How Renee Harmon, MD Learned to Surf the Waves of Alzheimer’s

Oct 19, 2022 12:41 am

Dear Friend of AlzAuthors,

Putting this newsletter together week after week is both a daunting and an enlightening task. It starts with, "What's our message this time? New post? New pod? Special events?" and then builds as we discover the richness that is AlzAuthors, the programs and resources we offer caregivers, and the wonderful work our authors are doing in dementia world. We'd love to share your news and events, too, so be sure to let us know what you're up to. And don't forget to share this newsletter with others you know who may benefit from our books, blogs, and other resources. This is how we support one another while supporting those on a caregiving journey.

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Our Latest Podcast

In this podcast, Renée Harmon, MD, author of Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer's shares her story of caring for her husband, Harvey, who had younger-onset Alzheimer's. This is the second in our 2022 Summer Book Series with HFC, recorded on July 12th and moderated by Christy Byrne Yates, MA. We discuss the important of acknowledging your vulnerability while caregiving, asking for and accepting help, why a good support group can make all the difference, and how to rewrite your script when dementia enters your story.

Start Listening!

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Our Newest Author

Nicole Bell is an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for tick-borne and neurodegenerative diseases. She advanced her professional career as an engineer and program manager and spent the past 15 years in medical devices and medical technology. But when her husband became chronically ill, she left that position to take on her most challenging roles yet: caregiver and medical proxy. Her memoir, What Lurks in the Woods, details the harrowing experience and seeks to help others navigating chronic conditions.

Nicole writes:

My slice of the world seemed perfect. My career thrived in a fast-paced, growing med-tech company, the smartest man I’d ever met was my best friend and husband, and I was a mom to two tiny humans who learned new things and amazed me every day. But piece by piece, that perfection crumbled, unearthing a harsh reality. My husband was sick.

Meet Nicole

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Upcoming Events

The holiday season can be an especially trying time for dementia caregivers and those with dementia. Join Tami Anastasia, author of Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver, for a free webinar, “Holiday Tips & Tricks for Dementia Caregivers,” Wednesday, November 2, 4-5PM PDT.

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How do you navigate a dementia journey with a difficult person?

In our next AlzAuthors Live! Virtual Q&A Dementia With Difficult People on November 8 at 2 pm EST you will meet four of our authors who either cared for a parent who had hurt them in the past, or dealt with siblings who made caregiving difficult, or both. A professional mediator will also be on hand to offer advice on how to navigate a dementia journey with a difficult person.

Potential discussion topics:

Heeding the call to care
Reckoning with the past
Setting aside differences
Problems/issues encountered
Forgiveness
Building a support network without family

For more info visit our website.

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The Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is hosting a virtual caregiver panel discussion on Tuesday, November 15 at 2 pm EST featuring three AlzAuthors: Daniel Kenner, Room for Grace, a Caregiver Memoir, Kate Hanley, Breakfast Memories: a Dementia Love Story, and Marianne Sciucco, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story and a co-founder and manager of AlzAuthors. The first half of the program will cover Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, hosted by Josh Deschino, a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association. In the second half the authors will discuss their books and the value storytelling can bring to a dementia journey. The event is free. To register, scan the code in the flyer or call 1-800-272-3900.

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We can't wait to read your stories!

Check out these new entries in our storytelling project:

No two dementia journeys are alike.
She wasn't there, or was she?
Love means not taking it personally.
Being a son to being forgotten.
Purple sky? Of course it is.
Mom, do you know me today?

Here’s how to share your six words on our topic:

1. Go to this link https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/

where you’ll be prompted to login with a name/password/email.

2. Then go to Join Topics and use this code: a8tt44di OR

visit https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/topic/a8tt44di/s

3. Share one or as many six-word stories as you like!

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Treat Yourself to Something Nice for Fall

Free Shipping! 10/19-10/23

Start Shopping!

All sales support our mission to provide quality resources to family caregivers.

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Let's keep connected ...

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Support our Mission

Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

Become an AlzAuthors Donor

Subscribe to our weekly blog

Follow our podcast and leave a review

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Volunteer your time and talents

Submit Your Book, Blog, or other Resource

Designate AlzAuthors as your Amazon Smile charity

Buy a book (or books!) in the AlzAuthors Bookstore

Join our Amazon book club

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Start or join a Round Robin Book Review Circle

Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey