MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'alzheimer's caregiver'. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:39:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141437&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FY_otrlIuw94%2F  Edie Dykeman, at ElderCareCafe, responded to my post,  Keeping Your Cool as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver , with, Great post and reminder to do what we can to stay calm and emotionally in control. Thanks!  She also described a situation in her caregiving life that you might relate to. As I mentoned to Edie, it is difficult living day to day with someone who has Alzheimer’s and can be very stubborn. They’re also often frightened by what’s happening to them, so strike out verbally and physically at those closest.  That often is the caregiver. When I was caring for Mother, I read somewhere that you could end up becoming very angry at that person and had to be careful you didn’t harm them physically. “No never,” I thought. “She’s my mother... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141437 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:57:05 +0100 2141437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622279&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwith-alzheimers-caregiver-is-patient.html This is an interesting and thought provoking article."What we're seeing is that Alzheimer's is not a typical disease model," she says, "precisely because the health and well-being of the caretaker is affected as well as the patient. I know when I assume the care of an Alzheimer's patient, I am also caring for the caregiver."With Alzheimer's, the Caregiver Is a Patient, TooAlzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia do not affect just the patient. These diseases gradually rob patients of memory and other intellectual abilities, leaving them unable to perform routine tasks. As the disease continues to destroy brain cells, patients increasingly depend on family members or others to carry out simple tasks like shopping and getting dressed. Ultimately, most patients will need complete care,... CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622279 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:42:00 +0100 1622279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622289&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fmeasurement-of-everyday-cognition-ecog.html This looks like a very useful tool."Results suggest the Everyday Cognition [questionnaire] shows promise as a useful tool for the measurement of general and domain-specific everyday functions in the elderly" Questionnaire Evaluates Everyday Cognition in ElderlyA caregiver-rated questionnaire to evaluate everyday cognitive function in the elderly is effective and can differentiate between cognitively normal and impaired individuals, according to a report in the July issue of Neuropsychology.Sarah Tomaszewski Farias, Ph.D., from the University of California Davis in Sacramento, Calif., and colleagues developed a caregiver-rated questionnaire, Everyday Cognition, comprised of multiple subscales to assess cognitively mediated functional abilities in older adults. The instrument was validated i... CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622289 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:53:00 +0100 1622289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1556428&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F323274992%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Check out Carol Bradley Bursack’s blog and learn how to enter a drawing for her book, Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.  You’ll need to take a survey about caregiving, but it’s easy and quick.  Then your name will be entered into the random drawing for one of ten copies of Carol’s book. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's blogs, Alzheimer's book, Alzheimer's caregiver, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzhemers, caregivers, Caregiving, Carol Bradley Bursack, dementia, health, healthcare, Mary Allen, Mary Emma, Mary Emma Allen, men's health, Minding Our Elders, random drawing, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1556428 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:00:34 +0100 1556428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1485039&cid=t_171653_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2F5-ways-alzheimers-caregiving-trends-for.html Alzheimer's caregivers in the future will be spending more time using computers and high tech for everything from Alzheimer's research to finding internet support groups. Five ways caregivers and seniors will make more use of high tech in the future include the following.1. ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH. First, surfing the internet for Alzheimer's research and self-education will provide caregivers with the latest news and advice.2. INTERNET SUPPORT GROUPS. As the internet becomes yet more interactive Alzheimer's caregivers will continue to find support from online groups, forums, podcasts, and events.3. CAREGIVER BLOGS. Writing blogs provides a way to communicate news with family and friends, offer resources and information to others, and be part of an online caregiver community.Writing and self-e... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1485039 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:54:00 +0100 1485039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1433818&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F287262018%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  As I read Liz’s recent post, Sleep Disturbances in Alzheimer’s Patients & Their Caregivers, I recalled the lack of sleep when I cared for Mother.  An uninterrupted night’s sleep was something I received little of. Mother lost track of day or night, cat napped during the day, so was awake or only napping at night. Her sleep patterns (or non-patterns), always erratic  before Ahzheimer’s, became more so after she developed this disease. “Mary, one of the most difficult things about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is you never get a good night’s sleep,” a friend said, when she learned I was moving Mother to my home from hers in another state.  Audrey had taken care of her father and found the sleeplessness most... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1433818 Sat, 10 May 2008 03:20:51 +0100 1433818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1286511&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F247534299%2Fbook-review-36-hour-day.html The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease and Memory Loss in Later Life This best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease...offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1286511 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:50:16 +0100 1286511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1275020&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F243970115%2Fbook-to-help-alzheimer-patients.html clipped from www.craegmoor.co.ukA charity dedicated to Alzheimer's disease has dreamt up an innovative idea which could help to reassure sufferers and help them to remember.Alzheimer's Support, a charity in Trowbridge, has created the concept of a 'Life Book', which comprises both a photo album and a scrapbook to help patients remember important... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1275020 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:12:50 +0100 1275020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1261889&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F242253329%2Fmemory-and-thinking-problems-decline.html clipped from www.alzheimersanddementia.orgclipped from www.medicalnewstoday.comA new US study suggests that brain health is improving among older Americans as demonstrated by a decline in thinking and memory problems in this group. The researchers said improved cardiovascular care, better education, and being financially better off could be the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1261889 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:06:00 +0100 1261889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048579&cid=t_171653_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fjacqueline-marcells-book-elder-rage-or.html At the website for "ElderRage - Or, Take My Father Please!" eldercare expert Jacqueline Marcell tells about the times she had to intervene when her father, who was mostly blind, and had bad hearing and memory loss, hid the car keys so he could take the car out later. He insisted he did not know where the keys were. After Jacqueline heard a clanking when he walked she found the car keys masking taped to his leg.Another story titled, "Midsummer's Nightmare at the Alamo" tells of the time her father came in to wake her and tell her there were two guys in the house, one wearing a coon-skin cap like Davy Crockett, and another who looked like someone from the FBI. He pointed at Jacqueline's mom and said, "There's one of them now." But when they got closer to get a better look he said, "Oh, that'... