25 Best Alzheimer's Blogs of 2012
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a frightening and challenging task. All of the emotions and questions experienced by caregivers, family members, and medical staff are now addressed in the growing domain of Alzheimer’s blogs. If you want a few sites to trust, look no further.
Here we have compiled the best of the best Alzheimer’s and dementia blogs from people who are truly “in the trenches.” These writers know where you are and what you want to find when visiting their sites: answers, empathy, encouragement, companionship, and an occasional hint of entertainment.
Alzheimer’s Reading Room
The Alzheimer’s Reading Room is what it claims to be – and more. This comprehensive site is run by full-time caregiver and gifted advocate Bob DeMarco. Filled with wonderful contributions from a variety of talented writers, this site offers everything you need to know about the challenge of caregiving, learning about your loved one’s condition, and taking care of yourself as well.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of everyone at the Alzheimer’s Reading Room, you have a go-to place for advice, education, and an occasional laugh. Stop by, and start feeling empowered to handle life as a caregiver.
Alzheimer’s Front Row
Alzheimer’s Front Row is a real-world tribute to the trials and tribulations facing the “front row” caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Uniting skillful writing and tasteful exposés on the latest news in the Alzheimer’s community, this crafty Alzheimer’s blog is a fabulous resource for caregivers and those in the medical community.
Equal parts human interest and educational updates, this blog brings the info you crave straight to your computer screen every week. Take it from writers who know: Alzheimer’s is a challenge, so arm yourself with the best information possible!
Caregiving With Purpose
Dr. Ina Gilmore has been on both themedical and the personal side of eldercare and puts her knowledge to work foryou. Filled with tips and information, Caregiving With Purpose helps callreaders’ attention to the potential for growth and the importance of self-carewhen caregiving.
In addition, this blog teachers readers about some ofthe tangential but very important aspects of taking care of a loved one orpatient with Alzheimer’s, such as nutrition and hospice care. Stop by and learna thing or two about thriving despite – or perhaps because of – your role as acaregiver.
About.com’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Blog
About.com’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Blog is as good as it gets. Guide Esther Heerema, MSW, helps lead readers confidently through the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia, offering factual articles, the latest research, and practical tips for making the most of your interactions with a loved one who suffers from any form of dementia.
Take advantage of the trustworthy, relevant work crafted by About.com’s expert guide, and learn about everything from navigating a doctor’s visit to identifying early symptoms.
Sharing My Life With Lewy Body Dementia
In the personal entries of Sharing My Life With Lewy Body Dementia, the author opens his individual, first-hand experiences to the world. This touching blog offers readers a rare glimpse into the sobering experiences of a gentleman facing the inevitable.
This unique and poignant journal offers a dementia patient’s opinions on everything from the medical community to time alone with his own mind, and creates a fascinating touch-point for any reader hoping to gain insight into the mind of a loved one with dementia.
Apple Penny Hope
This stirring account of a woman caring for not one – but three – elderly relatives knows a thing or two about the difficulties of life as a caregiver. In Apple Penny Hope, blogger Jenny invites readers to join her in her exploration of the meaning and importance of being a caregiver.
In her writing, Jenny’s passion and dedication to caring for her relatives is evident, as she strives to find the energy and devotion necessary to stay sane, healthy, and committed. Stop by and cheer her on and enjoy the companionship that you and the rest of the Alzheimer’s community can share with her.
“Had a Dad” Alzheimer’s Blog
The award-winning “Had a Dad” Alzheimer’s Blog is a wonderful pit-stop for any caregiver needing a breath offresh air. This blogger’s opinionated, no-nonsense view of caregiving, dementias, and life after Alzheimer’s leaves readers feeling strangely comforted. A healthy dose of humor and sarcasm make this moving compilation of news and personal stories a true joy to visit.
So go ahead: read, laugh, learn, cry, and feel better in the knowledge that you have blogs like this to help light the way. Take advantage of her wisdom and advice while she still has the patience to give it!
FTD/Dementia Support Group
Frontotemporal dementia may be rare, but its effects are a major part of blogger Howard’s life. In his struggle to adapt to life with his condition, he gave the rest of the dementia community a wonderful gift: the FTD/Dementia Support Group. This online support network is full of personal reflections and documentation of Howard’s attempt to lead by example.
His belief that life is what he will make of it and his firm commitment to finding happiness and health despite his illness make this blog a must-read. After marveling at Howard’s journey, share a few words of hope and encouragement.
