Jerome has Died

Jerome was my friend.  And he stopped breathing this morning – June 17, 2009 – at 10:45.

Jerome is Dying

My friend is dying.

Did I tell you that my friend’s name is Jerome?  His middle name is Charles.  That’s where I got the Carl from.

Alzheimer’s and Exercise

Carl and I have been dealing with a growing pattern of emotional stress.  Carl has more and more been having these times when he’s saying to me, “I have nothing” – “I have nobody” – and asking me, “Why are you doing this to me?” – “What did I do to deserve this?”  These questions are asked in a sort of alarmed, resigned, defeated tone.

Alzheimer’s: We weather an anxiety attack

My friend had what I interpret as an anxiety attack – big time.

Alzheimer’s: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me”

My friend Carl is saying, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”  And I don’t know what to say back to him – that’ll be any help.

It’s not a good situation – not encouraging at all – for either of us.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sundowning

Sundowning syndrome – also referred to as sundowning and sunsetting – is a pattern of more severe behavioral symptoms in the late afternoon and evening.  This pattern is common in people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer’s: I Wish I Could Help More

I wish I could do more to help Carl.  I wish, to the most wonderful stars in Mr. Sagan’s Cosmos, that I had some way to do more to help my friend.  To help my best friend in the world – at this time, when he needs help more than he has ever, in his life, needed help.  At this time, when there’s no other person or place or power he can look to for help.

But that’s exactly what every other Alzheimer’s caregiver feels, isn’t it?  Millions and millions and millions of people.  Even if their situation isn’t exactly the same as mine, they fervently hurl an identical plea into the implacable ether.

Alzheimer’s: The Path Beyond the Tears

“As we walked, every two minutes, I would seize up, surging close to convulsing into tears.”

Those were my words. I wrote them in my initial post to this blog, a little over six months ago.

Alzheimer’s Disease and the Full Moon

The banging rang along the halls of the nursing home. A moment before, it was quiet. Now, the regular, rhythmic pounding echoed through the vaulted open area.

I was seated at a conference table. I was attending my second evening meeting with this Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group.

I knew that the building was built only a few years ago. So the utility systems shouldn’t be making that kind of racket. At least, not quite this soon.

Alzhimer’s Association – Northern Delaware Support Group – Men only

This past Monday morning, I attended my first meeting of a men only Alzheimer’s support group – sponsored and supported by the local Alzheimer’s Association.