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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

06/09Leave a Comment

 Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 

Did you know that June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month?  Five of our Favorite Authors have teamed up to Promote awareness for Alzheimer’s during the month of June. Author: Marianne Sciucco shares an article and information about the authors, their books and their contributions to Alzheimer’s Awareness.  

Alzheimers-Month

Beyond Still Alice: 5 Books on Alzheimer’s You May Not Have Heard Of

What do you know about Alzheimer’s? Anything? What should you know about Alzheimer’s? Something.

This is not just our parents’ disease. It’s a problem that has far-reaching complications, not only wreaking havoc in the life of the one afflicted but in the lives of all those surrounding him or her: spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, friend, caregivers, and the greater community. Its impact is exponential: For each one of the 5.3 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are another 5.3 million (at the very least) affected. (Alz.org) These people are our family, neighbors, co-workers, friends, acquaintances. As our lives intersect and intertwine, this disease affects all of us.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Take some time this month to learn more about this illness, to understand what it means to those who love someone afflicted, to those who dedicate themselves to seeing they are cared for, and ensure their lives continue to have meaning and dignity.

There are many ways to become educated about a condition or disease. In regard to Alzheimer’s, there are hundreds of books available to explain it, advise what to do about it, how to handle it, and offer solutions and support for caregivers. These are excellent resources.

However, stories that enlighten through the careful balance of useful facts and a cast of relatable and realistic characters may be a better way to shed light on this and many other medical issues. This type of presentation enables the reader to get inside the head of the Alzheimer’s patient, their caregivers, spouse, children, and other loved ones. It’s up close and personal, not clinical and removed.

Here are five titles to get you started. Three are memoirs, two are novels. Two are written by women who did double duty at the same time, caring for both mother and father as they suffered with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Another is the story of a woman healing her relationship with her mother after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. One is written by a novelist wanting to pay tribute to those who rise to the difficult challenge of serving as caregiver to a loved one with this disease. One is written by a nurse who worked with hundreds of Alzheimer’s patient and their families.

Alzheimer’s is a frightening possibility, but to meet it without knowledge or an understanding of its implications increases despair and hopelessness and strips one of the power to make competent decisions and access necessary supports and resources. Knowledge gained through literature can be as practical and useful as any self-help or how-to manual.

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Jean Lee, Alzheimer’s Daughter, a memoir

Alzheimers-Daughter“I wrote what I needed to read as I traveled through the caregiving journey.”

What would you do if both parents were diagnosed?

At the time of their diagnosis, Ed Church struggles to his feet, yelling, “How dare you use the A. word with me,” while Ibby wags her finger at the doctor scolding, “Shame on you.”

They defend each other, Ibby by asserting, “We’re not leaving our home,” and Ed reassuring, “We’re just fine.”

About his driving Ed states, “I’m an excellent driver, I’ve never had an accident.”

After Rosie moves them to assisted living, convinced they are on a second honeymoon, they break the news, “We’ve decided not to have more children.”

In the late stages, they politely shake Rosie’s hand, inquiring, “Now, who are you?”

In Alzheimer’s Daughter readers journey with the author from her first suspicions that something is awry to a decade later as she is honored to hold Ed and Ibby’s hands as they draw their last breaths.

Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle 

Visit Jean’s Author Page and blog

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Vicki Tapia, Somebody Stole My Iron, A Family Memoir of Dementia

“I wrote my story to offer hope to others whose lives have been intimately affected by this stole-irondreadful disease, to reassure them that they’re not alone.”

How would you cope if your loved one’s mind gradually slipped away?

Navigating the waters of dementia can be frightening, unleashing a myriad of emotions for everyone involved, precipitating anxiety and grief, anger and frustration, extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness. After Vicki Tapia’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, followed closely by her father with Parkinson’s disease-related dementia, she struggled to find practical, helpful information to light her way. Somebody Stole My Iron began as a diary to help her cope, but emerged as a road map for others. It offers a glimpse into her family’s life as they rode the waves of dementia, sometimes sailing, other times capsizing. This engaging memoir offers useful information from experts within the field of Alzheimer’s research, personal lessons the author learned along the way, and ideas/tips for managing the day-to-day ups and downs of dementia.

Somebody Stole My Iron chronicles the tenacity of Tapia’s mother as she fought her way through the tangled and bewildering labyrinth called dementia. Above all, it is a story of holding on and ultimately learning to let go, transcending the pain and turmoil to discover both an abiding love and a tender compassion.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Praeclarus Press Visit Vicki’ Author Page

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Maria Hoagland, Still Time, a novel

still-time“Medical and family drama are intriguing to me, but it wasn’t the unusual that grabbed my attention for this book. I wanted to spotlight the stalwart courage and strong character that are revealed when someone has to rise to a difficult challenge. I believe we all have it in us to confront our trials, face them head-on, and gracefully endure, and what better way to show that than a mother and caregiver who sacrifices her all for someone she loves?”

Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart. Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo

Visit Maria’s Author Page and blog

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Lisa Hirsch, My Mom My Hero, a memoir

“My mother touched me greatly after she showed signs of Alzheimer’s. As a long distant caregiver,Mom-Hero speaking to her every day, I found myself falling in love with her. I wrote down everything she said so I would never forget it. This is now my book, My Mom My Hero.”

When Lisa found out her mother, Ruth, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, her love, appreciation, and caring for her mother was transformed. My Mom My Hero tells the story of this loving mother-daughter relationship. This is an uplifting and inspirational book for anyone going through the difficult and often lonely ordeal of caring for a loved one who suffers from this devastating illness.

Available on Amazon

Visit Lisa’s Author Page and blog

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Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, a novel

blue-hydrangeas“This is a story I wrote from the heart after witnessing the pain and heartbreak of many couples and families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. The characters are loosely based on one couple I met in my work as a registered nurse. Blue Hydrangeas is my attempt to bring consolation and understanding to all who encounter Alzheimer’s.”

What if the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name?

A nursing facility is everyone’s solution for what to do about Sara, but her husband, Jack, can’t bear to live without her. He is committed to saving his marriage, his wife, and their life together from the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. He and Sara retired years ago to the house of their dreams, and operated it as a Cape Cod bed and breakfast named Blue Hydrangeas.

Jack has made an impossible promise: He and Sara will stay together in their beautiful home no matter what the disease brings. However, after nine years of selfless caregiving, complicated by her progressing Alzheimer’s and his own failing heart, he finally admits he can no longer care for her at home. With reluctance, he arranges to admit her to an assisted living facility. But, on the day of admission, Sara is having one of her few good days, and he is unable to follow through. Instead, he takes them on an impulsive journey to confront their past and reclaim their future. In the end, he realizes that staying together at any cost is what truly matters.

Available on Audible, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords

Visit Marianne’s Author Page and blog

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marianne-sciucco Author: Marianne Sciucco originally wrote this post for her blog http://mariannesciucco.blogspot.com. She says: “I’m not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, I dreamed of becoming an author when I grew up, but became a nurse to avoid poverty. I later brought my two passions together and write about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues.”

Filed Under: Books Reviewed, Guest Post, News Tagged With: 5 books to read, Alzheimer's and Brain awareness, Guest Post: Marianne Sciucco

My Mom My Hero – by Lisa Hirsch :Review

03/18Leave a Comment

MomHero My Mom My Hero – by Lisa Hirsch

As Lisa Hirsch’s mother, Ruthie, began the journey into Alzheimers, Lisa decided to pen thoughts and feelings in a spiral notebook.

Their relationship had often been ambivalent and Lisa thought writing about their issues could bring more comfort than arguing with her mother.

For many years before Alzheimer’s, Lisa had analyzed her Mom (Ruth’s) pithy comments and her own reactions.  Finally, after her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Lisa determined to write about her feelings, accept them, and create a better relationship with her mother in the future. Her spiral notebook soon became an online Blog.

http://mommyhero.blogspot.com/

Lisa shares her thoughts and hopes for a better future with her mother, along with ideas and coping mechanisms for those with Alzheimer’s. Her avid reader’s offer their own thoughts through comments on her blog. And finally, this text is brought to you through My Mom My Hero.

As a young child, Lisa had been favored by her  father but felt slighted by her mother as though something was missing. Her older brother had been born with a doting mother and grandmother while their father was off to War.

Having missed the arrival of his newborn son and the joy of a new baby in the house, Lisa’s father dispaired this loss. Then, five years later when Lisa was born, her father was ecstatic to tend and care for this new baby.

Lisa became the apple of her father’s eye. He adored her and became her champion, while her mother seemed to distance herself even more. For most of Lisa’s youth, she yearned for a close relationship with a loving, kind and nurturing mother. But it was not to be.

As an adult with husband and son, Lisa lived 1,000 miles from her Mother. Periodic visits between mother and daughter became little more than bearable. Still, Lisa yearned to change that. She wanted that warm and nurturing mother that she’d always dreamed about.

And then came the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for her mother, Ruth. Lisa vowed to express love for her mother honestly and openly no matter what. She understood their relationship had been complicated in the past but Lisa wanted it to be different now and if that meant putting forth more effort, she would do it.

