Comments for Life Without Memories

Comment on Is There a Link Between Lyme and Alzheimer’s? by Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:59:40 +0000

Roxanne,
No, I never got any replies. I’d love to hear more about this.
Katelyn

Comment on Talk to Caregiver Experts Online by Nicole Caverta

Nicole Caverta — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:18:56 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. This is one of your more impactful posts, I think.

Comment on Is There a Link Between Lyme and Alzheimer’s? by Roxanne

Roxanne — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:32:15 +0000

Did anyone ever reply to you about your thoughts on Lyme disease and a link with Alzheimer’s? My father has advanced Alzheimer’s….

Roxanne

Comment on Talk to Caregiver Experts Online by David Thomas

David Thomas — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:53:56 +0000

Hi…………..thought you might be interested in this.

I just published a post to join the Dementia Webring so you can share similar interests and concerns with others! A ring will help more visitors find you quickly and easily by using the RingSurf Viewer which lets you navigate easily between sites in your ring

There is also a link on the top left of my blog if you decide to join or browse at a later date.

David Thomas MD

http://knittingdoc.wordpress.com

Comment on Christmas Gifts for Alzheimer’s Patients by omagine

omagine — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:45:18 +0000

While these ideas are conscientious, it is important to note that when a person is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, videos and tapes and audios are only useful if there is someone to operate the players for them. The use of remote controls and electronic devices is often very confusing or impossible for people with advanced Alzheimer’s.

The same goes for magazine - unless they are mainly visually stimulating, offering an advanced patient reading material doesn’t make sense. In this case, I’d good picture books, preferably those that lend to a positive emotional climate. Photo albums are great IF they contain the photos already.

I also would caution the offering of comfort food gifts, such as a box of chocolates. The recipient may find themselves overindulging. Avoid anything too perishable, lest it be ignored, and end up attracting pests. I have a horror story or two about this as well. One patient I knew received a package of fruit that she wasn’t immediately interested. She set it in a cabinet, and ended up forgetting it, only to end up with a nasty ant and odor problem from the rotting forgotten fruit.

Comment on Christmas Gifts for Alzheimer’s Patients by Judy Stabler

Judy Stabler — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:51:58 +0000

When we are looking for gifts for advanced Alzheimer’s - There are a lot of loved ones who are in care facilities. My mother is one in the dementia wing, and i have spent so much time with her over the years and observing other residents. Pretty much the whole list given above does not apply.
Residents have lost the concept of mine/yours - they wander into others rooms and take things. So - don’t give anything of value - it disappears quickly. Magazines are good to carry around or tear up - not to read. “Favorite” anything is gone from memory.
Things don’t count anymore. What does count is your continued presence: hugs, “I love you,” get them up for a walk - outside whenever possible. Remind them (just for the tone of voice and love that comes out) of all the good times, all they accomplished in their lives, what a wonderful person they are to you.
My mother smiles at these times, and I know we “connect” on some level.

Comment on Christmas Gifts for Alzheimer’s Patients by Mallory Thompson

Mallory Thompson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:37:56 +0000

My grandfather has the late stages of Alzheimers and so he does not really communicate at all with us. He will say things from time to time, but it will just be random phrases such as, “I know it.” or ” It’s over there.” The things he says makes sense, but it is never in the right context. He pretty much just sits there all day and doesnt do anything. I was wondering if you could tell me ANY good ideas of presents to get him for Christmas. Everyone in my family gets him clothes because that is all we can think of giving him and I would love to get him something different this year. He already has almost every device that is helpful for patients with Alzheimers and he cannot do anything on his own. I am just racking my brain this year trying to come up with something good to get him that would be useful or enjoyable for him, or even just something I can give my grandmother that would make her life easier. Im just at loss for ideas and need some advice. I understand if you cannot think of anything, because i really dont know if there IS anything I can give him that would help, but Ill never know if I dont ask. Right?

Comment on Christmas Gifts for Alzheimer’s Patients by Deborah Britt

Deborah Britt — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:06:23 +0000

Please check out the Safe Return program that Medic Alert does in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Comment on Soda Could Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s by David Besnette

David Besnette — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:03:22 +0000

Is that all sugar, or just sugary drinks? How about my nice piece of chocolate cake after dinner? Interesting article!

Comment on Soda Could Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s by ActionALZ

ActionALZ — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:28:21 +0000

According to new CDC information, Alzheimer’s has overtaken as the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Please visit www.alz.org for more info.