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048579 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:49:00 +0100 1048579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=986016&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F28%2Fwhat-you-see-is-what-you-get%2F Today, some of you will see this blog just like any other day. The rest of you are seeing this blog on our new and improved caregiver website. If you cannot see it yet, check back over the next few hours. Our wonderful webmaster, Casper, tells us that different operating systems will see the change at different times. My sister and I have added 40+ pages of information, tips, resources, laughs and stories to KnowItAlz.  Our goal is to create a community to help caregivers find information and the support they need to make this job easier.  The success of KnowItAlz is dependant on all of us who have already been “blessed” with caregiving sharing our stories, support and encouragement with each other and those who are new to caregiving.  All of us may need some specific ad... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=986016 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:31:49 +0100 986016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=984063&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F27%2Fmaking-up-for-lost-time%2F By Nancy Hatfield As you know, Dad, Kathy and David are all in Atlanta visiting me for the weekend.  With all the stress in Kathy and David’s life, I thought a nice surprise would be to schedule massages for everyone.  The only time with 4 spots available was 10 am.  For the regular blog readers, you know Dad doesn’t like to get up early–”8:30…that’s the middle of the night!” To prevent a fuss, we decided to use a regular trick from the bag and set his watch an hour ahead. Thirty minutes before our scheduled time, we got a call saying Dad’s therapist had been in an auto accident.  She was ok, but we would have to move our appointment. I told Dad he could slow down since we had an extra hour and our new appointment time was 11.  He said &... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=984063 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:27:06 +0100 984063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=980696&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F26%2Fgeorgia-on-my-mind%2F Dad, David, Lola and I are heading for Atlanta this afternoon to see my sister Nancy, in Atlanta for the weekend. I have already packed for David, Dad and Lola.  I’ll get to my own stuff at the very end. Last time I forgot all of my pants.  The time before that I forgot Dad’s pajamas.  I made a checklist this time to make sure we all have everything. Seems like I found a lot of checklists in Dad’s room when cleaning out his condo.  Hmmmmm. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=980696 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:17:37 +0100 980696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=977456&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F25%2F100-plus-your-age%2F Dad has been having unusually low blood pressure over the last few weeks, so both Katie (CNA) and I check his blood pressure three times throughout the day. Each time the reading is announced, he says, “100 plus your age is the best blood pressure.” He especially enjoys it when it is 121 over something.  He’ll say, “Now I can get a legal drink!” I told him that the “100 plus your age” rule was only true way back when people only lived to be 60! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=977456 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:46:25 +0100 977456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976576&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F24%2Fneed-more-dad%2F Dad came in to my office earlier, and I was frantically looking for something for one of my customers.  I’ll admit, there was a small amount of cursing going on, and Dad asked what was wrong.  It has been a VERY busy and problem-filled morning for me at work. “I am having a problem with work.” I replied.  “I hope I have not done anything to make your day worse.” He said. “This is the first I’ve seen of you today, how could you have done anything to make my day worse?” I asked. Dad said, “Well, if this is the first you have seen of me, maybe that’s your problem!” (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976576 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:04:33 +0100 976576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=971538&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F23%2Fdads-good-fortune%2F Dad went to dinner with my sister, Susan and brother-in-law Joe last night, while David and I went to take Jessica home. They had Chinese food, and Susan told me this morning that Dad’s fortune cookie read, “Sweet rewards will be coming to you.”  Dad took that to mean he should order dessert. Susan said that it was sort of a “no-brainer” fortune, since it did come inside a cookie. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=971538 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:01:51 +0100 971538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=970257&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F22%2Fpie-the-sixth-food-group%2F Jessica, my stepdaughter was here this weekend.  She is really terrific with her “Pop Pop”, and if we go out, she always makes sure he is right with her.  She talks to him about school, and answers his repetitive questions as if it were the first time he had asked. This morning, Jessica was making him a bowl of cereal when she saw some raspberries, blueberries and blackberrries in the fridge, so she asked him what his favorite fruit was. “Anything in a pie.” He replied. I guess I will not have to worry about his Alzheimer’s taking away his appetite! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=970257 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:07:14 +0100 970257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=967213&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F21%2Fclose-enough%2F The weather in North Carolina is absoultely beautiful right now.  Dad’s favorite subject is the weather, since it requires no memory.  He just looks outside and says, “Looks like a beautiful day.” or “Looks like we’re going to get some rain.” Yesterday, Dad and I sat outside on the deck for lunch.  The sun was shining, and it was really warm with a nice breeze. “It sure doesn’t feel like September.” said my Dad. “It sure doesn’t.” I agreed. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=967213 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:34:19 +0100 967213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966019&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F20%2Fthe-little-things%2F Having my Dad have Alzheimer’s and live with me was not in my plan.  But as we all know, plans change.  I always try to look at the bright side of things, and one thing this experience has taught me is to appreciate the little things in life.  For example, a friend came over and stayed with Dad for a couple of hours while I went to get a haircut.  A haircut in a shop, by a hairdresser, not a cut I did myself in my bathroom with David’s moustache scissors.   She said it had been over three months since I had been in. I used to take a haircut for granted, but not anymore.  To me, it was like a day at the spa! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966019 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 21:40:29 +0100 966019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=962733&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F19%2Fmusic-to-my-ears%2F Dad and I had the evening alone together last night, and I had a lot of computer work to do,  finishing up adding features and content to what will soon be the “new and improved” KnowItAlz website. I hate for Dad to have to sit alone and watch TV, so I invited him into my office and turned on the AOL Radio Channel that plays all 1940s music.  Dad sang along to all of the songs, and remembered the words to most. I have read many times that music is of help to Alzheimer’s patients, but hearing Dad sing, “Chatanooga Choo-Choo” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else but Me” with a huge smile on his face, really drove the point home. I think it is like a “Senitmental Journey” for him.  Pun intended.  (Source: Know... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=962733 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:34:01 +0100 962733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=961844&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F18%2Fruns-in-the-family%2F Last night, I had to run into town to pick up some chicken for dinner.  Dad’s blood pressure has been really low lately, so I left him in the convertible as I ran into the store.  