She made a committed effort to be there for her Mom! Lisa made certain they spoke on the phone everyday, sharing their lives despite the many miles that separated them. Over time, Lisa began to notice that as she opened up and shared more lovingly with her Mom, Ruthie reciprocated in the same loving manner.

Though separated by distance, they grew closer everyday.  And gradually, the small seeds of love and caring and sharing and kindness bloomed into a brand new relationship.

Although Alzheimer’s is a burden and Ruthie’s personality may shift occasionally, Ruthie and Lisa have become an inseparable mother – daughter duo. Their moments together can be fun with giggles and laughter or tearful with sandness and crying,  yet Lisa never leaves her mother without a feeling of gratitude and joy for their wonderful times together.

This book is a love story. A love story about a woman who opens her heart to her mother despite their rocky history, and finds love and peace. Lisa gives without thought of receiving, but she does receive.

Lisa and Ruthie share a new beginning and  a new closeness despite all the adversities of Alzheimer’s and dementia.  They have learned to make every day beautiful.

Author: Lisa Hirsch is a popular blogger with a worldwide audience. She had a long, successful career in the fashion industry and had numerous articles published in the US, the UK, and Canada . She lives in Manhattan with her husband and has one loving son. Her blog can be found at: www.MommyHero.blogspot.com

 

Filed Under: Books Reviewed, Recommended Reading Tagged With: Book Review, caregiver, My Mom my Hero

“Blue Hydrangeas” by Marianne Sciucco :book review

12/092 Comments

“Blue Hydrangeas” is a romance novel. A love story about Jack and Sara, a couple who shared their life for more than 45 years before Sara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and for the last decade since.

Sara has forgotten many things as Alzheimer’s erases her memory, but she hasn’t forgotten Jack or Blue Hydrangeas.

blue-hydrangeasBlue Hydrangeas, is the name of their summer home on Cape Cod, once a flourishing Bed and Breakfast through lazy summer months. Now, Sara still prepares for those seasonal guests, cleaning and baking and wondering when the first visitors will arrive.

She searches the window hourly for favorite visitors from years gone by. Sara has forgotten that accept for the two of them, Sara and Jack, Blue Hydrangeas sits Silent and alone now–and in some disrepair.

Sara is happy, working and waiting, but Jack is torn. His feelings are a whirlwind spinning him dizzy.

He loves Sara more than anything and he wants to take care of her. Yet their son insists that Sara should be in a nursing home with professional care.

Their son, David, hates the thought of tearing Jack and Sara apart,  yet he can see no other way to solve their dilemma.

“Mom would be better off in a nursing home, Dad.” David struggles to make his father see-the-light. “And you need rest, yourself. What about your heart… dad?” David reminds Jack of his recent hospitalization for heart problems and dire warning to take care of himself, too. Frankly, David thinks his father accepts too little respite-care as it is.

Jack remembers his promise to Sara. He hasn’t forgotten that he gave a solemn oath to never leave her, nor lock her away simply because she is ill. Jack meant that vow and intends to keep it now despite any heart problems.

He has choices to make…decisions about Sara, himself and the Blue Hydrangeas . I’m certain you’ll enjoy this book and learning how Jack handles this situation as much as I did. Read more…

Author: Marianne Sciucco  Studied the craft of writing as an English major at the University of Massachusetts at Boston and worked for a time as a newspaper writer. She later became a nurse. In 2002, she put the two together and began writing stories about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. When not writing, she works as a campus nurse in a community college in New York’s Hudson Valley.  You will find Marianne at: MarianneSciucco.blogspot.com,  Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Filed Under: Books Reviewed, Recommended Reading, The Caregiver Tagged With: bed and breakfast, Blue Hydrangeas, caregiver, dementia, love story, respite care, spouse

Book Review – “Untethered: A Caregiver’s Tale” ~ by Phyllis Peters

11/04Leave a Comment

Untethered-Phyllis Peters

“Untethered: A Caregiver’s Tale” : Review

As fiction, I was expecting a deep, dark story about the drama in the world of dementia and the sadness in the world of its caregivers. Instead, this novel comes from a happy (and sometimes hysterical) place where life is about living it with joy no matter your age or circumstance.

A delightful tale about the life of Tom Conklin, a middle-aged man who finds his own correct way whether it’s caregiver for a father who denies dementia or a new younger wife in search of “motherhood” for herself and, coincidentally,  “fatherhood” for Tom.

Along the way Tom finds his own path to coping with an anxious mom and fractured neighbor with his very own means of escape.

 

A pleasure to read, this Novel will leave you in a happy place for sure! Sandy

Available at :   “UNTETHERED: A Caregiver’s Tale”  

As you visit Phyllis’ website and BLOG, you will learn more about her as a person and hear of those who helped inspire this wonderful story. You will also learn that this book is a “gift of love,” from Phyllis, with proceeds going to the Fight Against Alzheimer’s.

