Today we will continue to honor Alzheimer’s disease Caregivers.
As November is National Caregiver Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we would like to take special notice of Mark Donham and to the late, Christine Donham.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with Mark about his journey with Christine (Chris). Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, their experience together is a true-love story that shows compassion and positivity in human beings. You can access the full story here: Alzheimer’s Caregiving the Radioman Way: A “Thank You” to all Caregivers
Chris was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 43. Chris, who was 20 years younger than most patients when they are diagnosed, followed the path of her mother and sister, who both passed away by 50. Their family history is entangled with the disease, her son and remaining relatives on her side have a 50 percent chance of having the disease. Christine Donham of Lake Oswego, Oregon passed away Jan. 31, 2011, of complications due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 54.
Mark documented his experiences during his time as a Caregiver for Chris. He has made videos to raise awareness and to inspire Caregivers around the world. It paints a picture that many people have not seen about the realities of Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and the high and low points of caregiving.
Alzheimer’s and Grief
Video By Mark Donham
Mark expressed to me how important it is for Caregivers to “take care of themselves” in this journey, as it is a marathon not a sprint. The emotions of watching and caring for someone with dementia takes a toll mentally, and physically. Having help at the right times is invaluable.
Carlos Barrios
Founder, Endear
Chris participated in research studies for a number of years at the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at OHSU. We ask that you help with small a donation towards their research.
The C. Rex and Ruth H. Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) is a comprehensive research, clinical care and education center directed toward identifying the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. The Center is one of twenty-nine NIA (National Institute on Aging) Alzheimer’s disease centers in the United States and is the only one in Oregon. In order to provide a brighter future for families, the Center is dedicated to conducting innovative, forward thinking research and is recognized as one of the best venues for this work.
Please help continue Chris’s work with a donation to OHSU’s Layton center through the OHSU Foundation at this link:
https://www.ohsu.edu/foundation/giving/default.cfm?fcode=AGINGALZ&src=WEBENDEAR
More posts about Mark and Chris:
Take Cancer over Alzheimer’s in a Heartbeat-The Brutal Truth about Early On-set Alzheimer’s
You Could have Alzheimer’s Disease at Age 30: Understanding the Value of Early-onset Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s Caregiving the Radioman Way: A “Thank You” to all Caregivers
The post A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Realities of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Caregiving | Alzheimer’s Articles, Information and Resources appeared first on National Alzheimer's Care Directory | Endear for Alzheimer's.