Told Lynne boys & Dad like bi-weekly therapy. Simon: has a career counselor to evaluate why he doesn’t pursue nursing. Henrik: earning more $ than ever as a bartender/server at Cactus. Christoph: waved from his window & doing fine. They visit Lynne weekly. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Donna & LynnR visited. She was more present & interactive than last visit. Donna gave her a latte She got sleepy & we told her we loved her & Donna took a selfie with her. Pretty alert vs 3 weeks ago. Their persistence always gets good times Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
IMPORANT RESEARCH UPDATE: AVOID commercially available biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s. Researchers at CTAD said they are not validated & create false positives. Alzheimer’s doesn’t always produce biomarkers. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Lynne’s visitor said, “Lynne & a resident sort of cry and look at me. I found it really hard to believe in a merciful God. Both women were amazing forces of nature. Just sad for me to see sisters in this situation.” I believe in a merciful God. We provide the mercy.
“Compassionandchoices.org is working to transform how people die with dementia to ensure people are aware, empowered and supported in getting the care they want – or do not want.” (I wish Lynne could have studied the options with our family at her diagnosis)
“With significant caregiving and hospice support, a determined and well-informed individual can successfully choose the end-of-life option of voluntarily stopping eating or drinking, also known as VSED.” A success is described in https://alzauthors.com/2023/10/03/martha-brosio-recounts-the-last-ten-days/ Last Ten Days, by Martha Risberg Brosio
Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Our Grammy Helen and Lynne Russell Family team, for the Alzheimer’s Walk exceeded our goal again. It’s a blessing for me and our family to keep lifting up our courageous and loving Lynne while Alzheimer’s keeps bringing her down. Blessings. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Brian kindly asked Lynne if she wanted to walk. She nodded. He lifted her gently from behind elbow. She stood. He pointed out she walks with help after 7 steps. She stiffens when I try to pull her up. I have so much to learn. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Lynne surprised everyone at our 50th anniversary with navy blue t-shirts with a white tree with no leaves. Underneath it was “Jim and Karen & Celebrating 50th anniversary 11/29/1963” In the top of the tree were two white lovebirds. Carol and I took the t-shirt to Lynne and read my story of the loving, lasting surprise she gave us as seen in the family portrait. Lynne listened calmly to every word with her eyes focused on me and the t-shirt in her lap. Carol and I believe she understood & enjoyed our story Tags: .Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Brayden with continuum visited Lynne & played his guitar: She listened, smiled, & talked. Hee said bye. She said thank you. DAD: The brain cells that activate we love seem to be the last ones to be lost. Watch this video MUSIC AND MEMORY. Please give me ideas for more music Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
LynnR: Lynne was pleasant, friendly, interactive, ate well, looked at my eyes & raised her eyebrows (I mimicked her- we cracked up), sat up, strong, wanted pudding & latte. From Edith: A very steady state. Dad: Her visitors are steady great! Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter
Doctors diagnosed anosognosia Alzheimer’s, Lynne’s inability to recognize or acknowledge her cognitive impairment. 3 years ago, to help Lynne, I said “Hon, you have Alzheimer’s. She said, “Oh that’s what it is.” What does she think now? Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter