Brain Rule #1

Last night I snuggled into bed and opened up my new book titled Brain Rules by John Medina. He is a molecular biologist and research consultant. The book talks about how the brain works and the “12 rules” for getting the most out of it. To no surprise, Rule #1 is Exercise. Medina said…”from an evolutionary perspective, our brains developed while working out–walking as many as 12 miles a day”. He said we aren’t made to sit at a desk for 8 hours and we crave that ‘active’ experience.... 

[Read The Full Article]

Dealing With Sadness in Caregiving

Once a month I’m a guest on Denise Brown’s radio show on caregiving.com. She comes up with interesting topics and this month it was Sadness in Caregiving. Before the show airs, I like to do some prep work but I was having difficulty with this one. Why? Because by default, I run away from the feeling of sadness. I grew up in a family where we were reprimanded for crying. I didn’t want people to think that I was weak and couldn’t  handle what life was giving me. I was also... 

[Read The Full Article]

My Husband with Dementia Teaches Me About Simple Pleasures

Dave loves to go on adventures. Whenever he is travelling in a car, riding his bike, or sitting on a bus, he is a ‘happy camper’. He constantly scans the fields and lampposts for birds, animals in the fields, and generally enjoying the changing scenery. Earlier this week Dave wanted to go into town and do a couple of errands. The roads are a bit icy so I drove him to the nearest city bus stop—10 km. away. When we are pulling up to the bus stop, Dave sees a young man waiting for the next bus.... 

[Read The Full Article]

Ticket to Freedom In The World of Dementia

When my husband, Dave, was initially diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia 4 years ago, I wondered if I would ever feel free again. Last December Dave must have wondered the same thing when he handed in his driver’s license. His truck, and the privilege of driving, was his ticket to freedom. Or so I thought. [Read The Full Article]  Read More →

Early Christmas Birthday Present

I love this time of year. The hustle, the bustle but mainly spending time with our family playing board games, snowshoeing, snacking on cheese ball & crackers and sipping wine by candlelight. This is also the time of year when I take off my ‘business’ clothes and pull out my fun-wear. So starting this afternoon, I am putting away my pen & paper and my daughter, Amy and I are making sugar cookies and nuts & bolts. But before starting my holidays I want to share the best Christmas &... 

[Read The Full Article]

Pollyanna?

Last week I had an interesting interview with a National magazine reporter, Janet, about caregiving. She wanted to find a baby boomer caregiver who loves what they do. After answering questions on how my life (and our family) has changed and what’s so good about it, she made a comment that I have wondered a few times myself. She said she has heard these type of comments before and wondered whether people will think I am being a Pollyanna. I told her that I have questioned myself when friends ask... 

[Read The Full Article]

Waking up to my Reality Makes it Easier to Live with Dementia

The loneliest years of my life were the first 18 months after my husband, Dave was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. We were both in our 50s and dementia isn’t supposed to happen to couples our age. I didn’t know how to deal with it, where to go, or what to do. Many of my friends reassured me that I was strong enough to handle it. When I found myself crying in my office or out on a walk, I beat myself up because I’m supposed to be strong. You see-I grew up being told that crying is for... 

[Read The Full Article]

Words of wisdom from a 20-something about her Dad with Dementia

This week I was finishing up my 5-week teleseminar series, Dementia Hope Formula, and for a special treat I had my daughter, Amy, speak honestly about how her life is changing with her Dad having dementia (frontotemporal) Amy : what has affected you the most about having a Dad who is different than the one you grew up with? I realize all of the great memories growing up–the teaching about the wilderness, and the patience he had. I am grateful for all that my Dad has given me in the past. I... 

[Read The Full Article]

Laughter is the Best Medicine

There is nothing better than laughing until you cry. The studies have proven that it releases endorphins that are 50 times more potent than morphine. We produce our own anti-depressant with NO side effects. How great is that? When was the last time you laughed until you cried? Can you remember how good you felt afterwards? I was chatting with my friend, Sue, on the phone and she was complaining about her house being a mess, her business not doing as well as she expected, and that her life felt like... 

[Read The Full Article]

Cranky Thursday

This morning I was reading my journal and I came across an entry for September 23, 2010. It read… Yesterday I woke up after 6 hours and I was cranky. Usually I like to stretch for a few seconds and think about one thing I am grateful for. But not yesterday. I made coffee and then I got crankier because Dave woke up at 5 am to get ready to go to the gym with his buddy, Doug. I was upset because this is my quiet time of the day and Dave was interfering with it. Then I became even madder because I... 

[Read The Full Article]

« Previous Page — Next Page »