the Plan to End Alzheimer's Disease by 2020 (Podcast)


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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Mom Didn't Laugh for Two Years and it was Killing Me

My mother, Dorothy, did not laugh for over two years. It was "killing" me....
By Bob DeMarco


Max wrote about the last great big laugh he heard from his Great Grams. It was obviously vivid in his mind. See The Plaid Pajamas and the Last Big Laugh.

This reminded me of one of the saddest periods in my life. My mother didn't laugh for over two years. She rarely smiled during this period. Severe heartache, it hurt.

I would look over and there would be mom. The glassy eyed look, the stare into what must be either confusion or "nowhere". The look of Alzheimer's and dementia.

To Continue reading go here --

Alzheimer's Reading Room: Mom Didn't Laugh for Two Years and it was Killing Me



Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Alzheimer's Disease and the Five Stages of Grief


Alzheimer’s progresses slowly and subtly at first, and you don’t notice initially that anything is different. At one point, the ‘small voice’ of the subconscious occasionally comes out, but you tend to tune it out -- or I did anyway.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Presidential Proclamation -- National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

The human cost of Alzheimer's disease is staggering
-- Barack Obama


Alzheimer's Reading Room

The human cost of Alzheimer's disease is staggering. We can -- and must -- come together to address this growing health challenge. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is a full-time, non-stop job, and this month, we also honor the compassionate caregivers and medical professionals who provide endless comfort and attention to those facing Alzheimer's disease. Until we find more effective treatments and a cure, we must continue to support both Alzheimer's disease research and the caregivers and victims of this devastating disease.


Read the entire proclamation at the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver, Are You a Hamster?


One of the most difficult tasks an Alzheimer's caregiver faces is the development of a new set of communications skills. Sooner or later the caregiver needs to come to an understanding that the way they have communicated in the past, before Alzheimer's, won't work in a world filled with Alzheimer's disease.
Here is the good news. You are the ONE that gets to decide. Stay on, or get off the wheel. The hamster has no choice. You do.

Original content Bob DeMarco, read this article at the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Friday, September 17, 2010

Reading, Engaging, and Communicating with an Alzheimer's Patient (Podcast))

By Bob DeMarco

Take the extra step. Walk the extra yard. Engage. Keep on living. Don’t be afraid to try things. Do things that you have always done together. Don’t let anyone discourage you or get in your way.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Power of Positive Language

Is it true?...Is it necessary?...Is it kind?...
By Tom and Karen Brenner


Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman to become a physician in Italy and the founder of the Montessori educational method, was also a pioneer in the use of positive language. Her message to parents and teachers at first seems so simple,