tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38576839479340394402024-03-14T04:40:11.002-04:00Where To, Bud?An irreverent and sometimes humorous look at my Alzheimer's dementia and cancer. Mild Adult Content.
Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.comBlogger472125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-9822247971902827052023-04-22T13:24:00.002-04:002023-04-29T13:13:12.201-04:00"Will Work For Alzheimer's Meds"<p> Hello again -</p><p>Have you seen a sign like the above on the side of the street lately?</p><p>Of course you haven't, (right?), but since checking online, I have discovered that Medicare has handed down a decision which makes it tougher to buy these medications.</p><p>Here's a quote from the Alzheimer's Association;"In April 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an unprecedented decision that blocks Medicare coverage of FDA-approved treatments that target amyloid for Alzheimer's disease. This policy applies to all currently FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatments, including Aduhelm and others that may receive approval in the coming months.</p><p>The Association recommends a letter to your congress person asking them to intervene. I know. Another "write your congressman" recommendation, and given the divisiveness of our two major parties, how can you be sure it's going to be read?</p><p>When it comes times like this, Bernie Sanders' name always pops into my head. I try to stay as apolitical as I can, but since Senator Sanders is an Independent, I plan to send my letter to him and I hope everyone does the same. Make 'em "Feel the Bern", as it were.</p><p>Also keep in mind that little card called "Good Rx". It really can save you a bundle. Your pharmacy should have them on their counter. Take it with you and next time you're presented with a bill totaling more than you can buy, give 'em that card and let them run it.</p><p>==================================</p><p>A joke about wearing a mask to protect yourself and others during Covid.</p><p>A man loudly refused to wear his mask while at the doctor's office. The doctor overheard him and left his exam room, asking the nurse (who was trying her best to deal with the situation) what was the matter. </p><p> "Mr. Jones here, refuses to wear this mask we're providing him. Mr. Jones, please tell Dr. Smith why you don't want to wear the mask."</p><p>"Well", said Mr. Jones. "My nose is too big." </p><p> "You won't wear the mask because your nose is too big!", exclaimed Dr. Smith. "I've never heard of such a thing. After all, I still wear my underwear."</p><p>===================================</p><p>I shared this Steve Goodman tune elsewhere and I'd like to share it here with you. Have a great rest of your weekend, and thanks for reading!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vQ-0DEte3K4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-25288765431372648972023-04-20T12:12:00.002-04:002023-04-22T10:09:53.460-04:00President Biden Plans To End Covid Emergency On May 11th<p> Is that a sigh of relief that just washed over me from wherever <i>you</i> are? ๐ Great! I'm glad that makes you happy. I don't want to rain on your parade, but even though we're getting out of the pandemic status, people are still dying, and the virus continues to mutate. ๐ I know - "Party-Pooper", right?</p><p>Its latest variant is "Arcturus" and it causes pink eye. So if you get itchy eyes, you should probably take a Covid test. It probably came from India, and it's here with us, now, in at least 10 states</p><p><a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home">Here</a> are the latest Covid figures for the US, if anyone is interested. We live in Carroll County, Georgia and the latest figures per capita show less than 10 deaths from January 1st, 2023 through last Monday, April 17th, 2023. That doesn't even cause a "blip" on the Covid 'Radar" here, but folks are still "trickling in" to get their vaccinations and Dondra and I have our boosters and are up-to-date.<br /></p><p>So what will you do about wearing the mask?</p><p>Both of us will continue to wear ours while in public. Dondra's autoimmune system is deficient because of uremic toxins (among other things) which gather in the blood - hence the three times a week dialysis - and my deficiency is suppressed by my prostate cancer, currently in remission. The tumors release little "packets" of molecules which have a deleterious effect on the immune system.</p><p>So we'll wear the masks. The few times we've had to go <i>inside</i> a supermarket (Right. We order groceries), we've noticed several senior citizens wearing the masks, so good for them. Better to have them and not need them, than the other way around, right?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>An Update On My Dementia</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Changes noticed recently include not being able to read step-by-step instructions. Instead of grouping them in consecutive numbers, I can't make any sense out of what I'm reading. It has happened before, and at those times, I usually leave the problem and come back the next day when the instructions make <i>better</i> sense. My primary care provider has prescribed the drug Namenda which works on memory, awareness and confusion. All symptoms I have every damn day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Those of you who have been with me from the outset of this journal may remember Namenda as a drug I've been on before and which had "flu-like symptoms" as the chief side effect. Because physically I already have chest congestion and transient headaches, I am willing to try Namenda once more to see if it will keep all the above symptoms at bay. I'll report back once I see how it affects me now.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Just a quick PS: If there's anything you'd like me to write about, send me a comment and I'll get on it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Take care of yourselves and thanks for reading!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bill</p><p style="text-align: center;">For my "Muse"</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wM8JjT-97i8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-18832004596822239682023-04-17T17:53:00.000-04:002023-04-17T17:53:24.708-04:00Year Three Of Being In Remission!<p><span> To be honest, I hadn't given much thought to the cancer lately, but once one gets diagnosed, one's doctors and nurses (The "Oncology Team") follow their patient (s) usually for five years to make sure</span> all the numbers and values remain within normal limits. In my case the numbers are so low, they don't register on the machine which analyzes them. Just as a refresher, <b>PSA </b>stands for "Prostate Specific Antigen". That's the test used to determine prostate function, and therefore, possibly cancer. To keep things simple, here are the numbers for us guys (all figures usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>0 - 2.5: Normal for a man 40 - 50 yrs.</li><li>2.5 - 3.5: Normal for a man 50 - 60 yrs.</li><li>3.5 - 4.5: Normal for a man 60 - 70 yrs,</li><li>4.5 - 5.5: Normal for a man 70 - 80 yrs. </li></ul>In <i>my </i>case, <i>(adenocarcinoma of prostate)</i> before my procedure my PSA was 5.480, which was considered "abnormally high".<p></p><p><i>Following</i> my surgical procedure, my PSA dropped to below zero, where it remains now. so, for all intents and purposes, I'm cured, or "in remission", as it were.</p><p>=================================</p><p>I wanted to make sure I kept you "in the loop" about the prostate cancer, because it's important to me to keep those who love and/or care about me <i>informed.</i></p><p>=================================</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Say 'Hello' To My Leetle Frien' "๐</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Its official name is "Schwannoma" and it sits just over my right ear and is made up of, a bundle of peripheral nerve cells and part of the autonomic nervous system. We're watching it as it grows, and right now it remains benign. It does, however affect my hearing resulting in me having to wear a hearing aid in that ear canal.