tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60024732010-03-29T10:18:43.197-04:00Information and help on Alzheimer's disease caregiving.KFWnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-71690627144888874362010-03-28T07:00:00.001-04:002010-03-29T10:18:43.257-04:00

(Speech given at the Candelight Vigil in Lakeland, November 2004)  Alzheimer's disease reminds me of the famous surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. The first time I visited the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, was twenty years ago. My friend Dave and I wandered aimlessly through the galleries. As we viewed painting after painting, we were baffled. Why did a man who painted a basket of

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-5365117157616803952009-10-27T13:20:00.000-04:002009-10-27T14:47:56.232-04:00

by Karen Favo Walsh You know it's coming. Clues surface near Halloween. The holidays and all their hectic tidings of joy appear before we plan the Thanksgiving meal. Here we go again! Holidays can be stressful for anyone. Add the responsibility of caring for an Alzheimer's patient, and you have potential for a chaotic season of stress overload. Or, you can adopt our "less is more" approach

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-6195963708485696472009-10-27T13:00:00.000-04:002009-10-27T14:46:48.146-04:00

by Karen Favo Walsh When Katie remembers her first Christmas as a caregiver, she groans. She's been caregiver to her mother since her father died in October, 2001. Katie's mother has middle stage Alzheimer's. "The first year was a disaster," Katie says. "Dad had just died, Mom was more confused than ever, and I was filled with grief." The oldest of three children, Katie felt it was her duty to

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-26955844415782297562009-01-12T19:34:00.003-05:002009-04-23T09:24:22.994-04:00

by Karen Favo WalshAs Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, the person with AD may lose their ability to understand why they feel a certain way. Additionally, when short-term memory loss becomes immediate, the patient won't recall what triggered the anger, fear, or sadness they feel. The patient becomes more confused because he doesn't know why he is upset, and worse, he may not know how to

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1130380333329647692005-06-10T00:00:00.001-04:002009-03-19T16:55:48.944-04:00

Here are comments from the Writer's Digest contest judge on my book.This is a sweet book, and the author's good intention—to help guide other readers who are dealing with the devastating task of living with a family member who has Alzheimer's—is apparent throughout this book's pages.The author's narrative is colorful and powerful, and she has organized the book in simple, short chapters, each

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1081011423035356832004-04-01T00:00:00.001-05:002009-03-19T16:52:15.089-04:00

Thank you to everyone who read ALZHEIMER'S STORIES, and then wrote to me. Your encouragement is overwhelming. Here are some excerpts from recent letters. "Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down and read your book. Karen, it was very moving and I didn't get out of my easy chair until I finished. Hats off to you for capturing the important things.""I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-23127773325488358722008-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:002008-01-14T12:00:36.818-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshCreating a safe home for an Alzheimer's patient is similar to child-proofing for babies and toddlers. Look around your home. Do you see any possible dangers? You want to create the safest environment possible.Clutter, chemical cleansers, objects with sharp edges, and valuables should be put away. Alzheimer's patients move fast, so don't assume you'll catch someone before harm

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-44947030924572302752007-10-17T18:00:00.000-04:002008-01-02T16:52:16.452-05:00

BOOK EXCERPT: Alzheimer's Stories. A Caregiver's Guide to Mismatched Outfits, Goofy Hair and Beer for Breakfast by Karen Favo Walsh. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.Appendix AThe Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Diseasewith Examples of Billie’s Behaviors The following checklist of ten common symptoms, developed by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, can help you

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1084964375523874322004-05-19T06:54:00.000-04:002007-12-20T15:09:52.711-05:00

Here are a few excerpts from recent letters.Your book is wonderful. I love how you organized your story -- the chapter headings and quotes -- the interspersing of information within your personal story.I could really relate to the story about food! Anything goes!I love the epilogue. You have this cheerful wisdom which is so warm and uplifting. I love the way you gave warning signs along with your

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1091986501992742682004-08-08T12:01:00.000-04:002007-12-20T15:09:32.481-05:00

Here are a few comments readers sent to me.I read the book again after lending it to my manager who's mother has Alzheimer's. She really appreciated it. It is such a good book and an easy read. I printed the last newsletter to give to her, too.Dear Karen,One of my caregivers/support group facilitators dropped off a copy of your book, ALZHEIMER'S STORIES this morning for me. I've already read 1/3

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1076301045954592962004-02-08T23:30:00.000-05:002007-12-20T15:08:23.504-05:00

Recent letters:I cannot tell you how rare it is for me to pick up a book and not be able to put it down, but that is what happened. I had consumed the whole thing by the end of the day...Poignant, powerful, riveting: At heart it is a good story, so well told. Thanks for such fine work!Bravo and congrats. The column in the Herald was very nice and complimentary, too. Good luck and enjoy all that

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1100226478931193032004-11-11T21:18:00.000-05:002007-12-20T15:08:01.550-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 11, 2004ST PETERSBURG, FL – President Bush proclaimed November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month on November 4, 2004. Two days later, author Karen Favo Walsh increased awareness when Alzheimer's Stories. A Caregiver's Guide to Mismatched Outfits, Goofy Hair and Beer for Breakfast won first place for adult nonfiction in the Florida Writers Association (

