All about Alzheimer's 1

Ever since I started writing and published my book, "Alzheimer's, Dementia & Memory Loss: Straight Talk for Families & Caregivers," the first in the "Help Me Cope & Survive!" series, I have looked at life in a whole new way. I look at and listen to people with new eyes and ears because Alzheimer's changes our world in ways we don't like or understand.

I had the most amazing experience a few weeks ago while attending the support group meeting for Alzheimer's-dementia clients and their immediate caregivers at the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, where I have spent countless hours in the last three years learning much about these brutal diseases. Though my book is done, I'm still drawn to this group and all the incredible individuals — both families and staff — I've encountered and embraced there.

The group stays together for about a half-hour, and then the clients go with one facilitator and the caregivers go with another one. The large conference room — named the Lee Morgan Educational Center in honor of Mr. Morgan who recently passed away — is divided by those handy dandy heavy accordian walls hidden in the outside walls. As they clasped shut, I was seated with the caregivers. I stared at that curtain and suddenly decided I needed to be on the other side of the wall with the clients.

Leaving my notebook behind, I slipped out and over to where staffer Alisha was trying to interest the group of 7 in the new Wii game recently donated to the center by a volunteer group I belong to, the Pilot Club of Peoria. No, we don't fly planes but we do make a difference in our community, as do the Pilot Clubs in nearly 500 other cities and towns in seven countries.

I had been mastering my Wii bowling skills, and Alisha asked if I'd be the coach today. Sure, no problem, I'd love to! And I ended up being the sole instructor.

There were 7 of them. I had to teach it 7 different ways.

I didn't know I could adapt so quickly and calmly and eagerly and patiently. Actually I taught in more than 7 ways because most of them couldn't remember what they did in the first roll of the frame to repeat it the second throw …

More tomorrow on this …