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A Schwannoma formed when Schwann cells, a type of cell in the nervous system<span 5="" a="" auditory="" canal="" enhancing="" face=""Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", helvetica, verdana, sans-serif" internal="" lesion="" mm="" of="" right="" schwannoma="" showed="" span="" suggestive="" the="" vestibular="" within="" x="">, grows and divides more than normal. So when they first found this little bugger, it had caused a 60% loss of hearing.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">As of today, add one more silly millimeter to my little friend's circumference, so now we're at 6 mm, and no one's worried yet, not even Dr. Alfred E. Neuman. I guess when that thing pops out of my ear, we'll worry about it. Kidding, and I'm not as cynical as I am making myself sound. It's just that these days, nothing surprises me anymore. I think as long as I can smile (and I <i>am</i> smiling now), that will take the place of "What, me worry?" I think I found just the song to take us out of this latest journal entry. Thanks for reading!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Bill</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-kJFxaBfh_w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-81416682282424212632023-04-03T12:02:00.003-04:002023-04-03T13:14:48.703-04:00WOW!!! Look What Year It Is!!<p> No excuses offered - I've been just plain <i>lazy </i>, friends and guests.</p><p>That's not to say no journal-worthy events have <i>happened</i>, because they have. They have either sucked all the energy out of me or I just said "Hell with it!". Which one's <i>your</i> choice, friend?</p><p>How about we just say "both of them" and be done with it? Good.</p><p>So here's an update.</p><p><b>Dondra </b>now has full-blown kidney disease for which she must undergo dialysis three times a week for 4 hours a day. She hates it, but the alternative to <i>not</i> cleaning her blood is much, much worse. There was a time when we considered a home dialysis unit, but we absolutely do not have room here for all the equipment that requires. Maybe you know of someone who is on dialysis - either at home or at a center - and you're familiar with what goes on? So because we only live 5 minutes away from her center, I drive her there and pick her up. No muss, no fuss and our living room is free of wires and jugs of fluid.</p><p>Some good news regarding the above is we have a new friend who wants to donate one of her kidneys. As some of you may know, we haven't had good luck with donors and the list for those waiting is very long. We have another appointment on May 8th, 2023 at the Emory University Transplant Center - an all-day event for both recipient and donor. Wish us luck, please and I will keep you updated.</p><p>I wanted to add that one of the side effects of cleansing impurities out of one's blood is the person gets cramps. Cramps happen due to the calcium imbalance in the cleaned blood and a Tums or a small amount of mustard helps the pain. As does a gentle rub from me on the affected area.</p><p>=============================</p><p>Me? Same ol' same ol'. Still cancer-free (prostate) and still relatively healthy, all things considered. As you know if you've read the journal for a while, we are each other's caregivers, and so far we have managed quite well doing that. I still keep a baby-monitor with me in bed and I'm a lighter sleeper these days, so it works out.</p><p>=============================</p><p>During my gaming (World Of Warcraft online) I have been fortunate meeting some folks who have become good long-distance friends. <b>Channyn</b> (not her real name) is one of these, and because of my style of play, we have collaborated in writing role-playing adventures for some of our characters. Her style of writing is such that one is drawn in from the very first word and waits for the next installment. Having taught English Composition as a student-teacher, I recognized the potential of her writing as being very promising and have said as much, but she's very modest about her talent. I must continue my encouragement.</p><p>And that's why this journal entry. Here I was gushing about this young lady's talent and not using my own. <i>"Practice what you preach, old man." - </i>Ja, I hear ya. ๐</p><p>So that's all for now. I hope this journal entry finds you well and staying that way. Hope to see you again soon and thanks as always for reading! Enjoy the song. It's one of my favorites.</p><p>Bill</p><p> </p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2Taxuott5s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-68829988358010604632021-10-11T15:47:00.007-04:002023-04-03T13:18:56.939-04:00"Honey, May I PLEASE Have A Degree?"/I Have Mice In My Bones!!<p> Since it's been a while since I've written anything (August 29th - lost my muse again, ah reckon ๐), I thought I'd combine two of the more humorous events occurring lately - hence the two titles.</p><p>The first refers to a little "compromise" I try to reach with my wife Dondra over the thermostat settings. She likes it warm, I like it cool. I know this must sound familiar to many of my readers, but as you will find out, I have to actually "negotiate" for that one degree of coolness.</p><p>What happens is - I will add a "chore" to my already "numerous" ones, and for the rest of the afternoon and early evening, I get to enjoy my degree. Said chore might include the hated dusting, or cleaning the "hell-hole" that is my office. Her terminology - not mine. To me, it doesn't look <i>that </i>bad, and I can put my hands on anything I need within seconds.</p><p>In all fairness to her, I must tell you that since her minor stroke several years ago, she's on a blood thinner daily, and, as you might expect, the thinner the blood the colder the body - especially in the elderly - which is what we must now call ourselves. "Elderly".......... "I'm <i>elderly, </i>okay???? So don't give me any more of your crap, and while you're at it - "<i style="font-weight: bold;">Get off my damn lawn!!!"</i> ๐ We get to say that now - but I admit I'll be sad when I hear myself being called "Old Man Craig". </p><p>So I try to keep that in mind as the sweat rolls off my nose and down into my shorts, and I only ask maybe once a week. She, in turn, sits in her chair with her legs on her ottoman, under a throw - and suffers in silence.</p><p>Here ends part one of my entry.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><span><!--more--></span><p>The mice. And that's not a typo up there and just now. After injuring my rotator cuff about a month ago, I have to be very careful how I use my right (dominant) arm, because if it twists the wrong way - well, that <i>hurts</i> like the dickens. If you have ever sustained that kind of injury, you will know what I mean.</p><p>So I went for an X-Ray, and here (partially) is what the Radiologist saw: </p><p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-line;">5 views the right shoulder were obtained and show mild acromioclavicular degenerative change along with the subacromial spur. There is minimal calcific density seen just medial to the inferior humeral head which May represent <i>small joint mice</i>. No fractures are seen.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">[Highlighting and italics are mine, by the way]</span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have never heard of "joint mice" and had to google it, so here, for your edification is the definition of "joint mice": <b>"A loose fragment (as of cartilage) in a synovial space." </b>So then I had to look up "synovial" and here is <i>that </i>definition: <b>"Synovial joints are the most common joints in the body. They are characterized by the presence of a joint cavity, inside which articular surfaces of the bones move against one another".