Perhaps the uncertainty in our world-wide predicament is similar to the permanent sense of uncertainty that Alzheimer’s patients experience.

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month, according to the National Association for Continence (NAFC). This is the first you’ve probably heard about it. It's true. I’m not making this up. Which makes what I’m about to write all the more poignant. Bladder and bowel issues are a constant problem with many elderly individuals. According to NAFC, “one in five individuals over the age of 40 suffer from overactive bladder or urgency or frequency symptoms, some of whom leak urine

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato Music truly animates my mom. She might not remember words to songs anymore, but her recall of rhythm and emotional phrasing is amazing. Today, when the accordionist who plays weekly at Mom’s home announced that his accordion was “broken,” the staff opts to played a cd of 50s music instead. All the residents are visibly moved to tap their feet, pound the table, ev

...or, One Knish, Two Knish... I’m guessing most of you, like me, imagine ourselves looking different than we really are. Maybe in our imagination we’re svelte, or our ears stick out less, or our hair is longer. Maybe our eyes are blue instead of brown, and our clothes the latest fashions. But to look at a recent photograph and not recognize ourselves at all, that’s rare. That’s what happened yesterday with my mom. It’s been a busy week! My in-laws are here from Maryland to m

“Hi, I’m home,” I say to Mom on the phone. “Where have you been?” she asks. Well, that’s a first. Mom doesn’t remember I visited today. I’m used to being called “Barbara” (her sister’s name), or even being confused with some other Miriam who disappears and reappears with alarming frequency, but to have my whole visit just vanish in the space of two hours, that’s unsettling. When Mom fails to recognize me, I experience warring thoughts: I should correct her and tell her it’s m