Aging with Grace™

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Ask an Expert

Area of Expertise: Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia; planning for the future with your elderly parents.

Laura Bramly

Laura was a long distance caregiver to her mother, who had vascular dementia, and understands the issues surrounding long distance care, diagnosis, communicating with people with dementia, and preparing for the future with elderly parents. A communications consultant, Laura recently published ElderCareRead Life Scenes 1, the first in a series of books that provide cognitive activity for people with moderate to advanced dementia through reading and conversation. Laura is currently developing education programs for people recently diagnosed with dementia, with the goal of empowering people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia to take control of their disease and their life.

Contact Laura if you have questions about:

• Diagnosis of memory issues: the importance of early diagnosis and encouraging your loved one to get a diagnosis.
• Partnering with your physician during diagnosis and after; advocating for yourself and your loved one.
• Healthy living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, including diet, exercise and socialization.
• Cognitive activities for people with dementia: the importance of working your brain.
• Long distance caregiving: what can you do? Communicating with your parents and siblings? Dealing with guilt.
• Talking with your parents about planning for the future, including care options, finances, home safety.
• What to do when no one in your family will talk about “it” – memory issues, diagnosis, moving to assisted living are just some examples.

Sample Questions:

• My father is exhibiting some symptoms of memory loss. I am really concerned but he refuses to see a doctor. Also, no one else in my family will talk about his memory loss, which is getting really bad. How do I get the support of the rest of the family and also get him to see a doctor?

• My doctor gave me a memory test, which I passed, and told me I don't have Alzheimer's. However, I'm really worried because I have symptoms. What should I do?

• I'm all out of activities for my mother who has moderate dementia. Do you have any ideas?

• I've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and my doctor has started me on Aricept. What else should I be doing to slow the progression of the disease?

The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for or replace medical, legal or financial advice.

Aging with Grace does not charge or accept fees from senior service providers for member referrals. In lieu of referral fees, many Providers agree to extend a member discount to AWG Network Members.