</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Y'all will have to look up "articular" on your own.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So I get a steroid shot into that area and sent home like a good boy. I am told to return in a month, and that will be next week. Long story short, if there's no improvement, what follows is an MRI and then - possibly - surgery. Let's hope that doesn't happen.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So that is where I have been - benched with a bum arm. Can't play my guitar, because of the up and down strumming, can't do what I call "The Twist" - that thing you do with the bath towel to dry your butt - and I have limited mobility elsewhere I need to reach. Okay? Y'all <i>can </i>read between the lines, right? ๐</span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In closing, please remember that although all that I write is true, there is a load of <i>satire </i>included, because that is who I am, Baby! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thanks as always for reading, and see you next time.</span></p><span><!--more--></span><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-24761957589460171932021-08-23T19:43:00.004-04:002021-08-23T19:44:59.323-04:00Some MORE Facts And Figures<p> Yesterday's discussion dealt with the <i>human</i> aspect of the new Infrastructure Bill.</p><p>Today I want to add an <i>"e" </i>to the word "human" and take a look at what our Caregivers need from <i>that </i>angle.</p><p>Currently, there are an estimated 53 million Americans serving as caregivers to their elderly family members who require care for their disabilities. They are not recompensed for that expense which comes at an emotional cost as well as the financial one. Figures released by the AARP indicate that on average, family caregivers spend about 24 hours a week along with $7.000.00 in out-of-pocket expenses. Paid Long-term Care is a dream for those family members, so they'll foot the bills on their own.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Medicare? Forget it. Medicare will pay only for the severely disabled, older patient, <i>not </i>for someone with Alzheimer's or related neurodegenerative diseases. That means if your loved one needs 24 hour care or round-the-clock nursing, you'd better be prepared to cover that expense yourself.<span></span></p><!--more--><span>Medicaid is the better option, but you only qualify if you meet their poverty guidelines. Do you see the "Catch-22" here? One (Medicaid) says, "We'd cover that expense for ya;, but you make too much money, so we can't." </span><div><br /></div><div>The other one (Medicare) says, "You make enough money, so that expense is on you. What's that? That's only 'only on paper'? Well sure, but that's the law bud, and them's the breaks."</div><div><span><!--more--></span>One more "Zinger" for ya': Those services which <i>are</i> covered are covered on your state's "dime", and that money runs out fast. For those fortunate enough to qualify, there's usually a waiting list. Maybe you and/or your loved one will survive long enough to take advantage of that benefit, which has a waiting list of about 820,000 people and an average time of 39 months. <span><!--more--></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So what's to be done?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily the President's Infrastructure Plan will relieve much of the burden on families and caregivers. 400 Billion of the 2 Trillion dollar plan has been set aside for things like Long-Term-Care for the elderly - helping them stay at home instead of nursing homes. Caregivers (53 million to date) would actually be compensated for their time and expense as well as expanding Medicare's home health benefits.</div><span><!--more--></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The "Not-So-Good News" is that these $ 400 billion dollars are to be allocated over the next 8 years, and much research is needed to see exactly where that money should be spent. Still, at least now there's a plan.<span><!--more--></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks as always for reading and take care of yourselves and your loved ones!<div><p></p></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-68971786186826023802021-08-19T09:32:00.005-04:002021-08-19T09:53:33.150-04:00Some Facts And Figures......<p>........... about neurodegenerative disease. </p><p>The one I want to focus on in <i>this </i>entry is what is known as "Sandwich Care". That is, caring for an adult with Alzheimer's while also taking care of a child or children at home. </p><p>These caregivers constitute nearly 1 in 4 and nearly 60% of those folks rate their stress level as "very high" with 40% reporting symptoms of depression.</p><p>Lest you think I'm referring to <i>adult </i>children taking care of their elderly parents with Alzheimer's, don't. Don't think that, because I want you to go back a little further in age. I want you to think of <i>teenagers</i> taking care of their elderly parents.</p><p>You remember teens, right? Those humans who, from the ages of 13 to 18 are <i>supposed</i> to be going to school and participating in extra-curricular activities such as sports and dating. Just being <i>kids, </i>in other words. Going to dances, proms, games. In short, having <i style="font-weight: bold;">fun</i>?</p><p>Instead, we have children taking care of their sick parents. Forced into adult responsibilities way before they should be. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>How do we fix this? </p><p>There's no easy way, but a <i>beginning</i> would be to pay these caregivers for their time and devotion. Secondly, provide them a <i>respite</i> and let them "get away from it all" for a few days, and third, pay for other expenses such as fuel and anything else which might fall under the umbrella of being a caregiver. Something one would actually be <i>proud</i> to pay taxes for.</p><p>In researching this topic, According to <b>Cai C. Yoke </b>of The Alzheimer's Association, "The recently Senate-passed Biden Infrastructure Bill made provisions for <i>physical </i>infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc) only...", but <i>human </i>infrastructure was left "waiting at the door", so to speak. "Human Infrastructure" being the assistance to caregivers in the form of paid family leave and stronger caregiver support: The "Credit For Caring Act", is our "foot in the door" in keeping the human aspect of the entire Infrastructure Bill alive.<span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>How can you and I help?</p><p>Don't just write your legislator asking them to support the Act, include information of how Alzheimer's has impacted your family or a family you know <i>financially, </i>and then ask for their support citing "Credit For Caring" as the solution.</p><p>It's not enough sometimes to point out the problem, you have to give them a way to solve it, too. ๐<span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>My thanks to <b>Snapper Freeman</b>, of the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for his assistance in this issue of the journal -<span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>We still need Walkers for "Team Where To Bud" to help us meet our goal in the upcoming <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">Walk To End Alzheimer's</a> . Click on the link to participate, and thank you!</p><p><br /></p><p>Bill</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-19546804131310064452021-08-18T08:00:00.007-04:002021-08-18T08:00:00.246-04:00You Have Cholesterol On Your BRAIN!!!!<p> But don't worry - it's <i>supposed </i>to be there, just like a certain amount is supposed to be in the rest of your body, where it makes cell membranes and manufactures hormones.