10 Goals to Support People with Alzheimer’s

While I sit here trying to think about how the rest of the year will unfold, I'm focused on Alzheimer's disease. This year has not started well. I'm sure I don't need to explain that.

Here are some of my Alzheimer's-related goals. I'm pretty sure I won't achieve all of them, but I'd be happy with achieving even 1 or 2 in the next year. And there's always the following year too.

Giving time and donations

I could volunteer for the Alzheimer's Society. I would like to help. I don't even care what they'd ask me to do. It would make me feel good knowing that I was honoring my Dad.

I could do a Walk for Alzheimer's. I really wanted to do one last year, but a broken ankle kept me away from that goal. The ankle is good now, so this is a high priority for me.

I could volunteer in a memory care home. My Dad was the most remarkable man I have ever seen. The staff was beyond words with their kindness towards the residents and my Dad. It would seem fitting to offer to help out there.

I could donate funds. I'm still working full-time. I know financial support is always needed for non-profit organizations. I think I would feel good giving some money, even small amounts, in the absence of giving time.

I can be prepared to educate others. There is so much misinformation about Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. I do not consider myself an expert by any means, but I know enough to clear up a lot of misconceptions. I lived through it with my Dad.

Educating and learning

I could attend a conference to learn about advancements in the treatment of Alzheimer's. I really know very little about this because my mom let my Dad make the decisions beyond his capacity regarding potential treatments; he always said "No." I'm really hungry for more information and hope for others.

I could learn more about the brain. The brain is fascinating. Science is learning more about it every day. Did you know a lot of research is going into brain development in utero and right from birth? Who knows what researchers may learn that might help us later in life with Alzheimer's! How exciting is that!

I could read some current research about some aspect of dementia that interests me. I love to read. Shhh. Don't tell anybody, but I love to read the research. I know... Who invited her to the party? Well, it's how I get my geek on.

I could read these 2 books, "The 36 Hour Day" and "The Long Goodbye." So many of you have recommended these books, but they would be the book or reader form for me. I'm aware one is available as an audiobook too. I don't think I'm ready to handle hearing all of the author's thoughts. I commute to work on a 6-lane highway. It may not be the safest way to travel, especially if I start to cry, feeling touched by what I'm hearing. But I can start to read a book and put it down for a bit until I'm ready to read more. That makes more sense to me.

I can support others going through this. I can let others know it will be ok. That they are not alone in this painful journey. Surely my experience could help others in person or online.

What are your goals?

So these are my Alzheimer's related goals for the year? If I can achieve one or two this year, I will consider that a success.

What are your Alzheimer's goals for the year?