When I came out, I walked two aisles away from the car (not remembering where I had parked) and looked around for a solid minute. When I finally saw Dad he was waving his arms wildly so I could see him.  “Where were you going?” he asked. “I forgot where I parked the car.” I said, chuckling. “I think you are getting senile.” Dad said. Now that’s the pot calling the kettle black! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=961844 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:29:40 +0100 961844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959065&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F17%2Fthe-best-medicine%2F It is 3:21 pm and this is the first chance I have had to blog!  I had to get Dad up early (never fun) to go to a doctor’s appointment.  I changed the time on his watch so he thought it was 11:20 a.m. when it was really 8:20 a.m.  This trick has served me well over the years, but not today.  He was tired and grumpy. The nurse came in, talked to us a few minutes and then left, saying, “Take off your shirt and the doctor will be right in.” I told Dad, “I should take off my shirt and tell the Doctor we misunderstood.” Dad laughed and laughed and forgot all about being grouchy and impatient waiting for the doctor. Humor really is the best medicine!  And there’s no co-pay! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959065 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:32:43 +0100 959065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=954498&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F16%2Flymanade%2F A dear reader, known as “E”, sent a comment to a blog entry that read, “Thanks for the lemonade.” I thought that was so poignant.  My sister, Nancy and I were talking about that comment this morning, and she said that I really am making lemonade out of lemons.  The point of this blog has always been to look at the “bright side” of caring for my Dad with Alzheimer’s. Since my Dad’s name is Lyman, she said I should consider it “Lymanade!” (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954498 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:22:12 +0100 954498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=950989&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F15%2Fk-9-update%2F Sierra is fine.  We have decided she must have had some food poisoning or something.  She is feeling much better, thanks for all of your emails checking on her.  I keep forgetting how everyone around here has a fan-base!  Even the dogs!   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=950989 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:46:43 +0100 950989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=949990&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F14%2Fcorny%2F Dad loves corn on the cob. I bought some yesterday, knowing that it will not be available much longer.  Whenever I make corn on the cob, Dad says the piece he is eating is the “best and sweetest of the season”.  He literally makes that remark each and every time we eat corn. As he bit into the corn, he exclaimed, “That is wonderful corn!  This must be the first of the season.” “It’s October.” I reminded him. “I meant the first of the football season.” he said. Wow, what a great recovery, Dad! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949990 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 13:18:40 +0100 949990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948674&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F13%2Fsick-as-a-dog%2F Our beloved husky, Sierra, is sick.  She would not eat and did not want to even get up all day long.  Her vet made a housecall (can you believe that) and recommended that we take her to the emergency vet for an ultrasound. So David, Dad, Sierra and I all loaded up in the car and off to the doggie hospital we went. After a 2 hour battery of tests, the doctor said that she seemed fine to him, the x-ray showed nothing that was obvious, and to just keep an eye on her over the weekend. We went to check out, and the bill was $134.  I was thrilled, as other visits to the Pet ER have been over $500.  When Dad heard the total, he said, “A hundred and thirty four dollars!  They don’t even know what’s wrong with her!  I don’t think you should have to pay unless they f... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948674 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:48:59 +0100 948674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947517&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F12%2Fkeeping-our-brains-healthy%2F Dad and I are going to a monthly meeting of Veterans today for the first time.  My hope is that he will enjoy talking with people about the days he does remember. The topic for today’s speaker is “Keeping Your Brain Healthy”.  How appropriate for our first Veterans Fellowship meeting. I reminded Dad that we were going when he got up to let Comeer out this morning, but he had forgotten.  He has been very exicted about going all 12 times I have told him about it! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947517 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:00:51 +0100 947517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=943193&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Ffirst-the-dogfood-now-this%2F When it was discovered that there was tainted dogfood a few months back, Dad was obsessed.  He checked every bag of food and every box of treats at least 20 times, just to make sure his sweet dogs Comeer, Lola and Sierra were safe. Now, there is apparently some recalled hamburger and Chicken Pot Pies.  Dad is writing down all the brands of meat to make sure we are not poisoned, either. Now that I think about it, he was a little more concerned about the dogfood.   At least his priorities are in order!   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=943193 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:32:59 +0100 943193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939982&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F10%2Fi-am-a-lucky-caregiver%2F It’s October 10th, and I was bitten by a mosquito last night.  Dad had the screen door open and one must have come in the house to get me.  Remember this: http://knowitalz.com/blog/2007/09/10/this-bites/ Anyway, I told Dad that if there were one mosquito left in Forsyth County, it would find me. “That’s because you are the sweetest girl in Forsyth County!” He said. Alzheimer’s or no Alzheimer’s, I feel very lucky to have my loving Dad. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939982 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:57:35 +0100 939982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=937261&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F09%2Fone-of-many-talents%2F Whenever we go to the grocery store, Dad wants to push the grocery cart.  Whenever he rushes ahead of me to get to the line of carts before I do he says, “This is one of my many talents.” “You have hundreds of talents.” I always reassure him. Last night we went to Wal-Mart and Dad pushed the cart all the way back to the return cart corral in the parking lot.  He also returned one that a thoughtless customer had left on the wrong side of the fence. Maybe that should be his part-time job!  He could push carts around all day and get paid for doing something he enjoys! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=937261 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:37:11 +0100 937261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=934139&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F08%2Fmy-glasses-work-in-his-pocket%2F On Friday, Dad got out of the shower around 1:00p.m. and said that he was feeling a little dizzy.  I gave him the pill he occasionally for dizziness, and immediately noticed that he had a really bloodshot eye. Well the combination of being dizzy and his bloody eye, made me think a doctor’s visit was in order.  So off we went to our wonderful Primary care doctor, who squeezes Dad in for most minor emergencies. Dad’s diagnosis was: a subconjunctival hematoma, which basically means unexplained bloody eye.  At least it’s just a $15 co-pay. Anyway, to the funny part:  Dad lost his eyeglasses about 4 months ago, and when he loses something, he just freaks out.  So since I got contacts about 6 months ago, I don’t wear my glasses anymore, so I just gave him mine.  ... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=934139 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:33:02 +0100 934139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=933238&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F07%2Ffun-time-getting-exercise%2F Dad would not get up at the when we attempted the 7:30 a.m. wake up call he needed in order to join us for the Alzheimer’s Association’s ”Memory Walk”.  The night before he said, David and I pretty much figured that Dad we would not willingly get up that early, so we pre-arranged for a friend to stay with Dad from 8:30-11-30am. By the time David and I got back from the walk, he was still fast asleep. Our fine city of Winston-Salem raised nearly $25,000 at the walk yesterday.  