Treading Dark Waters - a Column by Ray Burow

happiness, breast cancer, death, secret, disaster preparedness, support

As a former caregiver to an elderly parent who had Alzheimer’s disease, Florida-based Ray counts it a privilege to write columns discussing the day-to-day challenges associated with the onslaught of memory loss. Fighting a relentless foe, caregivers find themselves in the deep trenches, right alongside their loved ones. Her goal is to assist the caregiver on their journey by encouraging them to keep trudging through the mire of uncertainty. “I will be your harbinger of better days to come, so that you’ll know it’s possible to make it through the dark hours, and that even a difficult journey through Alzheimer’s disease can be punctuated with optimism. May you find joy on your journey.”

How to Avoid the Caregiver-Alzheimer’s Battleground

Familial caregivers are supposed to advocate for loved ones, but a person with dementia may sometimes view a carer as an enemy. Perhaps “enemy” is too strong of a word, but some caregiving days are permeated by one battle after another. This gets old quickly for both parties. Who wants…

How to Know If Aging in Place Is Right for You

In a recent AARP survey, three out of four Americans ages 50 and older said they’d prefer to age in their own homes and communities rather than somewhere else. Frankly, it’s a bit surprising the number isn’t higher. While the majority of adults would like to live out their…

The Newly Approved Alzheimer’s Treatment Brings Hope

The Alzheimer’s disease community received fantastic news last week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Aside from the apparent reason, the approval of the drug Aduhelm (aducanumab) is encouraging because it’s been nearly two decades since a new treatment for the…

Alzheimer’s Disease Is Not a Mental Illness

Mental health is an issue that continues to raise concern in the United States. According to an annual report by the nonprofit organization Mental Health America, incidences of anxiety and depression have reached their highest level since the pandemic began last March. Americans are more isolated today than…

By Getting Involved, You Can Help Find a Cure for Alzheimer’s

Dementia is potentially preventable in more than a third of reported cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This is encouraging, and also surprising. It is hopeful news for anyone who suffers from dementia and for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The fact that dementia is preventable may surprise most,…

Tough Love Helps Protect Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

Loss accompanies Alzheimer’s disease and may create animosity between a caregiver and the person receiving care. A parent or spouse receiving care may become frustrated with their loss of independence, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere that lands resentment squarely upon the caregiver. Adult children who care for aging parents often…