Table of Contents:
Quote of the Day
Interesting Stories This Week
Doing something new after a dementia diagnosis- part 2
Responding to YOU!
You have two hands. One to help yourself and one to help others.
Interesting Stories This Week:
New dementia podcast blends research with real stories
New gene therapy could tackle Alzheimer’s at its roots
How aerobic exercise cuts dementia risk nearly in half
Do you know the 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s?
New FDA-approved Alzheimer’s blood test coming to Mayo Clinic
Doing something new after a dementia diagnosis- part 1
I want share 2 more inspirational stories.
Steven
He learnt to play the piano and released an album of his own music.
He decided to learn piano after he had been diagnosed with dementia.
He initially tried to learn himself but then he found a teacher.
It was about having fun.
Then he started to compose his own music.
He plays most days.
He says ‘it’s a powerful way to be in the moment’.
His advice is to focus on the things you can do.
John
He visits local schools to talk to young people about dementia.
He says he gets a lot from it and they do too.
They ask difficult questions but he’s there to educate them.
Also since his diagnosis, he has taught himself to play the ukulele, recorded podcasta and started tp draw and write children’s books.
His advice is to keep learning new things.
A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
Every week, we share an honest story from a caregiver — the things most people are too afraid to say out loud.
This Week’s Caregiver Story-
"Since my wife’s diagnosis, people we thought were close friends have stopped visiting. The phone doesn’t ring as much, and invitations have stopped. I feel like we’ve both been forgotten."
Harvey says:
This is something many caregivers face, but few talk about openly. Friends and even family sometimes pull away, not because they don’t care, but because they feel awkward, unsure of what to say, or frightened by the changes they see.
But knowing that doesn’t take away the sting of being left behind. It can feel deeply lonely, especially when you need support more than ever.
Here are a few gentle suggestions that may help:
Focus on the ones who stay
It may be painful to see some drift away, but it can also show you who your real supporters are. Investing in those relationships, however few, can be more rewarding than chasing those who pull back.Be upfront when you can
Sometimes people stay away because they don’t know what you need. Saying, “It would mean so much if you came for a cup of tea, even just for half an hour,” can make it easier for them to show up.Find your tribe
Support groups (online or local) are full of people who get it without needing an explanation. Many carers say these become some of the strongest friendships of their lives.Don’t take their silence as a reflection of you
Their absence says more about their fears and limitations than about your worth as a partner or caregiver.
I know it hurts. But you’re not alone in this experience, even if it sometimes feels that way. Connection is still possible, it just may come from new and unexpected places.
Warmly,
Harvey
If something’s been on your heart lately, let us know. We read every word. Your voice could offer comfort to someone else navigating the same journey.