Poppa and the Boo Bear

We recently finished watching the Alzheimer's Project that was on HBO - or should I say, I finished watching it. There was at least one segment that I would not let Mother watch. I thought it would be too hard for her to see the condition of some of the patients we were introduced to. Even though Poppa is as bad or worse than many of them, it was different being on the outside looking in. What I'm used to in my own home, was difficult to watch on TV. It was interesting to see how other people accept the condition of their loved one. Every emotion I saw, I have experienced - anger, confusion, fear, sorrow and wondering why. It also made me start to wonder about my future, my siblings future and my children's future. My Dad technically has vascular dementia with Alzheimer's - the vascular dementia is caused by damage to his brain from lack of blood/oxygen. He has a portion of his brain damaged that is about the size of a quarter that can been seen on a scan. So, we aren't in as much danger to inherit cognitive problems as most, but the possibility is still out there.

The thing that shocked me the most in the documentary was learning about two of the individuals professions. We always hear about how we are supposed to be exercising our brains as much as our bodies, which I think is true. But, it will not keep you from getting Alzheimer's. One of the women was a Physicist and one of the men helped develop the computer systems we use today. Highly intelligent, brain exercising people. The scientists have concluded that the best thing we can do for our brain is to take care of our body. If we are physically fit, our brain is more likely to be. I guess this means I need to get my lazy behind up and start moving more. It will be good for my brain and will probably keep me from having a relapse with my cancer.

I started something this week with Poppa that I'm hoping will work. He has a new friend. We call him Boo Bear. He is a bear that one of the grand kids had or someone gave Mom around Halloween one year and he has been sitting around. We are putting him in the bed with Dad and sitting him on the table beside his chair during the day. I thought it would be something he could get used to seeing - something familiar - and it's soft to the touch - something comforting...I am hoping that it will eventually be an item that will help calm or comfort him. This was a great tip I received from someone else who is caring for an AD parent. The community of caregivers is wonderful. What works for us, might work for someone else so it's worth sharing any ideas you have.

Time to start this Tuesday - Be kind and make good decisions.