Hello new friends! I didn't fall off of the earth. I have had company since last Friday afternoon. What a thrill to come back and find so many posts! JJ is right about the history of Alzheimer's disease. It was once thought that losing our memories was just a normal part of aging. We know that it isn't. My dad also died of Diffuse Lewy Bodies Disease (probably). As JJ said only an autopsy can determine this and no autopsy was performed.
The care giving role has fallen to the Boomers and I find that nearly every one I talk to has someone in their circle of friends or family who has Alzheimer's disease. There are 4.5 million Americans affected. I wrote the book because I couldn't find a good resource when I was searching for something. Dad was changing by the hour and we had no idea what would come next. When he was diagnosed the Neurologist didn't even give him a follow up appointment. He was just sent home to deal with it. As he began to hallucinate and become very aggitated and hide things and stay awake all night, etc. I started keeping a journal. The journal is only a small part of the book. I also pulled in experts in the field of research, Geriatric Care Management, a Psychologist, and M.D. and two other families who were caring for a loved one.
I have also decided to get busy with a novel I have had stuck away for several years. It is the opposite of Into the Mist. It is fun and silly and sad and I'm going to get it in shape to publish it.
I'm so glad to find so many sisters here. Sherri you are not too far away from me. I'm down around Alton.
hugs to all.
P.S. Is there a spell checker here? I type fast and don't look back.