So What is This About?

I first became acquainted with Alzheimer’s disease in 1986 when the doctor told me, “The tests show your mother has Alzheimer’s disease.” I remember crying outside the doctor’s office and asking, “What do I do now?”

From 1945 to 1986, I was a caregiver to my father who had Multiple Sclerosis and my mother who had cancer of the mouth and other related problems. I thought I knew something about being a “caregiver,” but I wasn’t ready for the challenges and opportunities that were presented to me when my mother, father, and aunt all received the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother died from Alzheimer’s disease and related complications in 1990; my aunt, in 2001; and my dad, in 2004.

During my professional life of being involved in education as teacher and curriculum planner for 46 years, I have been involved with the education of all ages: pre-school to adults. That background has led me to consistently look for the skills and talents of those with whom I work. The most important questions are always:

(1) “What talents and skills are within the person?”
(2) “How can I help the person activate and develop his/her special talents and gifts?”

So for approximately 46 years I have learned how to help persons from age 3 throughout adulthood find their own skills and talents and actualize them to their potential.

But from 1986 to 2004, I was baffled about how to best communicate and care for my mom and dad for whom I was the primary caregiver. To help me learn to be a better caregiver, I contacted the other 4 co-authors of our two books for their expertise, experience, and compassion.

The other four co-authors – Barbara Vasiloff, Connie Kudlacek, Roger Brumback, and Janaan Manternach -- gave me the answers I needed. Our books contain the following information and inspiration. Caregivers will be able to learn the following:

(1) How to take care of themselves throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia;
(2) What is happening physically in the brain throughout the progression of the disease;
(3) How to communicate with those who have the disease in the Early-to-Mild, Moderate, and Severe stages of the dementia;
(4) How to help those with the disease to continue to use their own special skills and talents.

Our books are meant to help persons with Alzheimer’s disease as well as their caregivers, family, and friends. The other four co-authors helped me tremendously. I (we) offer this information for your healing and joy while living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.