Behind the Mask

 

Behind the Mask

I received another complimentary book on dementia yesterday. This one is from Helene Moore called

 “Behind the Mask.” Her blog can also be found at her blog. I told her that I’m becoming a book reviewer on dementia. Smile, smile. I’m finishing up Graboys’ book and am ready to start Louise Morse’s book, “Could it be Dementia.”

Helene also has an Adopt A Caregiver program as well. She says:

The most important things in my life are my family and friends; my passion for writing, reading and knitting; and my self respect.

My book, Behind the Mask, shows the complete range of emotions a new caregiver goes through each day.

Alzheimer’s disease is not contagious, yet the caregivers are usually left alone without the support of friends and neighbors, even family. This disease can last for many years, leaving the caregiver worn out and alone.

Adopt A Caregiver is my unique way of giving back. All you have to do is check your neighborhood, your social clubs, church, synagogue, your doctor’s office, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s message boards, and the Mayo Clinic message boards.

Just send an email or phone the person who needs a friend, listen and come back often to let him/her know you care and are thinking of them. Just being there to listen is a huge help.

Adopt a Caregiver. Give something back: Contribute to the well being of people who are so busy caring for others.

 

Thanks to Helene and Louise for all their hard work and continued dedication!

David

 

My to Do List on Reading Books — Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Other Dementias

 

Today I am reading and reviewing books on Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and all other types of dementia.

I’m currently reading “Life in the Balance” by Thomas Graboys, MD. Although it is not a thick book, I am having difficulty reading it. Not because I can’t concentrate on it. Maybe because of the emotions it is invoking in me. My feelings range between anger, pity, empathy, sorrow, sadness and respect. None of these really stand out. But they are there nonetheless. It is one of those books that I can only digest a few pages at a time and then I need to put it down. I will figure those feelings out though. I certainly has taken courage for Dr. Graboys to speak out so graphically and profoundly. Keep it up, Dr. Graboys!

Could it be Dementia?

What a pleasant surprise! I received a complimentary copy of the book “Could it be Dementia“? authored by Louise Morse and Roger Hitchings. I’ve only perused it briefly but it promises to be a practical yet powerful book which offers hope for those affected by dementia. The reviews look spectacular! This book insists that losing your mind doesn’t mean losing your soul. “Perhaps the greatest encouragement, for residents and carers alike, is seeing the Holy Spirit at work in His people,” say Louise and Roger. “In a worship meeting, someone who normally does not speak will unexpectedly pray the most cogent, appropriate prayer. In countless other ways the Holy Spirit is seen to be present with God’s precious ‘aged pilgrims’.” This book offers information and reassurance gleaned from the extensive experience of Pilgrim Homes, a foundation going back to 1807 that has helped and cared for thousands of elderly people.

Another sighting is from Helene Moore who wrote “Behind the Mask.” It is just another of many books which I’ve come across online which seem invaluable for readers. Now it’s a matter of finding the time to read them all!

Behind the Mask

 

              Warmly,

              David

Friday October 31, 2008

 

 

Why do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?

 

 

I know. I have a real soft spot in my heart for caregivers. Maybe I went overboard last night. I ended up sending 50+ emails to newspaper editors and government officials last night about November being the National Family Caregivers Month. I received an email today from Helene Moore part of which states, “word of mouth is potent, and my words are spreading, slowly but surely. So, maybe. Just maybe one of those emails will touch someone’s heart! I’ll see. But then I’ll never know but that’s OK too. Someone will have read the emails anyhow.

 

So, to all caregivers. There undoubtedly will come the time whenever I won’t be able to verbalize or to share this. While I have the wherewithal to do it, I give you my thanks and respect for all you do for your loved ones and friends. The energy you give, the sacrifices, the hurt and pain you sometimes go through, the joy and sorrow along with your own need to have rest and to be comforted just like anyone else. Your patience with me (and I speak on behalf of those who can’t) is appreciated. Pure and simple. I don’t know how else to say it.

 

Thank you, Pam. You are the best wife anyone could have. I am blessed that God gave you to me through the paths that we least expected. Please remember this in your moments of weakness and despair.

 

 

I finally started to make a few posts on the forums on the Lewy Body Dementia website. One of the forums is specifically designed for those of us who actually have LBD. So far, this forum is slow. But I’d like to see it be an avenue of support we can give to each other. Certain things will be easier to understand and to deal with after hearing it from another sufferer.

 

The source of most of our frustrations and anxiety are the result of living in the future, or in the past.

 

 

David