Alz.org|Blog
Alz.org|Blog, the online publication of The Alzheimer’s Association, is a first-rate resource for caregivers, patients, and health care providers alike. Filled with updates on cutting edge research, Alzheimer’s awareness events, advocacy and funding endeavors, and reader stories, this site has a bit of everything.
Not only can Alz.org|Blog offer the gift of community to those hoping to learn more about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it can also open the eyes of researchers, health educators, and the public to the challenges facing the Alzheimer’s community. Keep up the great work!
Living With Alzheimer’s
Meet Joe. As funny and frank as it gets, his Living With Alzheimer’s blog is making waves. Both inspirational and incisive, his wit and laid-back approach to life somehow make it easier to grapple with the challenges brought by dementia.
Joe is no stranger to the effects of Alzheimer’s, but he faces the difficulties of the disease and makes the battle less painful – and certainly less isolating – by adding humor and casual grace into the mix. Stop by to give Joe some virtual applause for leading the way to a future of dignity, perseverance, and hope for everyone with dementia.
ElderCare at Home
Elayne Forgie is one formidable opponent for Alzheimer’s. An expert in geriatric care and a passionate advocate for better Alzheimer’s caregiving, this businesswoman is a force to be reckoned with – she has used her professional experience to build a fabulous online home for caregivers and families struggling with Alzheimer’s.
In addition to offering high-quality information and round-the-clock support to visitors, the ElderCare at Home blogbrings relief to caregivers and provides a wealth of resources that are botheasy to navigate and highly relevant.
Early Onset Alzheimer’s
This award-winning blog is a must-read for individuals experiencing early-onset Alzheimer’s. Less common than standard age-related dementias, early onset Alzheimer’s is virtually always a surprise to diagnosed individuals. Linda Fisher, blogger and author, knows the difficulty of this condition firsthand.
In her Early Onset Alzheimer’s blog, she teaches readers not just how to manage such a frightening condition, but also how to live life to the fullest. Her passion for helping others – showing everyone that life with Alzheimer’s is worth living – is a tremendous gift. Thank you, Linda!
Alzheimer’s is Horrid
Coming to terms with a parent’s diagnosis can a major battle. If you are struggling to cope with the horrors of Alzheimer’s in a loved one, grab a cup of tea and settle in to read Jewels’ blog. From personal stories and reveries to commentary on dementias, this blog says it all: Alzheimer’s is Horrid.
When a talented blogger gets such a painful truth out in the open, it makes this illness difficult for others to ignore. Just a few posts in, you will want to stand up and fight for a better future – and a cure– for everyone with Alzheimer’s. And thanks to Jewels, you don’t have to do it alone.
Alzheimer’s Speaks
Inspired by her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s to create Alzheimer’s Speaks, Lori La Bey has built an award-winning site to give voice to everyone touched by Alzheimer’s. Her mission is to enrich the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer’s by equipping their loved ones with information, encouragement, and the opportunity to give care with strength, devotion, and kindness.
As if that weren’t enough, she has announced her intention to construct the first International Resource Directory for Dementia so that anyone connected to these conditions can find the help they need. A+, Ms. La Bey!
Dementia Endured
Mike Donohue is a brave man. Courageous, direct, and bold, his blog energizes readers with a passion for action. Dementia Endured gives a hint in the title as to the nature of this talented writer: he will endure. And with a personality like Mike’s, it’s easy to believe that he shall overcome, as well!
His life experiences are opened to the reader, and his journey recovering from alcoholism to adjusting to Alzheimer’s holds its own fascination for visitors to his site. Mike’s strength and determination will remind readers that dementias are one area in which it’s best not to hold any punches.
Memories From My Life
Meet Pat White: daughter to and dedicated advocate for her mother and Alzheimer’s disease. If she’s not traveling to visit her mother in her nursing facility, chances are she’s helping other caregivers create Memory Posters – a personalized creation of photos and memory-jogging images to give comfort and reminders to individuals with Alzheimer’s.
This creative and craftsy Memories From My Life blog is a true treat for readers. Fresh, hopeful, unique, and informative, this blog offers personal tips and tales gathered by a woman with more than one person’s share of experience with Alzheimer’s!
Diagnosis: Alzheimer’s
When a spouse is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, most people want to turn and run. Not Rhonda Brantley. Caregiver to her husband for the final 5 years of his life, this brave woman has turned Diagnosis: Alzheimer’s into a haven for other spouses and caregivers experiencing the same heart-wrenching challenge of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Part documentary of Billy Ray’s final years and part informational resource, Diagnosis: Alzheimer’s is the story of lives fractured by Alzheimer’s, with the highs and lows wrapped into one beautiful and bittersweet tale from start to finish.
Living in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s
Living in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s can be a dark experience. For Sheri, caregiver to her husband Bob, things are not easy. Her determination, love for her husband, and commitment to finding life’s silver lining make her blog a ray of light in an otherwise dim world of dementia.
From mini-posts about the laughable moments of life with the ever-present sidekick, “Al” (Alzheimer’s), to a helpful collection of Alzheimer’s resources, Sheri has crafted a top-notch site. Count your lucky stars that Sheri takes the time to write for readers who also know the ins and outs of life with “Al!”
Alzheimer’s Hope 2012
Rose gives wings to the future of advocacy on Alzheimer’s Hope 2012. Determined to bring Alzheimer’s and other dementias into the international spotlight, she pulls from personal experience, recent news, and even Hollywood to create a powerful argument: Alzheimer’s should not be ignored.
With an advocate like Rose, who has anything to fear? Brave, motivated, and clever, a few minutes browsing her page will teach you that together with all the other caregivers, patients, and researchers, we can make everyone’s Alzheimer’s Hopes a reality. Keep it coming, Rose!
Living With a Thief Named Lewy Body Dementia
If compelling, no-holds-barred writing is what you seek, Kathy Lowrey is the writer to give it to you. In Living With a Thief Named Lewy Body Dementia, Kathy welcomes readers into her life and her home as she chronicles her caregiving experiences with her husband of 30 years.
Writing this passionate and raw is rare. Rarer still is the true talent of storytelling, which Kathy wields so well. Crushingly honest, Living With a Thief Named Lewy Body Dementia will have you feeling like a best friend – privy to all of Kathy’s experiences – in no time. Be a friend in return, and drop her a line.
3 Years and 13 Dumpsters: Cleaning House After Dementia
From caregiving to cleaning house, blogger Joy Walker invites readers to join her on the journey that became 3 Years and 13Dumpsters. Moving and fun, this blog combines the joys and trials that occupy the life of a caregiver or family member of a dementia patient.
A blog is only as good as its creator, and this one shines with creativity, talent, and substance. 3 Years and 13 Dumpsters is a gem, complete with comprehensive resources for others seeking support for Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s caregiving. Join Joy as she learns even more about living, loving, and Lewy Body Dementia.
Driving My Dad
Keeping a sense of humor about the good, bad, and ugly of Alzheimer’s is no easy task. Thankfully, blogs like Driving My Dad remind caregivers of the beauty that life can still hold for everyone touched by Alzheimer’s and dementias.
If you need a quick refresher, pick-me-up, or lifeline, then Driving My Dad is the place for you. Stop by for poems, upbeat reflections on life caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, or whatever it is you need – you are sure to find it here. Drive on, dear blogger, drive on – your readers are counting on you for a steady supply of Alzheimer’s inspiration!
AlzCareBlog
Comprehensive and well crafted, the AlzCareBlog is run by Senior Living Residences for families and caregivers searching for answers. AlzCareBlog offers everything from brain-boosting recipes to updates on the latest research. In addition, expert bloggers share information about pharmaceuticals, caregiver wellness, and tips that can help anyone touched by Alzheimer’s.
As if high-quality, reliable resources weren’t enough, AlzCareBlog also incorporates touching reader stories and personal accounts that will open your eyes to the power of informed, compassionate caregiving.
Minding Our Elders
Carol Bradley Bursack does it all. Writer, speaker,columnist, and the blogger behind Minding Our Elders, she shares her wisdomwith readers searching for support, answers to tough questions, and the powerto be a caregiver who recognizes (and never forgets!) the dignity andimportance of their elderly loved ones.
This award-winning site is a support group in itself.Minding Our Elders will help you and your loved one age with the grace we allwish to possess. Take Carol’s advice to heart, and let her know yourappreciation for her contributions to your sanity and strength.
Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation offers a true and hidden jewel: a collection of fabulous Alzheimer’s blogs run by caregivers, health experts, researchers, and individuals personally coping with the effects of Alzheimer’s. Every and any topic is fair game for this variety of informational and personal blogs.
Coupled with the excellent resources of theFisher Center, these Alzheimer’s blogs are the real deal. From practical skill building to suggestions for meaningful conversations with Alzheimer’s patients, this site brings the best of the best to one location.
