What is it really like to have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? My friend, award-winning writer Mickey Goodman, a caregiver for her father before he passed away, recently found out by volunteering for a study for professionals and family caregivers of patients with dementia.
ElderCarelink Blog
Simulated Alzheimer’s symptoms: The Virtual Dementia Tour
by Judy KirkwoodNovember 14th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Elders and wandering into trouble
by Judy KirkwoodOctober 25th, 2011 at 9:28 am
My Dad always checked the locks on the doors every night, making sure everyone was safe. That was his job as a husband and father. It became an obsession as his Alzheimer’s progressed. If he could lock the doors, he could unlock them, and one night he let himself outside. It was dark and cold and he was in his pajamas and robe, and so sensitive to cold that we warmed his blankets in the dryer every night at tuck-in.
Coping with the compulsive behaviors of Alzheimer’s
by Judy KirkwoodOctober 17th, 2011 at 9:00 am
We used to roll our eyes and laugh when my dad would open his wallet and count his money over and over.
I wish I had known that compulsive behavior is a typical manifestation of anxiety for those with Alzheimer’s. Dad knew at some level it was important to have money on hand, but he didn’t remember why. To a man, the wallet symbolizes being a provider. In fact, many times, Dad would not only count his money but he would ask if we needed money for gas, a typical worry for a father who had raised three daughters. He never wanted us to run out of gas.
Why elderly friendships fade away
by Judy KirkwoodOctober 6th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Mom was lucky to have several friends who lived as long as she did. So, it was frustrating that my mother didn’t make an effort to see or talk to them when she seemed to be capable of doing so. Even before her stroke, we would suggest mom make a date to meet an old friend from church, or a woman whom we had called “Aunt” whom mom met way back when Dad was in the service.
Accepting the new normal: more talk with Leeza Gibbons
by Judy KirkwoodOctober 3rd, 2011 at 9:52 am
In my recent conversation with TV’s America Now co-host, Leeza Gibbons talked about how caregiving a family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is particularly challenging because at some point that person is not going to know who you are.
