REV. KATIE NORRIS

While the holidays are a time many of us feel a great pull to be with our loved ones with dementia, we may set them up for failure and possible decline due to our need to celebrate the holidays. For instance, my Mom almost always, in the last eight years, has had a bit of a decline after every major holiday or event where many people visited, and there were many events over a period of a few days. All of us have a hard time functioning when our brain is taxed by overstimulati

My Mom has always decorated our house for the holidays. At Christmas we had a huge tree with more ornaments than should have been put on it. She hung green garlands with red berries around the doors and put electric candles in every window of the house. She had two life-sized wooden Nutcracker cutouts and a beautiful Santa statue. And of course, we always switched out our daily dishes to the Christmas Spode, and made sure the tablecloth matched the plates. My Mom has had Lewy

"Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?" is a short story which explains Alzheimer's disease to children. It is written by 17 year old Max Wallack who, at a young age, lived with and was a caregiver for his great grandmother. Here is my quick review of this book: This may be the best book I have read about Alzheimer's and advanced dementia care. It is simple and should be read by every person, adult or child, who knows someone with Alzheimer's disease/dement

Mom’s memory is getting worse and she is becoming more confused. Mom, again, today was looking for her porcelain dolls which are at her friends house and have been there for weeks. However today Mom was sure that the dolls were still at home and we needed to take them over to her friend. Both Dad and I told her numerous times that the dolls are not here and her friend has them. Mom looks at us, confused, and says “Why can’t I figure this out?” It is hard to watch her go throu