For Your Brain’s Better Health by Dr. Nelie Johnson

We all know that good food and exercise are good for the body.  What’s good for the body is good for the brain.  There’s greater understanding now of how we can improve and maintain brain health.  In this article I offer you an overall general prescription to take care of your brain’s health. 1)  Nutrition and fluids - the mainstay of your diet should be fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and cereals.  Nuts, tofu, lentils and pulses are also excellent sources of protein.  Choose... 

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Changing my thoughts & beliefs about Caregiving

In Kody Bateman’s book ‘Promptings–your Inner Guide to Making a Difference’ he tells us a story about his black lab Gus, who loves to retrieve balls but doesn’t like to give it up. The only way he can coax Gus to give up his dirty, slobbery ball is to throw several new ones. He said the grimy balls are like our limiting beliefs that we hang on to for years. According to the teachings of Abraham, a belief is only a thought we keep thinking–or saying over and over... 

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Living with Dementia is made Easier with Systems

Order, systems, routines–they are my saving grace as a caregiver for my husband, Dave who has Frontotemporal dementia (dx 3 1/2 years ago). I used to chuckle at Dave’s set routines–news at 7:40 & 8:00 am, cutting the lawn on Mondays, gym on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and now he has 2 types of jam for his toast that he alternates days. He may not remember to let the dogs out to pee but he doesn’t forget which jam he ate yesterday. Last year I hit a major turning point in... 

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‘Letting Go’ of Fear Eases Caregiving

When my husband, Dave was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) 3  1/2  years ago, I was terrified. I didn’t know how we were going to manage with a disease more dreaded than cancer. With cancer, there is hope of a cure or remission. With dementia there isn’t any.Bestselling author Byron Katie says…” there is no greater illusion than fear. It’s caused by believing what you think. It’s always a story of a future, projected from our past.” Living with... 

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Changing Perspective is Key to Easier Living with Dementia

Life over the past 3 ½ years has been a time of massive personal growth. I never imagined that my husband, Dave, would be diagnosed with a form of dementia (Frontotemporal) at the young age of 57. I also never imagined that my life would be richer because of this diagnosis. There is no denying there are difficult times, or that there are moments when I don’t think I can handle one more change, one more responsibility. But I am finding it easier to move through those periods simply by changing... 

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Dementia Caregiver’s Choice

I like routines-predictable and comfortable. Since my husband, Dave, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia 3 ½ years ago, my life has been anything but routine. The brain is our most complex organ, making it difficult for scientists to predict the exact progression of brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s & related dementias. It took 2 years to realize that dementia is out of my control. The only thing I can control is how I am living with it. I have a choice. I can continue being sad... 

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Need Driving Tests Specifically for People with Dementia

This morning I read an article/blog (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/dementia-sufferers-need-new-driving-test-20100420-srtr.html) from Brisbane Australia about the need for driving tests specifically for people with dementia. I agree. My husband, Dave, is 60 years old and had his driver’s license taken away last December. Three years ago when Dave was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the specialist told me that it was up to me to decide when he wasn’t safe enough to drive... 

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My husband speaks about his life with his dementia

Three years ago the doctors put a label on my husband’s (Dave) changing personality, behavior and emotions. It explains why he doesn’t recognize his fellow teachers of 25 years; why he has trouble reading and speaking; why he is quieter and is withdrawing into his own world. It explains the seizures, hand tremors, loss of sense of humor (almost), and changing senses–hearing, taste, smell, touch.  Dave at age 57 was officially diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. His attitude... 

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Daughters organizing walk for their Dad with Frontotemporal dementia

The incidence of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)  is on the rise. It is often mistaken for a bipolar or depressive mental disorders because FTD begins affecting the front and side lobes of the brain–responsible for emotions, language and personality. Alzheimer’s usually begins in the back of the brain where memory centers are located. The average age of  a person with FTD is between 40-60 years which usually means they are working full-time, as well as their spouse. Often young children... 

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Living with Dementia is Teaching me to Let Go of the Smaller Stuff

Hoarding and overeating are some of the features of Frontotemporal dementia. My husband, Dave, was diagnosed 3 years ago and so far they haven’t been too much of a problem. There is no denying that his sweet tooth has come alive with his dementia, but he shows remarkable discipline. After lunch and dinner he loves to eat 2 Dad’s chocolate chip cookies. Not 3 cookies–even if there are 3 left in the bag. I am sure I would not leave a lonely cookie in the bag when I can’t even leave frozen... 

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