</p><p>What's on/in your brain though, (about 25%) works on creating myelin sheaths which protect your nerve cells, serving as insulation and acting as neurotransmitters. If those sheaths get damaged you might get neurological diseases such as our old friend, "Dr. Alzheimer" or "Dr. Parkinson".</p><p>Protein is the culprit here (how'd you guess?) just as it is with Alzheimer's. TDP- 43 is the protein that's damaging the sheaths and if you don't have them (the sheaths) then your brain can't process the cholesterol properly and you get a neurodegenerative disease.</p><p>In the words of the late Roseanne Rosannadanna, "<i>It's always </i><b style="font-style: italic;">somethin' </b>"</p><p>So what's the answer? Well, controlling your cholesterol is a good thing, and letting the researchers isolate TDP-43 and treat it is another. You already know that the so-called "bad" cholesterol affects your heart and causes strokes, and now you know a little more. </p><p>Hope I didn't freak you out with the title! ๐</p><p>Remember, the body is a wonderful machine and if you maintain it properly it will adjust itself as it needs to. As wonderful as it is, however, sometimes it needs a little help and that's what the researchers are for. <i>They</i>, however, need<i> our </i>help with funding and that's where The Alzheimer's Association comes in.</p><p>Folks all over Georgia are participating in the <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">Walk To End Alzheimer's</a>. You can participate by donating to the Walk by clicking on the link and following the instructions there. If you can't join a team, you can still be a virtual team member. If you need help, write me a note in the message section on the front page.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks!</p><p>Bill</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-1903369578838256872021-08-15T11:45:00.002-04:002021-08-16T10:22:02.266-04:00A Day In My Life - 2021<p> It's probably not much different from yours, considering what's happening to and in our world, but since I have nothing else of any great importance going on that I can bitch about - humorously or otherwise - I will try to let you in on "A Day In My Life"</p><p>8:30 am - Awaken quietly - usually, my wife Dondra is still asleep. She and I are very light sleepers, so sleep eludes us much of the night - and take my meds.</p><p>9:00 am - Off to the bathroom to perform the morning rituals including hygiene. Luckily the hygiene portion is "ingrained" - otherwise, I would need a list on the mirror.</p><p>9:45 am - By now, Dondra is awake and I turn into the "Icewater/Ice-Coffee Getter" and I bring them to her bedside. It's part of OUR daily ritual, and I'd miss doing it if I didn't get to. If there are news or health issues to discuss, we do it then with me sitting at her bedside.</p><p>This is also the time for the daily "neuro-check": One of us says "Love you, *ding*" and the proper response is "Love you, *ding-ding*". If the "ding-ding" isn't answered or answered incorrectly, it is repeated. If it is <i>still</i> incorrect, the originating partner knows there's something amiss.</p><p>We do this because 3 years ago, Dondra suffered a mild stroke which affects her neurologically in that she gets dizzy sometimes and is apt to fall. A simple neuro-check lets me know that at least she's okay in the brain department. The "falling possibility" puts me in "Watch Her Like A Hawk" - mode all day, which I do not mind since it also keeps my cognitive senses sharpened.</p><p>10:30am - 12:00 noon - My daily chores and this is when I turn into "Garbage Monster". I go from room to room dragging a big black garbage bag and empty whatever trash there is into it. The trip to the dumpster is usually done every other day.</p><p>I usually have my brunch at 11. It is called "Crack An Egg" and is easily fixed in the microwave. I try to limit my snacking to one (count it - 1) waffle 3 times a day. These are the toaster kind and I am hooked on them.</p><p>1:00 pm - If there are groceries to be picked up, we usually do that in the afternoon or if need be at about 11:00. Because of Covid, we avoid going into the grocery store and have them brought out to us. We have to pick them up on the store's schedule, depending on what time of day we order.</p><p>1:00-5:00 pm - We usually do our own things. She watches her afternoon talk programs, I'm either surfing the net doing research or online playing "World Of Warcraft". This is a multi-player game I began playing in 2008 and have enjoyed ever since. It's not only fun to play, but it also helps my cognitive memory. There are certain "spells" one has to cast in order to survive combat and getting killed. That's the game in a nutshell, but it is more than that to me. I enjoy playing my character, Jonas - a mage - and am a student of The Middle Ages, so the game is "right up my alley".</p><p>I also use this time to work on paying bills, writing my journal, and looking at my guitars. I used the word "looking" for a reason: My dementia-psyche is such that if I have an idea to do something I usually enjoy, by the time, I start doing it, the desire has left me.</p><p>I know I'm supposed to practice my musical scales on my acoustic, but I hardly ever even get close to beginning them. So my guitars sit there gathering dust. I know I'm supposed to "work through" that feeling, but sometimes I just don't.</p><p>For those of you who know I'm primarily a drummer, those are packed away. I have a rubber practice mat and a pair of sticks which I am <i>allowed </i>to play with.</p><p>So yeah, the Journal. <i>THIS </i>Journal. Writing gives me a lot of pleasure, so when my muse is here, I sometimes write entries for 3-4 days hence. I never know what will hit me to write about, so I watch a lot of CNN, and I get many of my ideas from medical articles to which I subscribe.</p><p>Sometimes my friends give me their ideas for subject matter, and if you are so inclined, write me a note in the comments section.</p><p>I'm always on the lookout for good documentaries, so I spend a lot of time looking for them on YouTube. These I save and watch later in the evening. Subject matter: Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe are my favorites, but I am open to almost anything which sounds interesting.</p><p>So.... I believe that about covers the afternoon. Once a week I am domesticated enough to vacuum, but only because ....well, just because, okay? ๐</p><p>We rarely entertain, since our siblings have either passed or live too far away, but we enjoy being with each other and have actually been living a "Lockdown" kind of life all along. It's good that we enjoy each other's company, huh?</p><p>5:00pm and After - Dondra watches her game shows after dinner (Wheel and Jeopardy) which I don't <i>dare</i> interrupt unless it's a dire emergency. ๐</p><p>Back playing "WoW" (Warcraft) for me until around 9:00 pm when it's close to bedtime and at which time I'm the "Ice-Water Getter" for the night. We usually discuss the day's news, upcoming appointments and other plans for the following days.</p><p>After that, a kiss good-night ("Love You *DING!") and off to bed where the both of us watch our TVs until we fall asleep.</p><p>================================================================</p><p>So that's it. Pretty boring, huh? I left out a few things, like walking (been too hot lately) and indoor exercise, but those are done only three times a week or so. I no longer ride my bicycle because of deteriorating discs in my back, so I miss my Trek 2000 which hangs in the closet.</p><p>The Trek is the bicycle I rode cross-country twice and she will never be sold.</p><p>=================================================================</p><p>That is what a 71-year-old demented guy does with his day. Did I reveal too much? Does it matter? Not to me. No secrets from me and if there's something you want to know which I didn't include, ask. if it's too risque, I'll answer in an e-mail.</p><p>Thank you for reading and have a great week coming up.