Navigating Alzheimer's with Poetry: Insights from Caregivers and Poets
May 29, 2024 1:00 am
If you’re new to this email, welcome! We’re glad you’re here. We email weekly with news of our latest author, podcast, and events to guide the dementia caregiving journey. Feel free to share what you see here with others concerned about Alzheimer's and dementia. You may unsubscribe at anytime below.
💜 💜 💜
Hello ,
This week's podcast is a replay of our most recent "Books & Chit Chat" with Aging & Amazing. We dove deep into the emotional and inspiring world of caregiving through the lens of literature and poetry with four of our authors: Sue Fagalde Lick, Sherri Levine, Daniel Potts, MD, and Margaret Stawowy. Listen as we explore the touching experiences of our guests who share their personal journeys and creative expressions shaped by the challenges of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Episode Highlights:
- Discover how embracing love and charity can profoundly impact our lives, especially when remembering who we are in challenging times.
- Hear a heartwarming story about memory care residents and their joyful reaction to a simple pleasure – ice cream!
Three Key Takeaways:
- Poetry serves as a potent form of therapy, helping caregivers process complex emotions and find joy amidst adversity.
- Sharing stories and artistic expressions can cultivate a community of support, making the dementia journey less isolating.
- Embracing moments of joy and laughter is crucial, as highlighted by Sue's lighthearted story, showing the importance of positivity in caregiving.
Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that blends creativity, care, and connection. Tune in to the latest episode of AlzAuthors and join our community to find support and inspiration on your caregiving journey. Subscribe to stay updated with our upcoming book discussions and resources tailored for those impacted by dementia. If you love it, please leave a review.
💜 💜 💜
Catch up with last week's author
George writes:
In my despair, I discovered a new, unwavering strength. After my job duties, I devoted myself to researching books and articles, searching throughout the Internet, consulting with medical professionals, and advocating. Yes, these efforts helped me deal with my grief, but they also helped me learn about the complexities of Parkinson’s and attendant illnesses, like dementia, the latest research, and the stories of countless others touched by the disease. This work brought into my life a whole new world of inspiring individuals who were also fighting and never giving up until we find a cure.
💜 💜 💜
Kindle now available for preorder!
Our latest anthology is a collection of poetry on the dementia journey from the authors who attended our National Poetry Month event last year. Here you will find a variety of voices writing from different stages of caregiving: pre-diagnosis, after the diagnosis, years of care, end of life, and beyond. You'll encounter voices from the many different caregiving situations: caring for a spouse or partner, a mother, father, grandparent, or sibling. You will experience the pain, fear, and joy that accompanies a dementia diagnosis, as well as the love and the loss. In Kindle and paperback on Amazon June 1st.
💜 💜 💜
Celebrate the launch of the new anthology
💜 💜 💜
Our Summer Book Club Schedule
Please join us this summer as we explore a memoir, novel, and memoir/caregiver guide. In Don't Forget to Dance, Marc Alderdice shares the story of his Alzheimer's journey with his wife. AlzAuthors founder Marianne Sciucco tells the tale of a pair of Cape Cod innkeepers struggling with the wife's Alzheimer's in the fictional Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer's love story. And podcast co-host Christy Byrne Yates reveals her family's dementia journey with two parents, while also offering advice for those in the "sandwich generation." Remember: it is not necessary to read the book to attend the discussion.
To learn more or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.
Register here to get the link to the Zoom meetings.
💜 💜 💜
Take Action to Support The Age-Friendly Hospital Measure
AlzAuthor Michael Ellenbogen has lived with early-onset Alzheimer's since 2008, diagnosed at age 49. He works tirelessly as an advocate for Alzheimer's and dementia research and awareness and has asked us to share his request for action on this important piece of legislation in the US Congress: The Age-Friendly Hospital measure (CMS-1808-P). It needs public support to pass, so please consider adding your support by June 10th.
💜 💜 💜
We have so much to learn …
On Wednesday, June 12th at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET, Dr. Maribeth Gallagher, director of Hospice of the Valley’s dementia program, joins Being Patient Live Talks to discuss what people living with dementia and their loved ones need to know about hospice and palliative care. In addition to directing the Hospice of the Valley’s dementia program, she also serves as an expert consultant for their palliative dementia care program. Her work with Hospice of the Valley has received national and international awards for its innovative approaches to dementia care. Gallagher’s focus on dementia care was initially inspired by her personal experiences as a family caregiver, sharing the journey with her loved one from diagnosis to death.
💜 💜 💜
Susan's Design of the Week
Please share this with your friends and followers on social media using the following text:
Caregiving can be challenging, but it's important to celebrate the small victories along the way. AlzAuthors offers #Alzheimers and dementia resources to help you achieve success and find joy in the journey. https://alzauthors.com/
💜 💜 💜
Was this email forwarded to you?
💜 💜 💜
Let's keep connected ...
💜 💜 💜
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:
Follow our podcast and leave a review
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Volunteer your time and talents
Submit Your Book, Blog, or other Resource
Buy a book (or books!) in the AlzAuthors Bookstore
Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey
Visit us on The Whole Care Network
Check us out on the Health Podcast Network
Vote us up on the NYC Podcast Network
Check Out This Curated List of Alzheimer's Podcasts Featuring our Authors
Discover our authors in this podcast series on Alzheimer's
Purchase a Custom Caregiver Collection
Vote us up on the World Podcast Network
Listen to the podcast on Coming Home Well
💜 💜 💜
Thank you for supporting our mission to connect caregivers with resources.
Your Management Team
L to R: Marianne Sciucco, Vicki Tapia, Jean Lee,
Ann Campanella, and Susan Landeis.
💜 💜 💜
Show us some love on Google
Share your thoughts on AlzAuthors with the world.
This helps caregivers find us on the crowded internet.
Submit your review here.
💜 💜 💜
Copyright © 2024, ALZAUTHORS, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: alzauthors@gmail.com