Why Diane Rehm's Book Is a Must Read

Diane Rehm, the treasured NPR host of The Diane Rehm Show (and friend to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s ), has written a deeply personal, profoundly moving, incredibly honest book about her life before and after her husband’s death. Diane and John were married for 54 years. Admittedly, they were not all blissful — what marriage is? They loved each other but perhaps were not suited for each other. John, a brilliant lawyer, taciturn and introspective by nature, was happy just to be alone. Diane, though she appreciates solitude, is a gregarious, inquisitive, people person through and through. They would fight — and make

The Brain Fitness Club

The United Methodist Church is leading in the fight against Alzheimer's as a partner with us in the Faith United Against Alzheimer's Coalition. Many congregations are doing important work supporting those with Alzheimer's and their families, including First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Florida. Thank you to Director Peggy Bargmann for this piece on the Brain Fitness Club. ~ Trish Tom Gerrity was a man of many talents. He could rebuild car engines, do electrical wiring, plumbing, woodworking, and play the piano. It was difficult to understand how this intelligent, educated engineer could go from designing mechanical systems for

Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Brain Health

There is no cure for Alzheimer's - no "magic bullet," as Rita Altman says. Rita leads Memory Care & Program Services for Sunrise Senior Living. She reminds us that as we fight to end Alzheimer's, there are steps we can all take to try to improve our brain health. ~ Trish A pill that cures Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Wouldn’t that be incredible? Recent articles in both TIME and The New York Times have explored ways our society can try to prevent and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But scientists still haven’t found the ‘magic bullet,’ a

The Leader's Guide for Seasons of Caring

In 1986, when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I had no idea what it was — except that it was a disease and it was fatal. I knew no one who had it or, at the very least, talked about it. So I entered into the enigmatic maze of Alzheimer’s without a clue about how to navigate or what to expect was to come. What I would have given to have the Leader’s Guide for Seasons of Caring. Forget Updike, Faulkner or even Theodore White — I truly think that Dr. Richard L. Morgan, author of this guide, should

The Alzheimer's Party

In today's New Jersey Star-Ledger I argue for a third party - The Alzheimer's Party. Now we are neither Democrats nor Republicans. Now we are The Alzheimer's Party. Just as this disease is equal opportunity: Ds or Rs; rich or poor; male or female, African-American, Latino or white — we all are at risk. You can read my op-ed here. - Trish

It's Time for an Alzheimer's Stamp

I am one of countless Americans who have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s - first my dad in 2001 and then my husband in 2012. As their primary caregiver for 18 years, I understand all too well the emotional, physical and financial toll Alzheimer’s takes on our loved ones and our families, and the urgent need for a cure. Every 67 seconds another American is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. First described over 100 years ago, it is now recognized as our nation's third leading cause of death and the only illness among the top ten for which there is no prevention

A Love Story: B. Smith and Dan Gasby

Thank you, Ann, for this excellent and very personal recap of our recent Alzheimer's Talks with Dan Gasby. - Trish While mingling at WomenAgainstAlzheimer's Out of the Shadows dinner last fall, I noticed a particularly stunning woman. She was chatting with other Alzheimer's advocates, but she stood out in the crowd like no one else. Her flawless complexion glowed, eyes sparkled with joy, and her smile lit up all of Washington’s Union Station. The woman was Barbara (B.) Smith – successful restaurateur, author and super model. But B. Smith is also living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Seeing her there

The Most Difficult Climb of All

Alan Arnette is son, activist and mountaineer extraordinaire. Alan has climbed the highest peak on every continent in honor of his mother, Ida. Pretty incredible. His meditation first appeared in our book Seasons of Caring: Meditations for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers . - Trish “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer…For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” - Albert Camus My voice cracked with emotion as I placed the satellite call from the summit of Mt

Before I Forget by B. Smith and Dan Gasby

This post originally appeared on Huffington Post. ~ Trish It started with lapses of memory. But who doesn't have those, right? It just means you have to concentrate a little more, be more focused and present in your life. At least that's what B. Smith thought at first. Barbara "B." Smith - nationally recognized restauranteur, celebrity chef, model, magazine publisher and lifestyle maven - she had it all. And she deserved it. Smith was the embodiment of the American Dream. Born in rural Pennsylvania, she was one of the first African American supermodels. She wrote three highly regarded cookbooks, launched

Christmas: A Time to Remember the Forgotten Among Us

Rev. Dr. Richard Morgan is a founder of the UsAgainstAlzheimer's Clergy Network, the author of the upcoming Leader's Guide for Seasons of Caring: Meditations for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers. I am grateful to Dr. Morgan for sharing this beautiful and simple reminder to us all. - Trish It is the Christmas season once again. Shoppers have already rushed the season with their purchases in malls and on-line. In a real way Bethlehem has become bedlam. Everyone is preoccupied with preparations, but amid all the tinsel and glitter, something is missing. Did we forget someone at Christmas? So, we listen once