๐</p><p>Bill</p><p>=================================================================</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IBkIR1mIkaU?start=70" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-78244414105816039092021-08-13T10:17:00.006-04:002021-08-13T10:39:57.989-04:00Issue#500/Glen Campbell<p> 500 Entries today! If you stayed with the journal since I began, thank you. If you'd like to continue reading my stuff here's a way:</p><p>1. To the far right of the title and at the bottom near the comments section, you'll see a triangular little sign with a ball on each end</p><p>2. Click on that little sign</p><p>3. Choose "link" and copy/paste that link into your bookmarks</p><p>4. Or just send me an e-mail by clicking my name which is under the title highlighted in blue</p><p>Until I can figure out how to get Blogger to accept a "subscribe" button that's the way we'll have to do it - sorry. Of course, you can also put the journal title on your desktop as a shortcut, but I will leave that to you.</p><p>=========================================================</p><p>As you know, we lost a great guitarist and singer not too long ago - Glen Campbell. You probably have your own favorite song by Glen, so I won't post one here, but I <i>did </i>want to share with you a talk his wife Kim gave at a Senior Citizen Center while he was still alive and suffering from Alzheimer's.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U6nxUj8S50o" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> This is why we need to support Alzheimer's Research, folks. We're losing so many people at too young an age and we need to find a way to stop it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks as always for reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-17792077353420675032021-08-12T09:22:00.002-04:002021-08-12T13:37:32.934-04:00Brain Pills/Supplements: Do They Work?<p>Ever since I saw the commercial for the product that's made from jellyfish venom, I've wondered about this, and today I want to write about it here.</p><p><i>A crazy thought: if you swam into a nest of jellyfish in the ocean and they <b>all </b>stung you at the same time, before you died - would you become the world's smartest human being for just a few seconds?</i></p><p>No, of course, you wouldn't and even though I've exaggerated up there I still have a point to make: Don't waste your money.</p><p>The most popular one is called Prevagen. Priced it lately? A recent check of my pharmacy lists it at $39.99. It's a supplement, so you can get it right off the shelf without a prescription. The trouble is the <i>lack of regulation by the FDA. </i>The FDA simply has no idea how to get a handle on the regulation of these so-called "supplements", so they are allowed to flood the market with their false claims of improved memory and hardly <i>any </i>warnings about interactions with other drugs you may be taking, such as blood thinners, BP meds are anti-depressants. </p><p>So? So it's up to you to do your homework on this stuff.</p><p><i>"....Dietary supplements cannot cure, mitigate, treat or prevent Alzheimer's Dementia or any disease." - </i>Statement from the Council On Responsible Nutrition. This includes mild cognitive impairment, memory lapses, or dementia.</p><p>So what <i>does </i>work? Maybe "what <i>might </i>work?" would be the better question.</p><p>"Omega-3 Fish Oil has shown promise and "may have a lower risk of dementia", but single-blind studies (in which the patients do not know which group they are in - medication or placebo) have shown that "...older adults had no more incidents of dementia or did no better on memory tests than those who got the placebo." - The March 2018 Edition of <i>Consumer Health</i></p><p>What <i>can </i>you do to keep yourself cognitively fit?</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Maintain a normal blood pressure</li><li>Do brain games (check online for those)</li><li>Exercise</li></ol><p></p><p>But <i>don't </i>go swimming in a nest of jellyfish!</p><p>Thanks for reading and remember to donate and participate in <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">The Walk To End Alzheimer's</a> . Just click on the link for more information.</p><p>PS: Have you been using Neuriva (another so-called "brain enhancer")? There's a class action suit happening which may interest you. Click on the link to go to "Truth In Advertising" and find out <a href="https://www.truthinadvertising.org/neuriva/" target="_blank">more</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-73301529762621564282021-08-11T08:00:00.004-04:002021-08-11T19:32:57.942-04:00"I Just HAD It!!!!!"<p> Ever lose something you had 15 seconds ago? </p><p>Yeah, me too. I do it all the time, and that title up there is what I say - in a very exasperated tone of voice - when it happens. Sometimes I say something more, but I'll leave that to your imagination.</p><p>My problem is focusing. Is that an Alzheimer's Dementia symptom? Or is it just because I'm 71?</p><p>It <i>can </i>be a symptom. It may be one of the 10 signs you're getting into the territory where you can hide your own Easter eggs. I won't list them all here but I'll concentrate on the one that's bothering me the most: <i>this </i>one (focus). I'll provide a link to the other 9 at the bottom of this entry. It will be courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association, which always provides a wealth of information. I urge you to go to their site alz.org and bookmark it.</p><p>All kidding aside though, things I once<i> </i>enjoyed, I now have to <i>force </i>myself to do.</p><p>I just now turned to look at my 6 string guitar. I need to practice my scales, but by the time I reach for it, the desire to play has left me. </p><p>I'm a gamer - World Of Warcraft - and though I once spent 8 hours a day playing, <i>now </i>I force myself to sign on. I try to tell myself it's because the game is getting harder and more involved to play, but nah - copout. I just don't have the desire.</p><p>The only thing I <i>don't </i>blow off are my chores: I gather and take out the trash, I put the dishes away, I vacuum floors, and if I have time and the place needs it, I also dust.</p><p>Why can I focus on those things and nothing that really is supposed to give me pleasure to do? Easy - my wife tells me those are the things which need doing. So I do them.</p><p>At the present time, I really don't have a psychiatrist who is helping me through this period of not being able to concentrate, but I hope to change that in September. Up to now, I've been seeing Nurse Practitioners specializing in Psychiatry who have been using what I call a "scatter-gun" approach to treating me, and that's got to stop. Some of the meds I have been prescribed had terrible side effects and, since there was no one to advise me, I titrated (weaned) myself off them. I do not recommend doing this on your own, and the only reason I did was because of my medical background.</p><p>I will report on my visit with my new psychiatrist after my first visit with him/her.</p><p>For now, thanks for reading my journal, as always and enjoy your day!</p><p><a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs" target="_blank">The 10 Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Dementia</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">The Walk To End Alzheimer's</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tIEV1OanDGY?start=2" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-19218705646806683632021-08-10T08:00:00.002-04:002021-08-10T08:00:00.247-04:00Covid-19 And Alzheimer's Dementia<p> Are those of us with Alzheimer's related and other dementias, at a higher risk than someone who's healthier than us?</p><p>This is a question I asked myself a few days ago and is the reason for this journal entry.</p><p>Actually what I first asked was, "How has Covid slowed down important Alzheimer's research?", and that question is what led to the risk question. In this entry, I hope to provide a few more answers than I believed I would find.