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1102735734951518302004-12-10T22:26:00.000-05:002007-12-20T15:07:39.506-05:00

This article appeared in my hometown newspaper on December 8, 2004.Oakmont native writes award-winning book Wednesday, December 8, 2004Karen Favo Walsh, Oakmont native, has written an award-winning book to increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Stories. A Caregiver's Guide to Mismatched Outfits, Goofy Hair and Beer for Breakfast won the adult nonfiction category of the

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1106068577438451792005-01-17T23:00:00.000-05:002007-12-20T15:06:55.193-05:00

A story in my hometown newspaper reconnected me with an old friend, Gary. He read Alzheimer's Stories, then wrote to me.(Thanks, Gary! Sharing the information is the most important thing.)"Congratulations on a wonderful book! I have not had any family members suffer from Alzheimer’s, but your book opened my eyes to what family members have to deal with.The father of a friend has Alzheimer’s

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-7584427930231111132007-03-01T21:00:00.000-05:002007-11-18T20:57:00.063-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshTraditional caregiver roles are expected. Caregiving for a friend after surgery, a newborn infant, or an elderly relative with a broken hip is not a surprise. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is rarely traditional or expected.Like the incremental appearance of symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimer's, the role of caregiver begins in a gradual and unexpected

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-63095530716674955242007-04-10T21:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:49:20.081-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshIn most caregiving, there is a delicate balance between caring for the patient and caring for the caregiver. Caregivers often neglect their own needs, including meals, rest and exercise. They believe they are strong enough to handle everything because they don't "have the disease." In reality, AD caregivers are impacted as dramatically as their patients.This reminds me of the

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-85764266520661261972007-01-18T20:43:00.000-05:002007-11-18T20:45:39.411-05:00

I may seem to repeat myself on the importance of taking care of yourself as an Alzheimer's caregiver, but every time I talk to caregivers I see this problem. Some are angry, others aredepressed, and almost all are exhausted.The meaning of the word caregiver naturally makes us focus on the care recipient and ignore the person giving care. The nature of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is to consume both

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-33786207031426650002007-05-18T21:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:42:11.093-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshSometimes as caregivers for an Alzheimer's patient, we think we should be able to handle everything. The basic truth of Alzheimer's caregiving is this:No one person can provide all the care an AD patient will need.Many people have tried to do it alone. They risk their health and well-being only to realize, after they are emotionally and physically exhausted, that (repeat with

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-78009326236046697712007-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:32:37.829-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshA comprehensive survey conducted by Harris International (2002) suggests millions of patients living with chronic illness gain better control of the illness by working with their physicians to implement five specific steps. These positive behaviors for dealing with illness can be used with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Patients in early stage Alzheimer's can implement behaviors on

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-45933761084210622922007-06-18T20:30:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:32:00.741-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshBecause we live longer and are an increasingly mobile society, more and more people are responsible for the care of someone who lives an hour or more away from them. Whether you live in the same town or across the country, a caregiver's job is to gather information and coordinate care services.GET ORGANIZEDFind a calendar, or a notebook to record information. I carried a small

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-9898956498957533332007-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:30:04.032-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshOften, I describe Alzheimer's disease (AD) as joy tangled with sorrow. Sleepless nights, constant shadowing by your patient, and incontinence can make finding the joy seem impossible. I'm not saying every day will produce belly laughs. But, if you pace yourself, ask for help, and recognize the warning signs of stress, you can find fun moments to share with your AD patient.

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-87567790686069630152007-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:26:56.220-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshYou already know caring for someone with Alzheimer's requires tremendous patience and understanding. You also know even in ideal situations, people misunderstand each other every day.So, how are you going to communicate when Alzheimer's makes conversations difficult or confusing?As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer's:-may have trouble finding the word they

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-11540345510739986952007-08-01T20:12:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:18:53.867-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshWhen the brain doesn't function properly, it can be the result of injury, a genetic condition, interruption of oxygen to the brain, toxic chemicals in the environment, or a specific disease.Dementia is the medical term for a group of symptoms. These symptoms are shared by many diseases in the same way a fever is a common symptom in numerous illnesses. Dementia refers to the

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-85612737548181729682007-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:002007-11-18T20:12:11.694-05:00

by Karen Favo WalshThe first official list of dementia I read included 8 or 9 stages.It described probable symptoms in sad levels of deterioration and loss. It hurt to read. I cried when I recognized behaviors through stage seven.The Mayo Clinic lists five stages to dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and other medical experts often describe AD in three stages. Three stages (Early, Middle and

KFWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002473.post-1072020292681122692003-12-21T10:24:00.000-05:002007-11-18T20:04:30.562-05:00

Posted on Sat, Dec. 13, 2003 in the Bradenton Herald and online at:http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/living/health/7472130.htmHEALTH MATTERScolumn by Donna WrightBillie Waters is on my mind again.Longtime readers of this column will remember my friend with Alzheimer's disease who is now in a nursing home. I have written about Billie many times.More than a year has passed since Billie's son

KFWnoreply@blogger.com