When I did the Memory Walk this past summer, it started me down a road of being involved with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and thinking of ways I could help in the future. It also started me down a bit of a guilt trip for not understanding or taking the time to learn more about the disease when my Pop Pop was alive. I have to admit I was afraid of knowing exactly what the disease would do to Pop Pop and having no idea what I could do to help or even just be around him. And today I am ashamed my fear kept me distant from him.

I just finished watching Your Time to Care, a DVD from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. My first response is I wish I had this DVD a long time ago. It not only explains Alzheimer’s and what to expect, but offers excellent advice and guidelines on how to care for your loved one. It covers activities, keeping your home safe, personal hygiene, nutrition, and how to keep your loved one involved in his or her daily care.

If there was some way to get this DVD into the hands of anyone who has a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's then I would be all for it. It really demystifies the disease and makes it less scary. But right now, it is available from the AFA’s online store. By buying the DVD you are helping the AFA continue their mission of “providing optimal care to those affected by dementia.” Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s is important, but caring for those who have it now cannot fall by the wayside. All proceeds from their online store go to support their mission.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, you might want to give a holiday gift of a donation in someone’s name to AFA.

I am praying for a cure to this disease, but am happy to know there is a foundation bringing together the resources dedicated to the care of those who have Alzheimer’s.

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