</p><p>First off, if <i>you</i> had Covid and survived, you are still likely to have after-effects from the virus. Loss of taste and smell being two of the most common. Another reason to get yourselves and/or your loved ones vaccinated.</p><p><i>IMPORTANT: If you - like so many others - are waiting to <b>get </b>Covid and <b>then </b>get vaccinated ----- Who the hell put <b>that</b> thought in your head??? First, you can't do it unless you self-quarantine for 10 days and by then your antibodies might be so weak they wouldn't be able to help you fight the virus and you <b>may </b>die! If you make it those 10 days, <b>then </b>you can go for your shot. Do you really want to take that chance?</i></p><p>Now let's discuss the virtual Alzheimer's Association International Conference which was held on July 29th, 2021 in Denver CO (which I will not cover in detail here - link will be provided) among the key results were reports of:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Biological markers of brain injury, neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's correlate strongly with the presence of neurological symptoms in Covid-19 patients."</li><li>"Individuals experiencing cognitive decline post-Covid-19 infection were more likely to have low blood-oxygen levels following brief physical exertion as well as poor overall physical condition.</li></ul><p></p><p>To me that means should one survive the virus - depending on what stage of Alzheimer's a person may be in, or even pre-diagnosis - without vaccination, he or she could still be in for a rough time.</p><p>Covid-19 and its pals "Variant Delta" and now "Variant Lambda" are out there, my friends, and as Dr. Anthony Fauci says "If a virus is left alone to replicate, it will mutate" and that is bad news for all of us.</p><p>Please get vaccinated and use masks and social distancing afterward!</p><p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/m-vaccinated-still-got-covid-130014083.html" target="_blank">Recommended Reading</a></p><p><a href="https://www.alz.org/aaic/releases_2021/covid-19-cognitive-impact.asp" target="_blank">Link To Alzheimer's Conference</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for reading!</p><p>Bill</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-85308504438220894802021-08-09T08:00:00.073-04:002021-08-09T08:39:20.413-04:00Thanks For Reading The Journal!<p>It is heartening to know we're international! I believe my readers who are furthest away include, India, New Zealand, Viet Nam and of course, Germany, Sweden and the USA. Just joined are a couple of gaming friends from Montreal, Canada. And don't worry: All I can see is your location - nothing else! </p><p><b>IMPORTANT NOTE: If when<i> accessing the journal through your browser's address bar you get a notice saying the site is not secure, please check that you did NOT use the https prefix For some reason Blogger goes bananas when that happens, and gives you that note. The site is SAFE and has been since 2008. Simply type wheretobud dot blogspot dot com WITHOUT the www. Thanks!</i></b></p><p>Why is this important to me (your location, I mean)? Because it keeps my "creative juices" flowing. I sometimes sit here at my desk and write journal entries for three days hence. That never used to happen, so thank you!</p><p>If I might ask one more favor from you, dear reader? Tell your friends about us. My goal is to add one new user daily so I can cover the globe. Big expectations, right? But big expectations are what keeps me going now that my cancer is in remission.</p><p>The <i>other </i><b style="font-style: italic;">"big expectation"</b> is to be in the list of "The Top 20 Sites About Dementia" Yup, I have "high hopes, my friends! </p><p>Of course, I would also appreciate a comment now and then - pro or con, but that is totally up to you, the reader. Rest assured, however, that <i>should</i> you leave a comment, it <i>will</i> be answered and you will be thanked.</p><p>Except for doctor's appointments and grocery pickup, Dondra and I are on voluntary lockdown. We are both immuno-compromised, so we think this is the best way for us to deal with Covid and its new variant-D.</p><p>Finally, if it's morning and afternoon here in Georgia, USA and you ever wonder what that dude who writes the journal is doing ? Well, if you think I'm working on the journal - 9 times out of 10 you would be correct.</p><p>So thanks to <i>all </i>my readers - domestic and international - for keeping me busy and my muse alive!</p><p>Bill</p><p>Please keep "Team Where To Bud" in your thoughts as we prepare for the upcoming <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">Walk To End Alzheimer's</a>. Just click on the link for more information.</p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-70739641795422336852021-08-08T10:00:00.048-04:002021-08-08T10:00:00.250-04:00A Joke For Ya'!A doctor got a call from a elderly blonde woman, who screamed โDoc, get over here, Iโm in a lot of pain!โ<br />
<br />
The doctor raced to the womanโs house and saw that her ears were both badly burned. The doctor treated the burns, then asked her how it had happened.<br />
<br />
The woman said sheepishly, โWell, I was ironing the clothes, when a friend of mine called me up. I was so dumb! Instead of reaching for the phone, I held the hot iron up to my left ear and burned it.โ<br />
<br />
โOh,โ said the doctor. โThen, how did you burn the RIGHT ear?โ<br />
<br />
โWell,โ the woman replied, โI had to call YOU, didnโt I?โ<div>=========================================================<br /><div><br /></div><div>Now before y'all jump me about being "politically incorrect", remember this Journal takes a lot of poetic license. That means if it's funny and it's about getting old and/or dementia AND it makes ME laugh, it may very well make it into the journal. No ruffling of anyone's "feathers" intended. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a matter of fact, <i>you</i> are invited to submit any of yours in the comment section. If a joke makes it that far, more than likely it will be seen in the pages of "Where To Bud?".</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, that "Where To Bud?" is also the name of our "Walk To End Alzheimer's" team and you can join us and/or make a donation to Alzheimer's research by clicking on the following <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">link</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks and have a beautiful and safe Sunday!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-23057651959846142112021-08-07T08:00:00.001-04:002021-08-07T08:00:00.234-04:00"Mass Hysteria?" REALLY?<p> Overheard in my doctor's waiting room this morning after a patient showed up without a mask and was handed one by the nurse: "I wish folks would get over this mass hysteria and turn their tv's <i>off</i>!"</p><p>He put the mask on, but took forever to get it tied and even then left his nose exposed.</p><p><i>My </i> 2 cents? Put them in a Haz-Mat suit and take them through an ICU that has a ventilated patient in every bed, and let them read the signs on the bed which read "Covid 19". Because most of the patients will need sedation to be able to endure the endotracheal tube down their windpipe, this gentleman won't see a TV in the room. What he <i>would </i>see would be some family members tearfully saying their final "Goodbyes" and "I love you's".</p><p>Do I sound like the "Ghost Of Christmas Future" to you? Well, so be it. This is the time for hoping that <i>someone</i> will come to their senses and do the right thing.</p><p>I mentioned on Facebook a few weeks ago, I thought folks were finally getting scared enough to get themselves and their children vaccinated, but <i>then </i>I saw this "preacher" on CNN, telling his congregation.... well, I think you'd better hear and see this for yourselves.....</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a7ZbOICz63g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> <div><br /></div><div> The strange thing about this guy? Several of his "flock" have already died from Covid-19.
