Eyes that see the good in things: Sept. 24, 2018

I don’t think I’ve ever started a column suggesting that you read it online, but if you have access to it, please consider doing just that. Not only will it will make it easier to go to the links throughout this article, but you’ll also encounter stories and blogs that are well worth the read. Even if you don’t have an online subscription, you can still read a few articles online. Just go to newrockfordtranscript.com, then click on Features and scroll down to find the “Eyes That See the Good in Things” column.

Sometimes the way that people face the struggles in their own lives is inspiring. That is the case with stories featured this week. All of these people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and have gone on to blog about it. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. At first, someone with Alzheimer’s disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering. In time they may forget important people in their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. Each year, World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, promotes awareness of the disease. In September 2012, World Alzheimer’s Month was launched to unite opinion leaders, people with dementia, their family, medical professionals, researchers and media from all around the world. It also sends a strong message to governments and policy makers reminding them that dementia is a serious health issue, which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world. By focusing on a different message each year, the month can be used to educate and challenge people’s misconceptions about dementia.

September provides an opportunity for Alzheimer associations around the world to gain recognition and credibility for the work they do, placing themselves in a stronger position to influence opinion leaders and governments.

We can all participate in World Alzheimer’s Month by attending an event, spending a little time educating ourselves on Alzheimer’s disease or making a donation to help fight the disease. There are many inspirational stories that are being written by people telling their own stories with Alzheimer’s. These people have all been diagnosed with various forms of dementia and yet, their blogs are emotional, insightful and motivational. These suggestions come from an article called “Awe-inspiring stories from bloggers who live with dementia,” and was shared on the All Clear Travel Insurance website.

1. Brian LeBlanc is a keynote speaker and international dementia advocate based in Florida. His story comes from accepting his life with the condition, yet not allowing it to dominate him or negatively impact upon his quality of life. One of his posts asks the question “why me?” when he remembers how his niece lived with and died to cystic fibrosis, and from watching his mother struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. His honesty shows how their strength and courage inspired him to tell his own story. You can read the full story here: https://abitofbriansbrilliance.com/2017/07/30/why-me/

2. Robert Bowles, a retired pharmacist from Georgia, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. His inspiration to write came in wanting to help other people. He’s grateful to his wife, caregiver and his rock for the role that she plays in making he life better. His story is a beautiful message of gratitude to the people he calls a community of unsung heroes, the dementia caregivers. Read more at: https://www.lbdlivingbeyonddiagnosis.com/blog/gratitude-for-caregivers

3. Dr. Jennifer Bute is a retired general practitioner living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. With her story, she combines her expertise in the medical profession with the personal journey of living with Alzheimer’s disease. Her blog educates and inspires others who have also been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. See her inspiring video posts at: http://www.gloriousopportunity.org/dementia-issues.php

4. Kate Swaffer’s story touches people as she strives to ensure a positive social impact for the dementia community. Her message promotes not getting lost in the sadness of the condition. She says it’s fine to get angry, or cry – but keep moving forward. Her stories are full of positive messages. https://livingbeyonddementia.com/2016/12/11/dont-give-up/

5. Brian Kursonis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 56. His now focuses on his blog called, “Brian’s Hope” to raise awareness, educate and eliminate the stigma. The second chapter of his blog outlines the changes to combat the depression that he felt.

6. Wendy Mitchell’s life changed when she was diagnosed with young onset dementia in 2014. Starting a blog was a big step for someone who had never used Facebook or tweeted…ever.

She says she started her blog to write down her thoughts before they were lost. Now the blog serves as a reminder of what she’s done, who she was and that the blog now serves as her memory. She travels and lives life as normal as possible. The writing is gives her a sense of how important it is that she leaves her memories behind for her two daughters. https://whichmeamitoday.wordpress.com/blog/

7. John Quinn’s story focuses on living and doing. He documents his activities as he lives them. In this post he makes a trip to the land of his ancestors and offers encouraging message to other people also living with Alzheimer’s. https://iamlivingwellwithdementia.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/reflection/

8. Mick Carmody expresses his thoughts through the power of poetry. Since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, documents his life and experiences with a flair for writing. In his poem titled “Remember Me,” Carmody makes a direct plea to be remembered for who he really is, not for what his disease took away.

9. Valerie Bluementhal was diagnosed with PCA Alzheimer’s disease in her early 60s. She writes about a variety of things in her posts. Her post titled “Fearless” says that “the image of Alzheimer’s needs to change.” She shares a thought-provoking entry that says there is no shame in the diagnosis and no reason not to live your life to its fullest. You can read this entry here: https://wisewordslostforwords.wordpress.com

These are all great stories of people who are living with strength, purpose and passion!