Friday, November 04, 2011

The Caregiver Club is pleased to recognize the inspiring response of Glen Campbell and his family to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease with the Caregiver Hero Award.

Says Dr. Vicki Rackner, former surgeon, author and Caregiver Club founder, "The Caregiver Hero Award shines a spotlight on people who respond to adverse life circumstances with courage, strength and dignity. Glen Campbell and his family offer role models for the many, many families living with dementia."

Recently Mr Campbell and his wife announced that the singing legend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The family's conducting a farewell tour.

"Glen Campbell spends his days doing what he loves to do: bringing joy to others through his music. His wife is at his side, and his children are on stage singing harmony. This is a perfect metaphor for the way in which any family could respond to newly diagnosed dementia," says Rackner.

This caregiving expert offers some tips to other families who want to emulate the Campbells.

Speak the truth. Dementia is not a shameful character flaw; it's a medical condition caused by a sick brain. If a loved one with memory problems gets frustrated, you can say, "It's hard having a sick brain. We're here to help."

Gather your family. Glen Campbell's tour is a family affair. How can you include every family member? Can you literally be by your loved one's side? Can you harmonize the melody of old familiar stories?

Seek joy Help your loved one use the parts of the brain that are still healthy. Recreate joy-filled times from the past. Engage the body with sights and smells and physical movement from early adulthood. This could mean baking cookies or buying a video game that uses skills developed early in life like flying a plane or golfing.

Sing. Literally. Music is stored in the part of the brain that is preserved until the very late stages of Alzheimer's.

Rackner concludes, "Where there's life there the chance to love and be loved. You can share joy no matter what. Glen Campbell and his family light the way."

Dr. Vicki Rackner is a former surgeon, author and speaker who helps people build strong healthy families with practical tips and tools. Her most recent book in Caregiving without Regrets. Reach her at (425) 451-3777 or through www.TheCaregiverClub.com

Vicki Rackner MD

Caregiving Expert, Author and Speaker

Mercer Island, WA

425-451-3777