Nothing to say about <i>that</i>, Pastor?</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, of <i>course </i>he has something to say: "It's God's will!"</div><div><br /></div><div>I have stated before that while I do believe in Him, I don't believe he necessarily <i>intervenes </i>in what happens to us. He gave us "free will" and everything else is left up to us - good luck. So the pastor in the above video clip has absolutely <i>no</i> power over you, certainly not any "God-given" power.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will close with this: <i>This </i>time the children are affected more than before. <i>This </i>time they can die and this time there's no age restrictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I had such a parent in front of me and that Mom or Dad refused the vaccine on their behalf, I would <i>have </i>to ask: "Is <i>this </i>what you want for your child? No? Then take a chance on saving his or her life with the vaccine, because if you don't let them have the vaccine, you are all but <i>guaranteeing</i> their death.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I could leave you on a brighter note today, but that "train" is starting to roll again and it's headed for the last stop for some. Will you be one of them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading, and if you're wondering about "The Walk To End Alzheimer's". It will take place rain or shine and we'll be observing the proper precautions. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will update you here, but meanwhile please keep in mind we're going for Alzheimer's <i>awareness </i>as well as donations for research. Check in <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">here</a> for more information.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-78105750527312644482021-08-06T08:00:00.001-04:002021-08-06T08:00:00.250-04:00Me, The Guitar And Dementia<p> A year and a half ago, when I found out I had cancer of the prostate, I packed up all of my guitars (drums were already in their cases) thinking to save my wife the trouble when <i style="font-weight: bold;">"The Day" </i>gets here.</p><p>I had forgotten all about some wonderfully talented friends of mine who can play rings around me on guitar (well, to be fair - I'm primarily a drummer) and can write a song at the drop of a hat. One of those friends - James, just needs a subject and off he goes! They all downplay their talents to the point of being aggravating, but I understand: they are artists in it for the love of playing and singing. They're not in it for the money, in other words.</p><p>Recently, I asked them to write me a song about "Goals" (to call attention to the upcoming Walk To End Alzheimer's), and damned if they didn't come through for me within three days!</p><p>I asked Jim for permission to feature <i>his </i>song here and with your permission and because I was so touched by what he wrote, I would like to share it with you.</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">The future reaches out, while the past retrieves<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />Our memories are just tangled webs we weave<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />The mind plays games, and sure loves to deceive<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />it might not be true, but itโs what Iโve come to believe</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">time is so elusive, it always finds somehow to slip away<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />like a rainbow disappearing on a rainy summerโs day<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />nothing lasts forever, but I hope weโll meet again someday<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />and let the love weโve shared take us home , but who can say</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">chorus<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />the best of me may be hidden, but itโs far from gone<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />but it sure does get harder as every year now adds on<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />know that inside my mind thereโs still something good going on<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />please see the sparkle in my eyes, and know, I ainโt nearly done</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Jim</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">I hope this has as much meaning to you as it does to me. By way of background, Jim is a teacher and pushes creativity among his students.</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Please join us in our <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">Walk To End Alzheimer's</a> . The link will take you to my team's page and more information.</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Thanks for reading and thank <i>you</i>, Jim!</p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Bill</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-55877162811626153772021-08-05T08:00:00.024-04:002021-08-05T08:28:09.422-04:00Thank You, Simone Biles And Naomi Osaka<p>If there were an ideal description of a "True Olympian", I would expect these ladies' photos to accompany the definition.</p><p>In addition to bringing home a total of 7 medals (counting both Rio and Tokyo),, Simone opened up (and made <i>us</i> aware) of something called <i>"Air Awareness " </i> or <i>"Twisties"</i> which are defined as a "sensation gymnasts can develop when they lose their sense of control in the air."</p><p>Very scary terminology - especially when one considers one could end up paralyzed were he or she to lose that awareness.</p><p>So my thanks to Ms. Biles for her candor in speaking of this. I empathized with her worried demeanor as she made the decision to finish with the Bronze medal, which must have meant more than the Gold. I include below a short clip of Simone finishing up on the beam and that smile at the end just says it all!</p><p>I would be remiss if I did not mention the other athlete, Naomi Osaka. Ms. Osaka sadly was eliminated in the third round of the Women's Singles Tournament, which brought the Japanese athlete's first Olympics to an end.</p><p>Naomi suffers from depression and expressed herself very well in <i>Time </i>magazine's article, "It's OK Not To Be OK"</p><p>While she did not fare as well as Simone, she gets props from me and millions of others who deal with depression every day.</p><p>In my opinion, <i>both </i>ladies are winners and the rest of the world can take a lesson from their willingness to speak openly of their fears and trials.</p><p>Here now, Simone's event on the balance beam.</p>
If you see "Video unavailable" simply press "watch on youtube".
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwIwsCk46tc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
Please remember our efforts to raise awareness for Alzheimer's Dementia by joining us in "The Walk To End Alzheimer's" Just click the link below to find out more.<div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bill<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">The Walk To End Alzheimer's</a><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-83858638981943378242021-08-04T09:54:00.001-04:002021-08-04T10:02:28.875-04:00Senior Moments/Brain Farts<br /><p> Hello,</p><p>Need a laugh and a smile? A friend sent me this video and I find myself in almost every line. Listen and see how many you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R07eZhdo8hQ" target="_blank">recognize</a></p><p>Also, please don't forget to join my <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">"Walk To End Alzheimer's"</a>. Just click on the link to donate or join my team! Mark Oct.16th on your calendar. Walk registration is at 9 am.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks</p><p>Bill</p><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-8522132764140994772021-08-04T09:48:00.004-04:002021-08-05T09:24:07.633-04:00For Your Listening Pleasure: Podcast Is Coming!<p> I've decided to turn this journal into a podcast effective 9.7.21. This will free up my readers to listen while washing dishes, the dog or their hair (which may make it harder to hear).</p><p>I decided on this means of communication to finally "get with the program", as it were and provide y'all with a little more content. (More content because once I get started running my mouth, I can't always stop easily) ๐</p><p>So look forward to my first podcast journal entry the Tuesday after our Labor Day Holiday.</p><p>Thanks,</p><p><br /></p><p>Bill</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-26395441571070228382021-08-04T08:00:00.029-04:002021-08-04T08:00:00.210-04:00Veterans With Alzheimer's<div>As one might suspect, it is damned hard to diagnose a veteran with Alzheimer's-related Dementia. First you have to find us, then you have to hold on to us long enough to do some definitive tests. If we're on the street with substance abuse problems - good luck with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>And luck is what I had in doing some research for this journal entry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I had my doubts I'd find what I needed (hard, mostly accurate figures), I googled "Veterans With Alzheimer's And Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)" and the search engine spewed out enough for me to create a surprisingly optimistic entry for my journal - most of it dating back to only March of 2021,</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't worry - I won't regurgitate what I found, but I <i>will </i>link you to at least two well-written articles and abstracts which will give us some answers.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's or any of the related dementias, I encourage you to read these articles. They will: 1) inform you of your vet's homelessness and 2) let you know what's being done to curb the incidence of AD/ADRD.