Marc Alderdice writes poignant memoir: Caring for his wife with early-onset dementia

Feb 27, 2024 8:34 pm

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Hello ,

“Expect the Unexpected.” How many times have you heard this throughout your life? It’s part of what can make life interesting, right? Expecting the unexpected became one of Marc Alderdice’s mantras after his wife Mary was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He soon learned that even though he had managed clinical trials for potential Alzheimer’s treatments in his career as a pharmacologist, objective study of a clinical trial is completely different than caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Marc shares “. . . a couple of years after diagnosis, Mary had a strange illness displaying many fears, delusions, and hallucinations that often accompany Alzheimer’s, but she also exhibited multiple distinct identities, one of whom was a sweet little girl about five years old. Presenting such anomalies and showing potential solutions for what to do when strange and unexpected things happen (which they will!) helps others think through possibilities.”

While Alzheimer’s is devastating, this book is encouraging. He shows it is possible to have a supportive and even happy relationship, if we don’t forget to dance and are willing to learn new ways to do it.

Read Marc's essay

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AlzAuthors Book Club:

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March 26th 7pm EST: Ruth Stevens– Stage Seven, a novel
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Wendy Mitchell Tribute

The passing of our friend and fellow author Wendy Mitchell leaves us with great sadness. She was a shining example of living well with dementia who generously shared her story, wit, and wisdom with anyone who cared to hear it. She was a frequent contributor to our blog and podcast and left a lasting impression on AlzAuthors and Dementia World. We're grateful for her advocacy and work, and will miss her as we continue our shared mission to erase the silence and stigma that often surrounds a dementia diagnosis. Read more.

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Honoring Black History Month

February is Black History Month. We're honored to feature many excellent books in multiple genres written by black authors who share their insights and experience with dementia. In celebration of Black History Month, we’re sharing a selection of must-read children's books written by black authors with stories of insight, compassion and courage to help kids understand and cope with a loved one's dementia diagnosis.

Find them here!

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Last week to support this fundraiser

I wish to thank all the lovely people who have supported this fundraiser: Marc Alderice, Ann Campanella, Tony and Lorraine Dellamarco, Dorothy Horne, Rochelle Marshall, Irene Frances Olsen, Ken Rodman, and Christy Byrne Yates. We’re almost halfway to our goal: the fundraiser ends on the 29th. Every little donation will help. Thank you.

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This documentary is eye-opening and gives insight into the history of fundraising, ingrained attitudes toward charity, and how these attitudes have impacted charities which strive to serve various needy and deserving factions in our society. Well worth the watch, whether you contribute readily when asked, or keep your wallet closed. We all need each other. Marianne

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There is a moral task of caregiving that involves commitment and protecting your loved one's needs. AlzAuthors offers resources to help you learn about and cope with a #dementia diagnosis. You are not alone! https://alzauthors.com/

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