Not bad for a city of 185,000 people, I’d say!  And we still have until the end of the month to raise more money. I was glad to go, and got to see some friends from my support groups, the Adult Day Center where Dad “volunteers”, and met some new caregivers that I invited t... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=933238 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:34:00 +0100 933238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=932163&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F06%2Fforgot%2F Off to the Memory walk, late. I forgot to set alarm.  How appropriate.   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=932163 Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:39:01 +0100 932163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=928990&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F05%2Falzheimers-memory-walk%2F Tomorrow will be my first ever Alzheimer’s “Memory Walk”.  I have managed to raise about $500.00 to go toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and to raise an awareness of the need to find a cure and FAST! I will be walking symbolically tomorrow, as I have been walking through this journey every day since July 14, 2003 when my sweet Mom passed away, and I started caring for my Dad. I asked my Dad if he wanted to go with me to walk with my “volunteer” friends in the walk to cure Alzheimer’s disease. “Sure,” he said, “Then maybe I won’t get it!”  And all I could think was, “Maybe I won’t get it!”   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=928990 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:37:36 +0100 928990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=926374&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F04%2Fnew-profession%2F Here in North Carolina, they have been offering license plates with a symbol to the left and 4 numbers on them for about a year now.  You can order your license plate to have a symbol for everything from Breast Cancer Awareness to Protect the Waterfowl to NASCAR drivers’ logos. Last night, Dad and I saw one that had the word Litter with the Circle and Slash through it (No Litter).  He said, “I wonder if that guy is a street sweeper?” “If that guy is a street sweeper, I want to change jobs.  He is driving a VOLVO!” I said. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=926374 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:47:42 +0100 926374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=923827&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F03%2Fso-thats-why%2F Katie bought little Timmy a new chair called Bumbo Baby Sitter that is sort of like a booster seat, but she can just set him down anywhere. So, she was counting out Dad’s pills for the week, and she put Timmy in his seat on the table in front of Dad.  They both laughed and cooed for ten straight minutes.  Then, Dad mentioned to Katie that he thought Timmy could get out of that seat and someone should be watching him at all times. Katie told him that she does not leave him alone in the seat that an adult is always keeping an eye on the baby. “That’s why I moved in here, to keep an eye on my baby, right, Kath?” Right Dad. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=923827 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:01:49 +0100 923827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=919169&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F02%2Fonce-a-year%2F Today is senior day at the Dixie Classic Fair.  Katie took Dad last year, and he really enjoyed the watching the pig races and the looking at the county’s largest squash.  This year, they are letting the aides of seniors in free, too.  What a great idea! Anyway, it reminded me of a saying that my Mom used to tell my sisters and me as we were growing up, when one of us would would whine, “That’s not fair!” She would say, “Fair only comes once a year and that’s the Dixie Classic!” (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=919169 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:19:04 +0100 919169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918173&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F10%2F01%2Fa-big-heart%2F David’s 12 year-old daughter, Jessica, is with us for a long weekend since they have a teacher workday today.  She was asked by her Science teacher to do an extra-credit project about the heart. Well, Jessica knows that Dad has an ICD (Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator).  She asked if she could show her classmates what has saved her Pop-Pop’s life a few times. We went to the craft store and made an exceptionally nice cross section of the human heart, with paperclips connecting the ICD to the heart.  Very nice extra credit project if I do say so myself.  So in the middle of all the modeling clay and mess, Dad looked at Jessica and asked, “Why don’t you just take me into your class and show them the real thing?”  That would have been easier. (Source:... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918173 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:19:11 +0100 918173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=915478&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F30%2Fall-by-myself%2F Katie and Timmy took my Dad to an Arts fesitval yesterday, and I had the entire afternoon to myself.  I mostly drove around in my convertible and listened to the radio.  I did a little shopping, and played with Lola and Sierra (dogs).  I even had control of the TV remote for a short time. Paying Katie to take him on Saturday was the best $50 I could have spent.  It was lovely. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=915478 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:10:12 +0100 915478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=914584&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F29%2Fits-still-exercise%2F Dad was tired yesterday and asked if it was okay for him to take a nap instead of going to physical therapy. “Sure”, I said, “As long as Katie can get you to do some exercise later this afternoon.” Katie said, “He’ll try to talk me out of exercising and going to get a piece of chocolate pie.” “This is my favorite kind of exercise”, Dad said as he made the motion from fork to mouth. Mine, too.  (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=914584 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:23:21 +0100 914584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=912315&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F28%2Fi-was-never-gone%2F I told Dad we were having dinner with Beth and Gusty tomorrow night. He said, “Wow, it’s been a long time sine I’ve seen them!” That is what I meant when I wrote: “Hopefully Dad will not even realize I was gone!” the other day. Maybe next time I will not worry at all! Yeah right. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=912315 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:44:35 +0100 912315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=907207&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F27%2Fperfect-baby%2F Katie took Dad to his physical therapy class yesterday and Timmy (her baby) cried almost  the whole way to the hospital. She was worried that it would really bother Dad, since she was driving and could not console the baby. When they got into therapy, one of the nurses saw Timmy laughing and remarked what a cute baby he is. Then Dad said, “And he never cries!” This is kind of the memory loss that we don’t mind, losing the BAD ones!   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=907207 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:41:32 +0100 907207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=906328&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F26%2Fmountain-mama%2F Well, I am home from my lighting job West Virginia and first let me apologize to you for not entering a blog yesterday.  I was working in Huntington, WV and had NO INTERNET ACCESS.  I had 193 emails this morning, and that is just since Monday!  Those of you who wrote to make sure I was okay, thank you.  It’s nice to know how much you all have come to care about Dad and me. When I got home last night, Dad and Beth were watching the History Channel and Dad asked how my meeting went.  I guess Beth told him that was where I was last night, maybe I can get he to blog about Gusty or Beth to “guest blog” adventures (by the time I got home at 11:00pm we were all ready to get to sleep, so I have not heard the tales from Beth and Gusty’s adventures with Lyman yet). We... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=906328 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:12:33 +0100 906328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=894351&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F24%2Fgood-plan%2F My friends Gusty and Beth are caring for my Dad tonight while I go to West Virginia for a quick overnight job.  My sister also offered, as well and another friend, Tori. Dad heard me talking about the trip, and rather than make him uneasy, I just told him he was coming with me. Katie (CNA) will be here from 8:00-5:00 today, then Gusty and Beth will take him out to dinner, and then hang out with him (I suggested Scrabble - remember zoopants?  If not, its a funny one: http://knowitalz.com/blog/2007/04/23/better-late-than-never/ ). Same deal tomorrow, except I will be home by 5:00 and hopefully Dad will not even realize I was gone! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=894351 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:42:00 +0100 894351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=893436&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F23%2Fhelp-kathys-future%2F The Alzheimer’s Association is trying to raise $1 million for Alzheimer’s research by the end of September.  The Harrah’s Foundation is matching dollar for dollar each contribution made before September 30th. When I donated, it linked me to a site that showed me that the company I work for matches the gift as well.  So it turned $200 into $600.  I wish I could do that. http://www.actionalz.org/ I know that most of you are caregivers and have limited funds, but even $5 could be turned into $10 or $15.  And maybe you could send an email to friends and family that have money because they are not caregivers, and ask them to donate! This is totally selfish since I feel sure I will get Alzheimer’s myself and I need a cure! And Fast! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=893436 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:20:17 +0100 893436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=892993&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F22%2Fenough-said%2F Dad asked me where his car was yesterday.  It has been gone for a couple of years. “I’m having it washed.” I said. “Thanks” he said. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=892993 Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:30:12 +0100 892993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=891975&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F21%2Falways-early%2F I was talking with a friend of mine from my support group on the phone this week, and when we were hanging up, she said, “See you at the 12:30 support group!” 12:30?  I thought.  Hmmm.  I thought it was at noon. So I called the lady that runs the group and she told me that when we first met in 2004, I had mentioned to her that I was always late for everything, and that was one thing that stressed me out as a caregiver.  So she told me the meeting was at noon, so I would not be late. She pulled one over on me, just like I do with Dad! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=891975 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:59:24 +0100 891975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=886517&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F20%2Fmoms-blog%2F My bi-focals are perfect My dentures fit just fine My hearing aid is perfect But, Lord I miss my mind! This was a saying that my Mom had in a frame on her wall at home for as long as I can remember.  I thought since both my sisters and I have blogged here at KnowItAlz, it was Mom’s turn (albeit from Heaven).  She cared for Dad for 5 years before she passed away, and this saying just popped into my head this morning.  Thanks, Mom!   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=886517 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:41:50 +0100 886517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=885538&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2F281%2F Katie took Dad for his physical therapy yesterday and asked him if he needed to go to the restroom (or ‘make a pitstop’ as Dad calls it) before they left to go to therapy.  We do this as part of his every 3 hour trip to the bathroom schedule we are using to keep him continent.    “I guess that would be better than going on the way to therapy!” he joked.   If you want to know more about Dad’s “reverse potty training” click here:  http://knowitalz.com/blog/2007/05/08/too-funny-literally/   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=885538 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:51:44 +0100 885538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=880422&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F18%2Fokahoma-city-idaho%2F Dad and I went to Beth’s house last night and he “met” her sister, Ann for the “first time”.  They have really probably met twice in the last year, so I would not really expect him to remember her. She lives in Oklahoma. In 1953, Dad was drafted into the army and was stationed in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He also tells people he was in service in Texas, but with my EXTENSIVE knowledge of his military career (trying for 3 years to ‘reconstruct’ his discharge papers so we can get his VA benefits since Dad lost his copy) I know he was not actually stationed in Texas. Anytime anyone mentions any of those states, they get a full account of his 2 years in the military. Well, Ann mentioned a few things about Oklahoma throughout the night, and ... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=880422 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:35:36 +0100 880422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=876218&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F17%2Fsex-in-the-middle-east%2F Dad, David and I traveled to Charlottesville, VA this weekend for me to to a lighting job at the NBC station up there.   Dad sat in the studio and read the newspaper, and enjoyed watching David and me relight the news set.  When the time came for the anchor woman to sit at the desk for the final focus of the lights, Dad was sitting in the chair next to her and they started to talk about Iraq and the middle east. “It’s all the different sects that are causing the trouble”, she remarked. Later, David remarked that the anchorwoman really took a liking to Dad. “You were talking about sex for a long while.” David said. “Sex?!” said my Dad.  “No, SECTS, Dad, the different religious sects in the middle east.” “You had me scared ther... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=876218 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:42:52 +0100 876218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=873968&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F15%2Fsuns-and-daughters%2F We were heading home from dinner the other night, and we live west of the city, so we always drive into a beautiful sunset. “Wow that is a bright sun!” I said. “And an even BRIGHTER daughter.” said my Dad as he put his arm on my shoulder. Things like that make me happy to be Dad’s caregiver. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=873968 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 11:44:59 +0100 873968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=870750&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F14%2Fwait-wait%2F Last night the National Public Radio show “Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me” was recorded in front of a live audience right here at Wake Forest University.  My Mom used to work at the local NPR station, so Dad has always been a big fan of anything they do, and we decided to load up and go see it. So, the show started at 7:30pm and it was so crowded, the line to get in was forming before 6pm.  Not to mention the parking space situation!  Dad asked us where we were going about 10 times between the car and the auditorium. Breathless, we all glared at the 50-step staircase we had to ascend at the end of our hike from the car to our seats when Dad said, “Wait! Wait! Don’t Kill me!” Then a very nice lady showed us the elevator.  Thank goodness! (Source: KnowIt... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=870750 Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:24:42 +0100 870750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868394&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F13%2Fdad-is-a-tv-star%2F The local FOX station came over to interview me last night for a piece they are doing on my Insurance Company/Medicare appeal for my Dad’s home health benefit. The focus of the story is the hours and hours it takes the caregiver to file and follow up on these appeals.  Heck, it took me 3 hours sometimes just to talk to the right person at the insurance company!  Not to mention the hundreds of forms and papers that have to be filled out. My part in the story was that I am the 24/7 caregiver to my Dad, have a full time paying job, and a family of my own.  I should not have to spend 100+ hours of my time appealling the denial of a covered benefit on behalf of my 79 year old Dad. We told Dad that they were doing a story about people who work at home, and they asked him many questio... