May 23, 2011 Issue No. 6

tion

…bringing awareness

one person at a time…

The Memory People Page

We are featuring a new section in our newsletter this

week, “Getting to Know You”.

Each week we will feature a Memory People member

and a bio about them. This week we are pleased to

get to know Chris Ballard!

Hi Guys, well, for those of you who've been with MP for

awhile you know much of my story. Three years ago I was

diagnosed at the age of 60, being the 4th generation to

have Alzheimer’s.

A year later I was granted Disability which allowed me to leave what had become a VERY

stressful job. What a blessing that was. I truly think I would've regressed so much faster if

I'd had to stay there; and they were good to work with me. I'm on Aricept and Namenda,

and I seem to pretty much be holding my own. I didn't have anything happen this month

that hadn't happened before. Oh, my doc has added a B-12 shot every month since that was

a little low on my blood tests in Feb. So it may at least be helping me hold my own.

I will say that loud noises, good ones or bad, can really bring about confusion, irritation.

Don't you hate how all doctor's offices now have a blaring TV on in their waiting rooms?

I've been married for 44 years. My husband's name is Dink (his name when he was a little

one). We have an adult son, Travis, and a daughter, Traci, whom some of you have met on

MP.

Our kids and their families are very active in our lives. Dink will be

going to help our oldest grandson move in a little bit. It gives both

of us such a good support system. We adore his 2 yr old, Alexis

and keep her for a few hours fairly often.

She's the one that I say is progressing while I'm degressing, and I say it with a smile on

my face. I was glad to see spring coming as we could start doing our cook-outs in the

backyard, something we all, including the little ones, enjoy. Alexis has a step-brother, and

a 7 month old brother, have only been around them a few times.

I have sooo many memories I could share. The birth of my kids getting top honors,

obviously, and yes, I was awake for both. My favorite memory, outside of that, was a

Christmas when I was probably 8 or 9 years old.

Cont’d next page..

May 23, 2011 Issue No. 6

Mom and Dad had made everything imaginable for a dollhouse "for needy children" for

months in their spare time right in front of us. On Christmas morning we got up to a huge

dollhouse, 3 bedrooms, 3 Ginny dolls, since there were 3 of us. It was wonderful! Mom

had made bedding, curtains, rugs, I mean this dollhouse had it all, even a plaster of paris

potty. And many hours were spent playing with that dollhouse. Our family was very close

to one set of our Grandparents, too, and we remained close til they passed. Many of our

Christmases, like that one, were at their house.

“She's the

one that I

say is

progressing

while I'm

degressing,

and I say it

with a smile

on my face.”

I used to collect elephants, so our home is decorated with many

elephants, small and large (although I've put lots of them in

storage to cut back on the dusting. lol!). For several years I've

collected dolls, and besides my bedroom being endowed with life

sized baby dolls, Dink got me a hutch, which he and our SIL added

lights to. I keep crystal, nativities, Christmas trees and smaller

babies in it, and in my secretary which they also added lighting to.

I'm waiting for a reproduction of my old Ginny doll to get here. lol!

I'm so thankful that we have MP! It's been a lifeline to me, a

Godsend. You are such wonderful, giving people! I wouldn't wish

this disease on anyone, BUT it's brought me to you, so it's a

blessing in disguise.

I think as each of us pass along what a blessing MP is, the quicker it will grow. And it's

growing like crazy! I know you must be feeling good about that, Rick. We all love it, but

you especially--seeing all your dreams come to life! And thank God you are a dreamer!

Love ya!

Chris

~ Thank you, Chris! ~

Caregiver’s Corner

This is another new addition to our Memory People Page, a spot for helpful tips

and ideas for caregivers.

This week our tip is about the importance of music to the Alzheimer’s patient. Dr. Oliver Sacks, Professor of Neurology & Psychiatry at Columbia University highlights in this article from Alzheimer’s Weekly, that all of them, without exception, respond to music. This is especially true of old songs and songs they once knew. He goes on to state that ‘personal memories are "embedded", to some extent, in things like music. This is especially true about songs one knew, or which one learned, and especially songs which one sang.’

To read more on this important connection you can make with your loved one, you can visit this link-

http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/alzheimers-power-music

May 23, 2011 Issue No. 6

Chicken Soup…

Do not ask me to remember. Don't try to make me understand. Let me rest and know you're with me. Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. I'm confused beyond your concept. I am sad and sick and lost. All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost. Do not lose your patience with me. Do not scold or curse or cry. I can't help the way I'm acting, Can't be different, though I try. Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone. Please don't fail to stand beside me, Love me 'till my life is done.

~Unknown

“Tell me, I'll forget,

show me, I may remember,

but involve me and I'll

understand."

We want to welcome all our new

members to Memory People! You

have found a very special family

that will be here for you through

thick and thin. In Rick’s words, we

fight this fight together, not asking

for a handout, but just a hand up.

Welcome!

We also want to wish a very Happy

Birthday to all our members who

are celebrating a birthday this

week. We wish you blessings and

a wonderful day with the people

you love!

~Memory People Business Cards~

Our Memory People Business cards will

be available within the week. There are

3 different cards, a regular business card

to give out to those interested in us, a

patient card that says “Please be patient

with me, I have a Memory Impairment”

and a caregiver card that says “Please be

patient, the person I am with has a

Memory Impairment”. I will post when

they come in and we’ll get them to you.

Awareness!

Awareness!

700!!

Memory People reached another

exciting milestone this last week

celebrating our 700th member! We

are bringing Awareness, one person at

a time. There are hundreds and

thousands more needing our support

in this journey, either as patients, or

caregivers. Tell your friends about us,

pass on the blessing of this group to

the people you talk to. Every time

you do could be another life changed

and supported and more joining us to

bring Awareness.