ny resources available at the time, so we decided to see what would make her happy. We began by creating a space for her to be helpful in areas where she was still able to participate.
For example, Mama loved to fold towels. She had a specific way she wanted them folded (a trait that she passed on to me). I found that if I handed Mama a small load of warm towels from the dryer while she was sitting on the couch, she would begin folding them. It didn’t take too long before she had a nice stack of folded towels. Even after she lost the meaning of the words, “fold towels”, I could simply hand them to her, and her muscle memory would take over, and she would fold them.
Honoring a Journey of Dementia: Sharing Insights and Hope
Not long ago, a friend of ours confided in us that his mother was facing dementia. Our friend is a very private person. We recognized the trust he placed in us, took it as an honor, and said we would include his mother and family in our prayers.
Recently, his mother passed away. Our friend sent us a letter his sister, Laura K, had written and shared at their mother’s memorial service. It was full of honesty and hope, and he invited us to share her story and insights. By sharing this story, we hope to honor not only one family’s journey but the countless others who walk similar paths.
Revealing the Surprising Link: How Your Bones Influence Brain Health
I have always thought I was fairly strong. I’ve been active all my life, with very few obstacles to walking, swimming, or other types of exercises. So it came as a surprise when my DEXA Scan showed that I have osteopenia. Both of my parents and my sister had hip surgery, so it shouldn’t have been a total surprise.
It was time to modify my lifestyle, so I began making a few changes in my exercise routine and diet. It is a process. And more successfully done as a family, so I recruited Wayne’s help, and we began to look for ways to increase our calcium intake.
Unlocking Brain Health: The Surprising Benefits of Dental Hygiene
Since ancient times, people have recognized the value of cleaning their teeth.
The ancient Egyptians even recorded practices of teeth cleaning. They created toothpaste using vinegar, crushed pumice stone, egg, and oyster shells. The Greeks and Romans continued the practice of using abrasive materials like crushed bones and shells as a way to clean their teeth. The Persians added gypsum, herbs, and honey to their mixtures. This was well before the toothbrush had even been invented. People used small twigs and bamboo to create their toothbrushes.
Could your memory use a boost? Here are some helpful strategies
While my Daddy was still alive, my parents lived in a little cottage on several acres in the country. They loved living independently, but over time they began to need more and more help in order to remain ‘independent’. My sister, husband, and I made multiple trips daily out to their place to bring meals, dispense medicine, clean, and even a few fun things, which included singing, snacking, and reminiscing.
When it comes to dementia, Laughter truly is the best medicine
Caregiving for someone with dementia is neither easy nor for the faint of heart. It is certainly not a laughing matter – it’s a serious responsibility filled with many decisions and little sleep. It was almost 20 years ago when it was determined that my Mama had dementia. Back then, there were very few resources or books that offered advice about how to do day-to-day care. After our Daddy passed away, my sister, husband, and I realized we had to figure out how to navigate this journey with very few signposts along the way.
Train your brain – a fun way to reduce dementia risk
Back when we were caring for our Mama, I remember wondering if her condition might be genetic. At the time, we didn’t even know for sure if she had Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Mama did have a brain scan at the time, but that was almost 20 years ago, and there were not as many diagnostic resources back then. More research has been conducted, along with advances in diagnosing.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, especially one of your parents, it is likely that at some point, you have wondered if you may inherit it as well.
Music is good medicine for those with dementia – take as needed
My sister and I recently had a lovely chat about music and its important role in the lives of people with dementia. She told me about the amazing story of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Tony Bennett was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. By then, Lady Gaga had become Tony’s devoted protégé. Even after his diagnosis, they were still singing together. In 2021, they performed two sold-out concerts “One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.” The limiting and muting effects of Alzheimer’s seemed to disappear while he was singing.
Making Contact with Loved Ones: A Heartfelt Connection
While having lunch and visiting with our friends at one of the senior centers we regularly attend, old Motown songs played in the background. I found myself singing along with Stevie Wonder’s hit from 1984, “I Just Called to Say I Love You”. It reminded me of the importance of connecting with our loved ones. As Valentine’s Day approaches, this song, with its simple message, serves as a lovely reminder to make contact with those we love, especially those living alone or in nursing homes.
Reading Is Good for our Brains – Helping Reduce Dementia Risk
I got my love for reading from my Mama. She was an avid reader. Her love of a good mystery influenced my own reading habits. I read all her Agatha Christie and Rex Stout paperbacks, and she borrowed all my alphabet and cat mysteries. We also shared a love for Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason.
When it comes to reading, this is a great time of the year. The holiday season is over, and the weather keeps us inside more. These factors give us the perfect excuse to enjoy more guilt-free periods of curling up with a new or favorite book.