Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist

Lynne surprised everyone at our 50^th anniversary with navy blue t-shirts with a white tree with no leaves. Underneath it was “Jim and Karen & Celebrating 50^th 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

Taylor, an associate director at Aegis, last saw Lynne in 2020, until she visited last Monday. “She was laughing, crying, angry and so happy at many points of our visit. I of course felt sad, but also felt so happy I could see her.  She seems anxious but also redirectable at times. She saw me and immediately screamed, smiled SO BIG and then started crying and it made me feel like some little part of her remembered me. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter 

I told Lynne we were going to dance. As you can see in the photos she listened & watched me. I softly played I Want to Dance With Somebody. I read the lyrics out loud, over & over. She said yes I could apply lotion on her dry legs. Success! Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter

LynnR: Early on Sunday Lynn talked a lot & laughed. Readjusted in her chair. Used her funny mocking voice. I said, “Are you making fun of me?” She said very clearly, “Yes” Reached for me with big expressive eyes. I told her how much she’s loved. She gave me a big smile

Friends: Edith: So sweet. You’re making such a difference in her heart & spirit. Kathy: Lynn this is beautiful. I love that she’s teasing you. Nancy: Love how our sisterhood shows up for her. Donna: Thanks for telling her how much she’s loved. Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter

LynnR:  Lynne was nice, full of secrets & thoughts. I read this to her & she says really, really very nice, then blew a Raspberry at me. She righted herself in her chair w/o help. Always greets me enthusiastically. I named each volunteer walker and said she’s loved.

LynnR & posse of friends get livelier responses than I do. They share, cheer & thank each other. They visit. I’m envious, grateful.  I’m excited for Lynne. I learn from them, mimic them. I share their stories, knowing at times, it’s harder. They persist. Tags: caregiver father-daughter Alzheimer’s dementia

The Lynne Russell’s walk team had a lot of fun on the Alzheimer’s Walk on Saturday. We’ve raised over $2,000 and are almost at our goal of $2,500 by October 30th, so if you can help us, please donate. http://act.alz.org/goto/LynneRussell

Our team from left to right is brother Keith, wife Sheri, father of the sons Clemens, Alzheimer’s Sharing Groups leader Bill, son Henrik, and son Simon. Friend Donna Dad, and Clemenss’s friend Margo. What a team!

Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiver dementia father-daughter