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868394 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:11:26 +0100 868394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867494&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F12%2Fno-stuffing-today%2F Dad went to the adult day center again yesterday, and according to the administrator is taking his “volunteer” duties in stride. He keeps asking if they have any envelopes to stuff today (that is the type of volunteering he and Katie have done in the past.)  The aides just tell him to spend a few minutes talking with  the “old folks” to cheer them up, and they can do the stuffing later.  Then he gets to talking, and forgets all about the envelopes. He has gotten chummy with a group of men who are in about the same stage of Alzheimer’s as he is, and they just talk about the good old days for 2-3 hours at a time. When I asked Dad how his volunteering went, he said, “We just stuffed envelopes all afternoon.” (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867494 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:16:22 +0100 867494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=862267&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F11%2Fhow-about-500mg%2F We went to Dad’s neurologist yesterday to check up on his switch from Aricept to Razadyne. I told the doctor that there was a slight improvement early on, but that it had leveled off.  He then suggested we go from 16mg to 24mg per day. “What is Razadyne for again?” asked my Dad. “Memory.” I said. “In that case, can I have 100mg a day?” he asked with a big grin. His doctor just chuckled and told him we’d try the 24mg and see how that goes!   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=862267 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:51:33 +0100 862267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858697&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F10%2Fthis-bites%2F I am a mosquito magnet.  I seem to get a bit every time I go outside! Well, I got a few bites last night and I woke up this morning and my hands were itchy, all swollen up and I had hives!  HIVES! I had to get Dad up to go to the doctor with me (not fun) and the whole way over he kept saying “I have not been bitten by a mosquito since 1945!”  He must have said it 20 times! It is, however, true.  He used to work at Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey during World War II and was a tape tester to find the best repellant for the troops over in mosquito infested Asia. He was paid $1.15 per hour to stick his arm in a cage with thousands of mosquitoes and see which of the prototype repellants placed on strips on his arm worked the best.  He must have built up an immunity, so he ... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858697 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:23:16 +0100 858697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853289&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F09%2Fflounder-fingers%2F When we were in Charleston, SC last week, we tried to eat a lot of seafood (it is very hard to find fresh fish 5 hours inland in NC where we live) since it is sooooo good. We went to a restaurant near the beach, and David ordered an appetizer, grouper fingers. Well, Dad basically eats four things: grilled chicken, hamburger with grilled onions, rueben, or fish ‘n chips.  Remember this one: http://knowitalz.com/blog/2007/03/28/fish-n-chips-n-trouble/ ?? When the grouper fingers came out, Dad asked what they were, and David told him they were “grouper fingers”.  “I do not like grouper”, Dad pouted. I pointed out the window to a pretty girl on the boardwalk, and Dad asked if he should go ask for a date. I then offered him a “flounder finger”.  He ... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853289 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:07:05 +0100 853289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=852211&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F08%2Fhot-nurses%2F Sometimes if I cannot get Dad to comply with my wishes (like stop scratching an infected wound, arguing with me about his eating too much, or having to get up early) I jokingly threaten him with being sent to a nursing home if he does not comply with my wishes. “If the nurses are pretty, I’ll go willingly!” he said yesterday. Now I’ll have to threaten him with going to a home with ALL MALE nurses! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=852211 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:26:07 +0100 852211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=848621&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F07%2Fcrap-happens%2F After dinner last night, David could see that Dad was struggling with the TV tray. “Just leave it, Lyman” he said, “I’ll put that away for you.” “Boy, you sure are lucky.  You don’t have to do crap around here!” I joked to my father. “That is one thing I do have to do.” he said. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=848621 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:31:20 +0100 848621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=846044&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F06%2Fhyman-latfields%2F Dad’s name is Lyman Hatfield.  There is a restaurant in Charleston called Hymans. Dad referred to it as “Hyman Latfield’s” every time we passed the restaurant (it was right on the way to the hotel). Good to know Dad’s brain is still processing funny and clever! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=846044 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:17:16 +0100 846044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=842043&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F05%2Fselective-alzheimers%2F Dad had a piece of chocolate cake for dessert about 7:30 last night. When I saw him at 8:30, he asked if the cake on the counter was for dessert. When I told him he had already eaten a piece of the cake, he said, “I do not remember eating any dessert.” “That is selective Alzheimer’s“  I joked, as I cut a second (small) piece and smiled. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=842043 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:41:19 +0100 842043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=842044&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F05%2Fmega-millions%2F On the trip to Charleston, we kept seeing the Mega Millions Lottery Billboards, and Dad would comment how nice it would be to win. David said if he won $15 million, he would take an extra week a year off work. I said I would never work another minute. Dad said he would work on February 29th only. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=842044 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:30:14 +0100 842044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838167&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F03%2Fhappy-labor-day%2F I asked Dad if he knew how long it had been since he had worked   (we were speaking of Labor Day). “Day before yesterday.” He said. Really it’s been 8 years, but who’s counting? (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838167 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 21:00:33 +0100 838167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=836963&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F02%2Fhello-from-vacation%2F We arrived in Charleston yeterday afternoon.  After 4.5 hours in the car with Dad, there is lots of blog material, so get ready to hear about the trip for the next few days!   We were driving around 80 mph down the Interstate, when a bright red Ferrari whizzed past us at about 95 or so.   “Great!” I said, “I’m sure a state trooper would rather give him a ticket than a little silver Honda packed full of luggage an a senior citizen!”   “And me.” said my Dad.   David did not laugh as hard as Dad and I did! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=836963 Sun, 02 Sep 2007 17:24:49 +0100 836963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=836504&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F09%2F01%2Fvacation-bound%2F We are heading off to Charleston, SC for 4 days.  It was hard getting Dad up and ready early, but maybe he will sleep in the car. If he does, David and I will be spared the “These are the WORST drivers I have ever seen.  They must have gotten their license in the mail!” for 5 the entire five hours in the car. Thankfully Dad does not remember what a scary driver HE was! Here’s a joke that comes to mind: An old woman called her husband in a panic on his cell phone.  Knowing that he is driving home from work, she wanted to warn him of a dangerous situation she heard about on the television. “Herman, be careful, there is a report of a car driving the wrong way on I-77!” “One?  Hell, there’s hundreds of them!”    (Source: KnowItAlz.com Bl... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=836504 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:26:30 +0100 836504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=835600&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F31%2Fmia-culpa%2F First let me know that I am sorry to those of you who read KnowItAlz in the mornings.  