Brain Fitness and Alzheimer's

The new preoccupation for us all is how to keep our brain in tip-top shape.  And, why not?  Studies are beginning to show that engaging in physical exeercise, eating a Mediterranean-type diet, mental stimulation and social support may delay the onset of any dementia.  New brain cells are created every day and if we don't give them something interesting to learn and do, they say, why bother to stick around?  It's boring here!  Come here me elaborate further at the Baby Boomer Senior Expo at the Santa Clara, CA Convention Center at noon today.  Learn more and invigorate your brain!

Alzheimer's and Communication on TV

To see my TV appearance, go to the following link:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=7293676

  Meanwhile, soon there will be a new blog posting on Alzheimer's and Family Relationships on

http://www.newharbinger.com/    Hope you all are doing well.

Connecting the Dots: Breakthroughs in Communication as Alzheimer's Advances

     Thanks to all of you who came to the Mountain View, Books, Inc book signing last Wednesday.  An interesting question was raised by someone in the audience after my presentation:  how do you connect and communicate with someone who doesn't speak?

     My  response: connecting goes beyond words.  Gestures, tone of voice, touch, smell, music, photos and aromas can start the process going - as I show you in my book.

       I'm real excited about appearing on "View from the Bay" next Tuesday, 2/23/10, 3pm, ABC-TV, Channnel 7, San Francisco.  Follow the program online if you're too far away.

Note:  The San Jose Mercury News article is scheduled to appear on Sunday, 2/28/10 in the Lifestyles section.  Yippee!

"Connecting the Dots..." Events

Hi Everyone.
       I've been away on a vacation where I had a book signing in Bal Harbor, FL plus a speaking engagement onboard the Carnival Valor.  Back to earth again, here are some upcoming events:

 .....Book signing at Books, Inc., Mountain View, CA on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 7:30 pm.
......T.V. -Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 3pm, see me on View from the Bay, ABC, Channel 7.
......Thursday, February 25, 2010 I'll be speaking on Connecting The Dots at the Stanford Health Library, Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto, CA at 7pm.

Oh - and don't forget to read The San Jose Mercury News on  Saturday, February 20, 2010 where an article is scheduled for print on the book and yours truly.  Do stop by and say hello.

Book Signing

       My first book signing will be at 2pm on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Keplers Books, Menlo Park, CA.  I will be giving a brief talk, with plenty of time for questions afterward.

       Connecting the Dots: Breakthroughs in Communication as Alzheimer's Advances is written for you, the relatives, friends and caregivers of those with advancing Alzheimer's.  People often assume that once a loved one with this disease no longer knows you, all is lost.  I discovered that this is not true: when you know how to reach out and connect with your loved one, he or she will reach out and connect with you.
     There is hope.

Happy New Year

Here it is: the end of 2009.  And what a year it has been for many of you.  I know that for me, the publication of my book, Connecting the Dots: Breakthroughs in Communication as Alzheimer's Advances, signifies my own personal breakthrough in realizing a dream.  But writing the book itself doesn't do the trick unless you, the relatives, friends and caregivers of those with advancing Alzheimers, start to use the tools I discovered to connect with your loved ones and re-establish communication.  True, it may be very different from the way you communicated before this disease, but that feeling of sharing the moment with that person is wonderful.  So, in this New Year, resolve to give both you and your loved one the gift of understanding and kindness.

Alzheimer's and Christmas

Christmas can be sad and joyous at the same time.  It may be hard to focus on the postitive when you feel exhausted. Whether your loved one is at home or in an outside residence, include him in the Christmas celebration.  The sparkling lights on the tree, the aroma of dinner, and the singing of Christmas carols may spark your loved one and his memory.  He might just join in. Even if he doesn't, he'll sense that this day is special. Make the connection and cherish the outcome.  A Merry Christmas to all.