Pam's Memory Challenge - All Comments

re: Just A Thought

JohnT — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:21:22 GMT

I love it. Great Dale Carnegie perspective. There's a similar concept in public speaking called WIIFY. It stands for 'What's In It For You' ('You' meaning the audience). It's a great way to stay relevant in any relationship - focus on what's in it for the other guy.

re: A Good "Pass Around"

Linda Knutson — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:07:15 GMT

I love it! Thanks for "passing" it around.

re: Movie Watching

Linda Knutson — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:39:59 GMT

Pam,

Thank you for sharing your experience. It gives us insight as to what people with Alzheimer's may be going through.

Linda Knutson

re: Movie Watching

JohnT — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:19:09 GMT

Pam,

Reading each of your posts helps me better understand the experience of Alzheimer's.

About a year ago I had a knee operation. The doctors told me that after waking up in recovery, some people have trouble with short term memory for a little while as the anesthesia wears off.

I woke up and felt just fine. I asked the nurse how it went and when I could start walking around and when I would be discharged. She smiled, answered my questions and told my wife I was having trouble with my short term memory but that would improve soon. I was shocked and asked why she thought I was having trouble with my memory and she told me because I had just asked her the same set of questions for the 4th time in a row.

I was stunned. It was such an odd concept - I was right there. I know I was awake. I knew I had talked to the nurse previously but I was sure I hadn't asked her those questions.

It's one experience I've had that helps me understand what watching movies is like for you.

Thanks again for sharing this and helping me understand.

re: Movie Watching

Paul J. Hamilton — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:55:19 GMT

Bless you both!

Paul Hamilton

A Place for Mom

866-355-9427

re: Movie Watching

Janet Swofford — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:21:15 GMT

Dear Aunt Pam,

Thank you for sharing this brave glimpse into your reality. I am so PROUD of you for giving hope and a sense of inclusion to others facing Alzheimer's. You are taking it out of the dark and shining a light on a subject that is taboo for many. You have a way of putting the experience into words that everyone can understand and somehow that makes it less scary and more open for dialog. And for that I applaud you! You are my hero and I love you very much. Give my love to Uncle David! And keep up the wonderful work,God's Work!

Love and prayers,

Janet

re: Movie Watching

Linda Temple — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:20:46 GMT

Pam, thank you so much for sharing your life and feelings with us. I have not watched this movie yet, but will plan on doing that this weekend.

Take care!

re: Pam's First Post

JohnT — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:19:20 GMT

Hi Pam,

I have to thank you for your presentation and your advise about how to relate to a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. When I asked you how to talk to my Dad's mother who has dementia you said 'Get in the boat and go on the ride with them.'

That really helped me. I quit trying to get our discussions back on track, or tey to help her stop repeating stories. Instead I just 'got in the boat' and now I can concentrate on simply spending time with her and leave my agenda at the door.

Thank you! And thank you for all your efforts educating people about what it's like to have Alzheimer's Disease. I look forward to learning more from you.

re: Pam's First Post

Pamela Talon — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:45:28 GMT

Hi Pam, It's great to hear from you. I was so inspired when I heard you speak last year. I did check out storycorps today. Thank you! What a great site. I am going to interview my dad. Take care! Love to both you and your husband.