Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer's-Charlie's Alz Stars

08/20/2020

https://facebook.com/events/s/virtual-80s-for-alzheimers-dan/312628493385422/?ti=cl

07/30/2020

Why do you Walk?

I walk to because 9 of the people in this group photo were taken by Alzheimer's disease. My Dad is on the back row, the others pictured are his siblings. Once there were 16, now there are none. My Grandad, their Dad also had Alzheimer's/Dementia though formal diagnosis was never made before he passed. I walk for my maternal aunt Annalee who was taken several years ago, and my sweet sister in law Norma who is 57 with younger onset Alzheimer's. I walk for myself, because that dreadful monster looms over my shoulder-4 of my cousins have already been diagnosed. We must get a cure!

07/08/2020

FYI-the Walk will go on, Sept 26th. It will be done individually in our neighborhoods & hometowns. I will have details soon!

03/15/2020

Every day Daddy.

02/03/2018

01/15/2018

While information about medical breakthroughs are great, I realize they may be of little interest to many. So I am going to try to share more practical, useful information about Alzheimers, that hopefully can help those dealing with a new normal.

Do's and Dont's when visiting someone with Alzheimer's (From personal experience, as well as reading and research I have done with the Alzheimer's Association)

1. Do visit. Do not make the assumption just because they have forgotten your name that there's no point in visiting, don't forget about them.
2. Introduce yourself when entering the room "Hey Dad, it's me, your daughter Jo." Don't ask "who am I/ what's my name" kind of questions. It can cause agitation and embarrassment when they can't recall a name.
3 Do not overwhelm with too many visitors at once. 1 or 2 visitors is just about right.
4. Sit at their eye level and make eye contact. Do not stand and tower above them, as it can be frightening or intimidating.
5 Do not correct their memories or argue with something they say. Even if you change their mind, it will be a fleeting moment.
6. Do not force conversation, it is okay to sit in comfortable silence.
7. Ask open-ended questions with no right or wrong answer.
8. It's great to give hugs but remember, they may have forgotten who you are, so it's best to ask first if it's okay.
9. Accept their reality as long as it's not harmful to them or anyone else. Dad used to look out the window and imagine seeing his sister on the roof of a barn. He would scold her and say he was going to tell his mom. It did not harm him or me to let him believe that's what he was seeing, instead I made a joke of it and changed the subject.
10. If your loved one asks about a family member that has passed away, it is not necessary to tell that love one again and again about the death. It can lead to repeated agitation and trauma. It is better to change the subject and move on if it all possible.

09/21/2017

World Alzheimer's Day is September 21st.

Wear Purple to show your support and join Alzheimer's organizations around the world who are concentrating their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer's and Dementia.

I am continuing the fight in memory of my Dad, Aunts, Uncles and all those lost to this insidious disease. From this point forward, my fight becomes more fierce. Just watch!

I am not fighting alone, Alzheimer's Advocates from all over the world are fighting to one day see an Alzheimer's Survivor!

09/17/2017

Past & Present Charlie's Alz Stars- I need to know how many are walking with me Saturday September 23rd, and shirt sizes if you've reached your $100 mark and want me to pick up your walk packets & shirts this week. Also how many of you would like to attend the TU Alz game at 12:30 following the Walk? I can get some free tickets. Let me know ASAP. If you'd like to join our team, I will post the link in comments.

08/20/2017

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2013/07/18/health/alzheimers-warning-signs/index.html

By 2050, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple. But diagnosing a family member online isn't a good idea, experts say.

08/10/2017

Great interview with Alice Cooper about the passing of his friend Glen Campbell. RIP Rhinestone Cowboy.

https://youtu.be/B6q2hsdXenQ

FOX 10's Matt Rodewald spoke with famed musician Alice Cooper, as news came Tuesday of Glen Campbell's passing. Campbell was 81 years old.

07/29/2017

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/alzheimers-patients-recover-lost-memories-dementia-disease-study-scientists-memory-loss-reverse-a7862781.html

New drugs could one day be developed to help Alzheimer’s patients recover memories believed to be lost forever, according to scientists who have reawakened forgotten memories in mice. Memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is caused by the build-up of a tox...

07/26/2017

Interesting article!
http://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/new-studies-show-reasons-behind-alzheimers-disease/771608027?platform=hootsuite

Stressful life experiences, like the loss of a parent or losing your job,can be difficult for anyone to deal with.