 

Phyllis-Peters

About The Author ~ Phyllis Peters is an author and educator who holds degrees in music, literature, and education. Daughter of a writer and newspaper editor, she has always been in love with the word. Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in online publications, magazines, and literary journals such as The Pinch, The Ampersand Review, and Munich Found. Phyllis’ website is: http://www.untetheredcaregiver.com

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Filed Under: Books Reviewed, Recommended Reading Tagged With: caregiver, coping, dementia, father

“Kisses for Elizabeth” Common Sense Guidelines for Alzheimer’s dementia : Book Review

06/091 Comment

Kisses for Elizabeth

Common Sense Guidelines for Alzheimer’s dementia

KISSES FOR ELIZABETH

by Stephanie Zeman,  MSN RN

 This Book is a heartwarming sharing of knowledge through life stories about common sense guidelines that are a must-have for the caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia.

A common sense resource, this book will be the place to turn for those having difficulties due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Too often the family is feeling confused and angry, unsure about appropriate care. Many behaviors experienced because of dementia create confusion for all.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors are totally unpredictable and challenging for any caregiver.

Ms Zeman discusses several kinds of dementia, each with its own behavior patterns. These behaviors may vary from one person to the next. She explains how a single person may have more than one type of dementia, creating even more issues with a variety of behaviors. Many behaviors are stressful for the person with dementia and challenging for the caregiver as well.

With this book, Stephanie Zeman shares heartfelt stories of her days as a Geriatric nurse with dementia patients and experiences while educating and training families and professionals about dementia care.

In the very first Chapter we meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth of all those Kisses! This was the sweetest story. I saw reflections of my own mother in “Elizabeth.” Who would think of kisses while someone with dementia threw an angry tantrum? Rather than recite the story, I’ll let you read it for yourself. It’s delightful. I will give a small spoiler.

Elizabeth loved kisses and they had a calming effect on her

Ms Zeman educates others about caring for someone with dementia through 15 Guidelines– She doesn’t have to discuss or explain these guidelines because she shows each one in action through a collection of personal stories. The absolute best way to learn.

She speaks of the dementia patient who no longer wants to shower, whether from fear or irritability— Then she shows how to handle it with common sense for the best result.

Whether it’s personal hygiene, lost inhibitions, sleeplessness, wandering, sundowning, a physical issue, or emotional issue— Stephanie Zeman finds a common sense solution that leaves the caregiver as well as the person with dementia feeling good about themselves. Every solution enhances the quality of life and lowers frustration for the person with dementia.

The 15 Guidelines speak of putting yourself in place of someone else and learning how they feel.

Learning to use tools like common sense, respect, dignity, appropriate activities, communication, independence, feel goods, something important to do, understanding, guided choices, validation of feelings, holistic care, diversion and distraction, and even religion.

I think you get the idea. Each story gives so many guidelines I could never list them all, but it means care and love and kindness and choices for the person with Alzheimer’s and dementia and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for the caregiver as well.

As you read “Kisses for Elizabeth” you will meet Elizabeth along with Jane the Lead Nurse, Stephanie Zeman the Author, Grandma the Singer/Bubble Aficionado, Peggy the Fashionista, Charlie the man with 2 wives (both agreeable of course), Harold the Foreman and Harriet the Seductress and many many others. You’ll get to know and love them all. You’ll be able to put yourself in their place and understand what it’s like to be confused and unsure and to crave choices and things from a time long ago.

As a caregiver, you’ll learn how to help your loved one make their own choices because making choices–

Makes People Feel Good! Giving your loved one choices whenever possible creates pleasure and reduces frustration. When your loved one is happy, you are happy. And I can tell you, this book will make you happy.

It’s been a great pleasure to read and review this book and meet all the wonderful people inside. ~Sandy

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stephanie-zeman Author: Stephanie Zeman MSN RN is a nurse specialist in dementia care and she has worked with this fragile population for over 20 years. Her experience with dementia patients includes hands on care, the development of several dementia units and the provision of education and training for families and professionals. She was a past chair of the training committee for The Northern Virginia Alzheimer’s Chapter and was a board member for several years. Stephanie has frequently been a speaker for programs and seminars on dementia care and has been a presenter at the National Alzheimer’s Association Educational Conferences.

Website: Kisses for Elizabeth

Kisses for Elizabeth

 “KISSES FOR ELIZABETH”

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Filed Under: Books Reviewed, Recommended Reading Tagged With: Alzheimer's, Caring, common sense, dementia, Elizabeth, guidelines, kisses, skills

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