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heretofore (god, I<i> love</i> that word!) we've been treating the vet who, in addition to being sick, just happened to also have dementia, but now, due to some very active volunteers, we are able to pinpoint and separate in order to make the figures a little more meaningful.</div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, since 2011, according to HUD, the number of homeless vets is down 43% to well below 40,000, Again, <i>volunteerism </i>gets the credit for getting us those numbers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Source is <a href="https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/homeless-veterans-statistics/" target="_blank">here</a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Now let's "drill down" and find the number of homeless vets with AD/ADRD:</div><div><br /></div><div>Here we get into <i>estimates </i>, boys and girls, but even here the figures are encouraging. Because what you are about to read is so important, I will present it word for word and its source is the VA <a href="https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/docs/VHA_ALZHEIMERS_DEMENTIA_Statistical_Projections_FY21_and_FY33_sgc121820.pdf" target="_blank">itself</a> .</div><div><br /></div><div>"<b>The estimated number (prevalence) of VA PATIENTS with Alzheimer's Dementia in FY2021 is 168,649.....[which represents] a 0.8% decrease </b>(-1,375 patients) from the estimated number in FY2020 (170,024 patients)." </div><div><br /></div><div>There. That takes care of the sources I will quote in this post. Happy reading and I hope you do - because it never hurts to arm yourself with statistics when you write your Congressperson. They just <i>love </i>that kind of stuff. Gives 'em something to say in front of the cameras!</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I shut this one down, let me leave you with some more good news: </div><div><br /></div><div>The July 21st issue of Science Daily tells us that "Scientists have successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice and say their discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent memory loss in people as they age". </div><div><br /></div><div>Nice, but more funds for research are needed, and "The Walk To End Alzheimer's" will make sure that our scientists get those funds and keep them working.</div><div><br /></div><div>Go <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=walk_homepage" target="_blank">here</a> for more information on the "Walk" and our part in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-54239129252260501032021-08-03T09:15:00.013-04:002021-08-03T09:38:39.274-04:00Congratulations, "Underdog" Bobby Finke - OLYMPIAN - Gold Medallist<p> I know: This ain't about dementia or cancer.</p><p>What it <i>is</i> about is a young American named <b>Bobby Finke </b>who exemplifies the American Spirit by giving it that extra "push" when it counted.</p><p>My <i>own</i> favorite Olympic sport is fencing, and I may write about that later, but right now, my "Star of The Show" is Bobby. When clicking on the below link, you may see the "Video Is Unavailable". Just click "Watch On YouTube" to see it.</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BBbmgqp0xII?start=116" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
With 74 more days until "The Walk To End Alzheimer's" I hope this happens to us on October 16th. Not only do I plan for "Team Where To, Bud" to make our $100.00 goal, but we'll go all the way to $1,000.00! <div><br /></div><div> Click the link below to join our team and/or donate. You can even walk from home! Thanks for reading, and Bobby Finke, <b>YOU ROCK!</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Go <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">here</a> to join the team and/or donate to The Walk.......</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-14735480144191079702021-08-03T08:00:00.005-04:002021-08-03T08:00:00.230-04:00From The "Draft" Vault ca. 2015 - Author Unknown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEpQuxPVTS8/T5xpSR0OjvI/AAAAAAAAAX4/_8A3pH6xA40/s1600/seuss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEpQuxPVTS8/T5xpSR0OjvI/AAAAAAAAAX4/_8A3pH6xA40/s320/seuss.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">On Aging (Apologies To Dr. Seuss)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot see</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot pee</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot chew</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot screw</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, my God, what <i>can</i> I do?</div><div style="text-align: center;">My memory shrinks</div><div style="text-align: center;">My hearing stinks</div><div style="text-align: center;">No sense of smell</div><div style="text-align: center;">I look like hell</div><div style="text-align: center;">My mood is bad -- can you tell?</div><div style="text-align: center;">My body's drooping</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have trouble pooping</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Golden Years have come at last</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Golden Years can kiss my ass!</div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">=====================================================</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">===============================================</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you know the author, please let me know in the comments, and I will attribute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please don't forget to register and join my team here:<a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">The Walk To End Alzheimer's</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-77383204540201491882021-08-02T08:00:00.011-04:002021-08-02T12:42:30.669-04:00Who's Yer' Buddy? Who's Yer' Pal And........... who's just an <i>acquaintance</i>?<br /><br />
It seems simple when you think about it, doesn't it? Just make an imaginary mini-file cabinet and label accordingly?<br />
<br />
When you put it into perspective, however, it really isn't. Not in <i>our</i> culture, anyway. We don't use the word "acquaintance" enough. It's an awkward word - especially when you have to <i>introduce </i>the person in question to someone else: "Hey, John! I'd like to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine!"<div><br /></div><div>No, of <i>course </i>you don't use the word in <i>front </i>of the introductee (is that a word?). You might fudge a little and use "friend" instead, but revert back to an <i>acquaintance </i>as soon as you can, maybe leaving the other guy wondering just what his or her role <i>is</i>.<br />
<br />
Sometimes you may feel you have an <i>affinity</i> or a bond with someone, but maybe that's just what <i>you</i> think is going on, so you try a little harder to see if there's any commonality. You open up a little.<br />
<br />Could be there's a "Hmmmmm?" somewhere early on which makes you think, "This is a very interesting person and that is where you journey forward or fergetaboutit.</div><div><br />
So I try to use the word "friend" or "friends" judiciously. I'm no Miss Manners (or is it "Ms."?), but there's an unspoken point when you just <i>know</i>, even when they live far away and you've never even met. <i>Especially</i> then, because both entities take much on faith. You just <i>know</i>.<br />
<br />
Of course, I could just be full of crap. There's always <i>that</i> possibility, more so now than ever! ๐๐<br />
===============================================================<br />
===============================================================</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading and don't forget <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">The Walk To End ALZHEIMER'S</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bill</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857683947934039440.post-5487621792134777172021-08-01T08:00:00.046-04:002021-08-01T09:01:49.655-04:00The Walk To End Alzheimer's<p> Today, after speaking with West Georgia Walk chairperson Snapper Freeman, I committed to participating in this year's event which takes place on Hobbs Farm here in Carrollton, GA. on October 16th.- 9:00 am.</p><p>My usual link at the bottom of the page - instead of taking you to the general home page for the walk - will take you instead to our team's page. The team name will be (you guessed it) "Where To, Bud?" (to a successful "Finish Line", we hope.)</p><p>Since I don't know many of you personally, I decided to support myself as my own team. Should you decide to contribute, your donation will be counted toward the team's overall success. Also, if you wish to join the team, you may do so on the site. All are welcome.</p><p>The link below will also allow you to form your own team and raise funds to support Alzheimer's research. It <i>all </i>counts, folks, and if you'd like to make it count for someone special in <i>your </i>life, you can dedicate your walk to honor that person. Just visit the Walk's home page and inform yourselves. A special "Need Help?" line is also on that page to answer whatever questions you may have.</p><p>Good Luck raising awareness of Alzheimer's and funds, it should be a lot of fun for all of us. ๐</p><p>Bill</p><p><a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=697137&pg=team&fr_id=14411" target="_blank">"Where To Bud?" Walk To End Alzheimer's Team Page</a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14411&pg=personal&px=6236449</div>Bill Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363675343809481156noreply@blogger.com0