The ability to make music is one of mankind’s greatest attributes. It can enhance our lives from the cradle to the grave. When I was a teenager, I couldn’t understand why old people loved to sing along to such songs as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’, ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Knees … Continue reading A UNVERSAL WONDER
Month: March 2019
ORGANS WEEP …
FOR TEARS UNSHED’ (to paraphrase Henry Maudsley) is as big a warning as we can get if we don’t allow ourselves to unleash our pain and sorrow. It’s likely that few of us are aware of the long-term impact of early life chronic trauma and stress. There are many reasons why some people are unable to … Continue reading ORGANS WEEP …
NO HIDING PLACE
In a previous post, I mentioned DAVID SHENK’S inspiring book ‘THE FORGETTING’. As I sped through (it’s that kind of book), I marked pages with sections I found particularly relevant in the hope that DOODAH readers might be inspired to buy their own copy. For those who can’t imagine a book on AD could be … Continue reading NO HIDING PLACE
LEARNING HOW TO CARE
Last Monday I completed the fifth of five sessions of ‘FORMATION AIDANT’ – training for Dementia carers organised by France Alzheimer. It was certainly helpful despite the lousy acoustics in the Mirande Mairie conference room. When Yolande Serra (psychologist), in charge with Catherine Lafaille (therapist), turned away from me, her voice became muffled. Nonetheless I gained … Continue reading LEARNING HOW TO CARE
ONCE A YEAR
Christmas comes but once a year – thank goodness! Phew – it always catches me out. I’m a bit of a last-minute person anyway. As everyone is likely to be busy with travelling (Good luck!), cooking, entertaining, shopping and generally rushing about with little time to read, I shan’t be posting until after the hols. … Continue reading ONCE A YEAR
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURE
This post isn’t just for those of us who are carers, it applies to us all. But those of us looking after an Alzheimer’s sufferer, need to be particularly attentive to the possibility of a house fire because our patient won’t be. And, even if they were, they would probably not remember what needs to … Continue reading ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURE
UNDER SURVEILLANCE
Here in France, it’s routine to keep a watch on the rate of deterioration of Alzheimer’s patients – the gerontologist every six months and the full team once a year. We went this week for Leaf’s annual check-up; a 7-hour session at the local hospital. They’re certainly thorough and we’re grateful for that. JUST A … Continue reading UNDER SURVEILLANCE
COMING TO OUR SENSES
It’s vitally important that we look after our senses at all stages of our lives, particularly when they’re in danger, either from being neglected, forgotten about or from the deterioration that comes with age and, of course, the result of a brain that’s closing down. Often, we wake up a little too late to recognise the … Continue reading COMING TO OUR SENSES
THE BIG ‘S’
Stress is one of the major factors contributing to the alarming increase in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Stress brings about a chain of chemical and hormonal reactions, such as over-production of adrenaline, which are highly deleterious to our bodies. SURROUNDED BY STRESS By the fast-living nature of our Western society, … Continue reading THE BIG ‘S’
WHEN AD COMES TO STAY
This post is based on personal experience but I’m told the difficulties we’re up against are typical, albeit that no two sufferers and carers are alike. For the sake of simplicity, I’ve named us as below to give an element of universality to the piece. THE CAST: Self – Female Carer … Continue reading WHEN AD COMES TO STAY
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