I did not allow myself to enjoy my own life when my mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. I did not allow myself to enjoy spending time with my husband and friends. I did not allow myself to enjoy going away on a vacation. I did not allow myself to have fun in any sense … Continue reading Don’t Give Up On Your Own Life
Author: Lauren Dykovitz
Lauren Dykovitz lives in New Jersey with her husband and two black labs, Oakley and Lucy. Lauren is a writer, author, wife, dog mom, and Alzheimer's daughter. Aside from writing her own blog, Lauren has been a contributing writer to several other websites and blogs. Lauren has also self-published two books, "Learning to Weather the Storm: A Story of Life, Love, and Alzheimer's" and "When Only Love Remains: Surviving My Mom's Battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's." Both books are available on Amazon.
To the Bride Whose Parent Has Alzheimer’s…
My husband and I are approaching our tenth wedding anniversary on September 24th. The other night we were sitting on the couch and I said to him, “You know what sucks? I hate thinking back to when we got married because it was such a painful time in my life. I love you so much … Continue reading To the Bride Whose Parent Has Alzheimer’s…
Changing Your Perspective Won’t Change Your Circumstances, But It Will Change You
When I was in the thick of my mom’s Alzheimer’s, I often felt down, depressed, and hopeless. I mostly focused on all that I had lost and would continue to lose as my mom declined. I would read things about being positive, finding joy, and hunting the good stuff and I would scoff. How could … Continue reading Changing Your Perspective Won’t Change Your Circumstances, But It Will Change You
Don’t Further Isolate Yourself—Alone Is Not the Way
When I was helping to care for my mom with Alzheimer’s, I often distanced myself from my friends because I felt like they couldn’t possibly understand what I was going through. They probably couldn’t because they had never been through it themselves, but I also never bothered trying to explain it to them. Instead, I … Continue reading Don’t Further Isolate Yourself—Alone Is Not the Way
Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
The other day I went to Target to get some face moisturizer because I was running out. As I was walking through the store, I saw an older woman looking at a cute crop top in the girls’ section. She pulled it off the rack and held it up, examining it. I’m sure she was … Continue reading Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
Let Go of the Guilt—There Is No Such Thing as Enough
Of all the emotions I dealt with during my mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s—anger, resentment, sadness, grief—I have to say that guilt was probably the most prevalent. It was the one thing I felt every single day of her ten-year journey. No matter how much I did. No matter how much I didn’t do. Whether it … Continue reading Let Go of the Guilt—There Is No Such Thing as Enough
Introducing My Mentoring Services for Alzheimer’s Daughters
My mom was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2010 when I was just 25 years old. I didn’t know anyone my age who understood what I was going through. I didn’t know anyone who had ever dealt with a parent having Alzheimer’s disease. None of my friends, co-workers, or other peers could relate to … Continue reading Introducing My Mentoring Services for Alzheimer’s Daughters
Dementia Careblazers Ultimate Care Course
If you follow me on social media, then you know how much I love Dr. Natali of Dementia Careblazers. She is a board-certified geropsychologist who consistently provides a wealth of information and support to dementia caregivers on Facebook, Instagram, and her YouTube channel. I’m always amazed at how helpful her posts and videos are and … Continue reading Dementia Careblazers Ultimate Care Course
Before My Mom Died, I Never Knew a Pair of Socks Could Hold So Much Power
Before my mom died, I never knew that a balled up pair of socks could stop me in my tracks and deduce me to a sobbing puddle of tears all alone on the floor in my bedroom closet for longer than I even know or care to admit. I never knew that a balled up … Continue reading Before My Mom Died, I Never Knew a Pair of Socks Could Hold So Much Power
You Can’t Control Your Situation, But You Can Control How You Choose to Deal with It
For years I struggled to accept my mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I knew she had Alzheimer’s. I wasn’t debating that. But I kept expecting her to be the same person she had always been—the same mom I had always known. Whenever she behaved differently or forgot how to do something, I would get upset, disappointed, and … Continue reading You Can’t Control Your Situation, But You Can Control How You Choose to Deal with It