It is 3:27pm eastern and this is the first time I have sat down at the computer all day. Katie, Dad and Arline went to dinner together for the first time.  Dad does not remember, Arline hurt her leg trying to get in the jeep (but otherwise had a good time), and Katie was glad to have a new person to join in the conversation.  She was also glad when 8:01pm arrived. They went to dinner, Borders Book Store and by the condo to see the baby.  Arline was home by 7:30 and Dad by 8:00. When I teased Dad and asked him if there was a good night kiss he said, “I think Katie would get mad if I kissed her.” (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835600 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:37:24 +0100 835600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=831151&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F30%2Fspit-happens%2F Katie (CNA) and I are always tring to think up new ways to get Dad up in the morning.  If I am not here and Katie does it, I will call from work until he gets up and answers the phone.  Katie hides, in case he is grumpy.  Usually, we can let him sleep in untill 11:00 or so, but some days we have doctor’s appointments, volunteering, day center, etc. Today he was scheduled for another afternoon of “volunteering” at the day center.  So, this morning, I told him we were going to Atlanta (to see my oldest sister, Nancy) and so he got up, took a shower, shaved, got dressed, had breakfast and then looked at me and matter-of-factly said, “Have you packed my pills for Atlanta?” Now this conversation was an hour and a half ago!  I thought, ‘What ever will I d... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=831151 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:50:09 +0100 831151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828607&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F29%2Fnow-thats-what-i-call-a-plan%2F I love it when a good plan comes together (rarely in my case). Yesterday I had to: 1) Work my full time job from 8:00am-5:00pm 2) Return a borrowed hospital bed to the Cancer center for a friend in my support group 3) Haircut for Dad (it was Tuesday you know) see Kathy’s Time Machine 4) Oil Change for Car (going on vacation in 2 days) 5) Dinner with friends at 5:30 6) Alzheimer’s Support Group from 7:00-9:00pm Now as any of you caregivers know, that kind of day requires a miracle to actually work out.  Here is how it went: 1) Worked all day 2) Asked friend Gusty to return hospital bed 3) Katie (CNA) took Dad for haircut at 4:00 and met us at restaurant at 5:30 4) Katie got oil change while Dad got his haircut 5) Met friends for dinner with Dad, Katie and little Timmy 6) Left dinn... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828607 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:21:02 +0100 828607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828608&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F28%2Fhello-stranger%2F For most of the ten years David and I have been together, he has spent a lot of time out of town because of the nature of his work (he builds news sets for local TV stations all over the country and custom log homes). That was the best way to get Dad to move in with me.  I just told him that David was gone so much, that I really needed him to stay here with me so I would not be alone all the time.  Worked like a charm.  Well, David has been traveling less and less in order to help me with Dad, but whenever he comes home from work (30 minutes away) Dad will say, “Hello, stranger”, just as if he had been gone for days or weeks.  “Where was your trip this time?” Dad asks.  David just plays along saying, “Arkansas is beautiful this time of year.” or &#... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828608 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:55:54 +0100 828608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=824819&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F27%2Fdad-is-taking-a-day-off%2F We are going to Charleston, SC for the Labor Day weekend.  Dad, David and I were talking about the trip during dinner last night and I told David that I am off work on Friday as well as Monday and Tuesday, so I hoped he (David) could get Friday off, too. “I can take Friday off.” said my Dad, who has not worked since 2001. Well good.  Now if I can just get David to take the day off…. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=824819 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:42:42 +0100 824819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=823104&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F26%2Fdad-is-a-winner%2F   Top Alzheimer’s Site Awards from HealthCentral.com The Alzheimer’s and caregiving experts have spoken! KnowItAlz.com has been honored as one of the five “Best of the Internet” sites dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia as determined by the expert team at HealthCentral. These sites include small Web sites and individual blogs and were chosen based on their candid and informative content. In giving these awards, they hope to recognize the individuals and organizations who share their vision in providing comprehensive, interactive and personal healthcare advice. HealthCentral.com would like to congratulate their 2007 winners and sincerely thank them for producing influential sites in the Alzheimer’s community.  And I was just writing this blog so I di... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=823104 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:08:58 +0100 823104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=822388&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F25%2Fa-new-girl-every-thursday%2F I just talked with my friend, Nancy (Arline’s daughter) from my caregiver support group and we were making plans for our parents’ next “date” this Thursday. Since Dad has started “volunteering” at the adult day center two afternoons a week, Katie is trading out her time, and working 2 evenings a week. Well, Nancy and I got to talking and decided that this Thursday Katie can pick them both up at the day center and take them out to dinner together.  This accomplishes FIVE important things: 1) I get to date my boyfriend, David 2) Nancy gets a free evening 3) Dad gets to meet a “new” girl (even though this will be their 7th date) 4) Katie gets a free dinner and someone new to talk with and have Dad talk with 5) Arline gets to see my Dad again (w... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=822388 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:31:20 +0100 822388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=821694&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F24%2Fno-moonshine-just-wine-for-dad%2F Dad was not able to join me on my job in Kentucky yesterday, because at 6:00am when I tried to get him up, it was evident this was not happening (you know what I mean). So, I called Katie (CNA), and bless her heart she came right over to stay with him.  When 8:00pm rolled around, she was ready yo get home to her family, so she dropped Dad with Beth and Gusty (our best friends) for a glass or two of wine until I could get back. Their five-year-old, Chloe, asked my Dad what “Sea legs” were, having heard Gusty and his Dad talking about getting their sea legs back. Dad said, “They are what comes between ‘B’ legs and ‘D’ legs.” Chloe just laughed and laughed.  I think being around the little kids really makes Dad happier (of course,  it may hav... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=821694 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:27:05 +0100 821694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=818959&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F23%2Fi-hope-we-make-it-back%2F Dad and I are going to Kentucky today to look at a lighting job. As many of you know, there are many gun-totin’ McCoys up there, so wish us luck. See you tomorrow (I hope!) Kathy (maybe I should change my last name) Hatfield  If you have no idea what I am talking about, click here: http://knowitalz.com/blog/hatfields-and-mccoy-feud/ (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=818959 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:40:47 +0100 818959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=815386&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F22%2Falzheimers-schmalzheimers%2F I was in one of my caregiver support groups yesterday, and we were talking about how when people drop in and out of our loved ones’ lives, they seem to think there is nothing wrong with them.  I can’t tell you how many times people have said to me, “Are you sure he has Alzheimer’s?  He seems fine to me.”  This “diagnosis” after spending 5 minutes with him, in which THEY are doing most of the talking! Many of the other caregivers agreed they hear this from friends, co-workers, and even family! Here is my idea.  When someone says that from now on I should say, “You know I think you’re right.  Would you like to take him to dinner one night this week?  I am sure he would love to spend some time catching up with you now that he is bett... