When I began writing my blog, I was warned that I shouldn’t start it unless I was committed to writing on a regular basis. You can see where that went. I’ve taken a seven month sabbatical—time does go by fast when you’re having fun. Since my last blog entry, I’ve given speeches about Alzheimer’s and caregiving in Montreal; Greenwich, CT.;…
My daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren came with me to London for the opening reception of my photography exhibition at the Cork Street Gallery. We’re continuing to travel together—taking advantage of being in Europe and my grandchildrens’ spring break from school. We’ve been on the go—as you can imagine—but I want to take a few minutes from touring, eating, walking and…
Read MoreMy husband’s daughter will be spending the next ten days visiting her father in his facility—she hasn’t seen him in over a year and I’ve tried to prepare her for his decline. But I think she will be shocked, nevertheless, by the change. I also think it will be difficult for her. A woman I know has a grandmother who…
Read MoreWhat was so exciting about speaking at the ADI conference in Greece (Alzheimer’s Disease International)—in addition to the programs and the vibrant city of Thessaloniki—was the opportunity to talk with other participants and hear about AD programs throughout the world. I spoke with people from Iran, the Netherlands, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Puerto Rico, Ireland, the UK and many other…
Read MoreI just came back from five days in San Francisco, where I went to attend the opening of an exhibition of my work I Still Do and Sea of Dreams. Here’s a review of the show by Robert Cortlandt: Next on to Fifty Crows in their new space (which personally I found rather dark) . They’re showing Judith Fox’s new work I Still Do….
Read MoreI was going to write about another suggestion for coping with AD, and then decided against it. Alzheimer’s is a significant part of my world and my life, but it’s not the only part. I’ve been thinking a lot about my photography and writing (which, admittedly, have helped me cope with Ed’s Alzheimer’s) and the part art plays in our…
Read MoreWhen caregivers ask me for advice, one of the things I suggest is that they ask for help. And to ask for specific help. I can say this with the deep conviction that comes from experience; it took me eight years to ask anyone for help. These were some of the voices in my head which held me back: I…
Read MoreI’ve been asked many times how I’ve coped with caring for Ed during the past 12 years. There’s no one answer that fits all (just as there’s no one size that fits all), but over the next couple of weeks I’ll share some strategies that have helped me. I won’t address them in any particular order—at different moments…
Read MoreI just returned from Anaheim, California where I gave the keynote address at the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk Awards and Recognition Dinner. It was a great event, with energetic and inspirational people who care very much about increasing awareness of AD and creating change. But I found an unintended irony in the setting for the event—Disneyland. Walt Disney’s world is…
Read MoreI just returned from trips to San Francisco and New Orleans, where I spoke to 2000 health care professionals. The people to whom I spoke were engaged and energetic and really interested in talking about what it’s like to live with AD. I was particularly touched by grown grandchildren who had experienced the gradual loss of a grandparent to the…
Read MoreI’m giving a lot of speeches this coming year on AD and caregiving, and I like doing it. I like the connections. It’s almost like sitting next to someone on a plane—you will probably never see them again, but while you’re sharing space and time there’s a connection. A nice one, if you’re lucky. Once, after speaking at a university…
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