World Alzheimer’s Day–September 21

Today is ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’. In my email this morning I read a newsletter highlighting the Alzheimer’s Disease International Report.   It states that 35.6 million people worldwide will be living with dementia by 2010. This is a 10% increase since 2005. Another disturbing statistic pertains to me and all those people who are caring for someone with dementia… 40-75% of caregivers have significant psychological illnesses (as a result of their caregiving); 15-32% have depression.

Three years ago when my husband, Dave, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia, I remember reading those ‘caregiving’ statistics. I decided I wasn’t going to be in the majority group but I had no idea how tough this journey was going to be. This past year, I took a good look at how my life was going–it wasn’t pretty. I didn’t have my usual spark and joy in the morning; it felt like there was a dark cloud hanging over my head. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I had to change what I was doing if I was going to do more than just ‘survive’ this trip. I was craving a life which felt calm and peaceful–not like a spinning top out of control.

Since there isn’t a handy little booklet with 10 Easy Ways to Live with Dementia, I started creating my own. Here are some of the reasons why my life has changed so much over this past several months:

1.daily exercise; it calms my mind, putting my big problems into perspective;I feel better afterwards (endorphins are released); keeps me mentally sane and physically healthy; relieves tension; gives me energy for the extra stresses and workload

2.good nutrition; low-glycemic, fruits and vegetables (80/20 rule please!–ie.20% junk food); it stabilizes my mood, which gives me more patience with Dave and our situation; consistent blood sugar levels gives me more energy; keeps my mind clear

3.great network of friends; I surround myself with positive, uplifting people; I can’t afford to have my energy drained by pessimists or complainers; great support when I am feeling down; fun to be around–love to laugh(raises endorphins) and gives me a break from home

4.spiritual books & CD’s (Jerry & Esther Hicks, Robin Sharma, Doreen Virtue, Wayne Dyer, Hale Dwoskin…); courses (40 days/nights by David & Kristin Morelli);  life coaches (law of attraction; learning tools for releasing sadness, anger, frustrations etc.); meditation clears my brain chatter and worries (5 min. in the morning and evening)

5.stepping into Dave’s shoes and trying to understand life through his eyes; watching Dave live each day in the ‘moment’, without complaining, gives me the strength to carry on as his caregiver; he has been my greatest teacher; he is doing his very best with what he has–so can I

6. journaling/writing has helped me to see my journey more clearly; it has given me a purpose and a passion to be sharing my lessons and insights; I want to help raise the quality of life for caregivers

7.studying the brain; it explains Dave’s physical and mental changes (apathy, weakness, trouble with words, fatigue…)so I have more patience

There are more tips, but  just like Dave’s list in the last post, I will continue my list on a future writing.