Rosalys is a graduate of the University of Washington and recently retired from teaching at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle after 30 plus years. In June of 2011, her husband of 45 years died of Alzheimer's Disease. Over the next three years she wrote the story of their life as husband and wife. The book, Mike and Me, is designed to bridge that gap for couples who are now in that chapter in their life.

 

 

Rosalys is a graduate of the University of Washington and recently retired from teaching at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle after 30 plus years. In June of 2011, her husband of 45 years died of Alzheimer's Disease. Over the next three years she wrote the story of their life as husband and wife. The book, Mike and Me, is designed to bridge that gap for couples who are now in that chapter in their life.

 

It has been 12 years since her husband Mike passed away.

 

She had never experienced anybody with Alzheimer's. She found that as an educator, she was able to take that information that helped her through the process.

 

She never treated him like a three- or four-year-old, but she did learn there were times when his skill set was at that level.  Rosalys said, asking a loved one to give up their car keys is an extremely difficult moment for both parties. She said Mike was strong willed.  My fears were that he'd run away, or he'd harm her, or that he wouldn't know her. She said that Mike could be grumpy at times until he revealed some of the reasons for his behavior, like not wanting to leave her and the home.   

 

Rosalys ran into a writing specialist who helped tell her story. Some advice: Figure out your voice and who you are talking to. Also, what do you have to say that other people haven’t said?

 

She spoke about witnessing reverse aging that turned into, among other things, changing dining habits. She also said how important the Alzheimer’s’ Association was in helping her through her caregiving role.

Rosalys said that the Federal Government has invested $3.7 billion in 2023, in hopes of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

Rosalys suggested some lifestyle advice for helping delay the onset of dementia.  Some examples:  Implement a Mediterranean diet, with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Exercise is extremely important along with strong social ties. She suggested challenging your brain with crossword puzzles and trying new things.

 

Q&A Session

 

Q)  My mother had Alzheimer’s, but she could sing all the lyrics to some of her favorite songs up to one week before her death.

A)  The book is a good way to get people up to speed with what you're trying to do.

 

Q) What about sleep?

A) It's important that the person with Alzheimer’s gets plenty of sleep. A good daily nap also helps immensely.

 

Q)  What about research?

A)  Researchers are close to developing a blood test that will help you find if you are predisposed to getting dementia.

 

 

Beth spoke about the challenges that our local sports teams endured over the weekend, but we did have some bright spots, which was highlighted by the success of the Seattle Thunderbirds.

 

Beth is a big fan of Ted Lasso, a series on Apple TV which just aired its last episode. Ted’s advice for all sports fans:

You know what the happiest animal is on earth? It's a goldfish. You know why? It's got a 10 second memory.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.