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=815386 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:59:59 +0100 815386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814373&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F21%2Ftastes-like-chicken%2F My sister Susan had Dad over for dinner last night. She always tells me what she is making for dinner so we can see if Dad can remember when he gets home.  I knew they were having pork chops, so when he got home I asked what was for dinner and he said, “Pork chops and they were delicious.”  I was so excited, I sent Sue an instant message that he remembered the chops! This is the instant message I got from Susan this morning:  He complimented me on my dinner when we got to Elkvue (my street).   I asked him what he was complimenting me on. He said Chicken. I think he just guesses and hopes for the best! (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814373 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:31:36 +0100 814373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809786&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F20%2Fdad-is-an-old-timer%2F I made some brownies last night.  David is not a very patient man when it comes to dessert, but I told him if he wants brownies, it takes 28 minutes. Every five minutes (like a four year old) David is asking “How much longer?” “When you hear bong-bong-bong-bong,” I said referring to the timer, “the brownies will be done” “Bong-bong-bong-bong” said my Dad. What a smarty pants. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809786 Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:04:28 +0100 809786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809787&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F19%2Fmissing-alert%2F Please click on this link to see if you may have seen or heard something about Shirley Mac Hunt.  She has been missing for 61 days now.   Thanks! http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/gallery/ncmaprofile_all.php?A200705392S   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809787 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:02:34 +0100 809787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809788&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F18%2Fplease-register%2F Soon we will be adding some additional features to this site.  I want to be able to share the information I have learned about caregiving and dementia over the last three years with all of you, and future caregivers. Don’t worry, I will still have the daily Blog showing the humorous life and times of my Dad and his Alzheimer’s.  Namenda, Razadyne, Exelon and Aricept are great, but humor is still the best medicine for our family. I would like to make sure all of you are registered on this blog (Just click on Register down on the right under the heading that says Meta) so I can let you know when new caregiver information is available.  Thanks, and if any of you have ideas about information we can put on the site that will be helpful for you and other dementia caregive... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809788 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 23:08:06 +0100 809788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809789&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F17%2Fkeeping-him-young%2F Dad and Katie went to “volunteer” at Senior Services Adult Day Center yesterday.  The people that run the center tell lots of people they are “volunteers”.  They even pay a couple of them, and the spouse or caregiver gives the money back to the center the next day.  This makes our loved ones feel they are not “patients” of the adult daycare. The guise of volunteering was the only way I could get Dad to check out the place, as I want him to get used to going while he can still form habits.  That way Katie can take him to the center some weekdays, and she will give me some evening and weekend respite in place of those hours. My friends Patty and Jean have been encouraging me to bring Dad for well over a year, but Patty threatened to stop speaking to m... KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809789 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:40:20 +0100 809789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809790&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F16%2Fthe-dryer-is-innocent%2F Usually, we lose our socks in the dryer.  It is a great phenomenon of life.  Twos socks go in - one comes out. Well, last night, Dad was taking off his socks and shoes, and walked in to my office to ask me if I had seen his other sock. “I was taking off my shoes and socks, and now I can only find one sock.” Dad said as he held it up for me to see. “Look on your foot”, I said. “Oh, my,” he said, “I have really lost it!” “And I found it!” I joked.     (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809790 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:52:42 +0100 809790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809791&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F15%2Fgoes-around-comes-around%2F Last night David and I went on a date.  Remember Arlene?  If not, http://knowitalz.com/blog/2007/05/31/alzheimers-x2-fun/ is the backstory. Well, Nancy mentioned that she had a meeting and a sitter for her Mom last night and asked me if would I like to bring my Dad over for a couple of hours.  ARE YOU KIDDING? YES! So Dad had a wonderful time, and I got a nice date with my sweetie. Moral of the story: Take care of people and they will take care of you!    (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809791 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:24:43 +0100 809791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809792&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F14%2Fold-sailing-buddy%2F Dad and Susan went out to dinner last night, and were driving west on the interstate.  There was a group of cumulus clouds in the sky and Dad said that someone in the southwest would be getting some rain. Susan tried to correct him (but Dad knows the weather like he is a meteorologist) by telling him they were heading west, not southwest.  He promptly pointed to the sun that was setting just to their right and said, “That is west, we are heading SOUTHWEST”. Susan called him a modern day Marco Polo. Dad joked that he and Marco used to sail together in the old days.  “I did all the work, and he took all the glory!” he said. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809792 Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:45:30 +0100 809792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809793&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F13%2Fknitting-huh%2F I am enrolled in two continuing education classes at Salem College coming up in September.  I have had hundreds of KnowItAlz readers tell me that I should consider putting my stories into a book.  This could enable people who are caregivers, but don’t use the computer, to get a laugh or two. So, anyway I am taking a class on self publishing and how to find an agent/editor. Dad overheard me talking about it and asked me what kind of class I was taking.  I did not want to explain what I was writing a book about (since he does not know he has Alzheimer’s, so how would I know about caregiving) so I just blurted out “knitting”! Now he wants to take knitting classes with me.   (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809793 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:41:27 +0100 809793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809794&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F12%2Fsometimes-memory-loss-is-good%2F David is a building contractor, so over the last ten years, I have become exposed to a whole new group of people: construction workers.  Although I am used to most of what they do and say, my city dwelling, stock broker, college educated Dad is not. Yesterday, one of the roofers stopped by to pick up some tools for a job that starts tomorrow.  He was talking about his wife being in jail for fighting and how his new girlfriend is pregnant.  He also mentioned you can see dirt through the rotten floor of his single-wide trailer. I was mildly horrified that my Dad was being exposed to this conversation, but found solace in the fact that he would not remember a word of it. I even wish I did not remember THAT conversation!       (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809794 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:39:26 +0100 809794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809795&cid=t_171653_137_f&fid=36022&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowitalz.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F08%2F10%2Falzheimers-here-i-come%2F I forgot that I had my Alzheimer’s caregiver support group today. How ironic. (Source: KnowItAlz.com Blog) KnowItAlz.com Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809795 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:17:58 +0100 809795