Valentines!

This week is not only Valentine's week, but on February 16th my parents will have been married 44 years! That's pretty good considering Mom was 33 when she got married.

For Valentine's day the kids and I took by candy, cards, & a stuffed frog that sings! The frog is goofy and does his own rendition of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart... I'm in love with You!" It is very cute and mom and dad both sing along.

Another cute antidote is the singing game my dad has begun with mom. He grins at her and begins singing, "I love you in the mornin', love you in the ev'ning, love you at... (and abruptly stops). At his long pause, she jumps in with a deepish and fun..... "Suppertime!" We all have begun to "play" the game with her. It is so fun to see her eyes light up and her grin as she completes the song! Another good use of music therapy in dealing with Alzheimer's.

More Helps for dealing with Alzheimer's

• The Alzheimer's Alliance offers a helpline for challenging situations related to Alzheimer's. 1-800-272-3900.

• If you're in the Oklahoma City Area: Interested in sitting down with someone who knows how to help? Paula Avery with the Alzheimer's Association knows everything that is available to help families with this illness. It takes several weeks to get an appointment, but it is so worth the wait. She will sit down with family members and inform you of everything that is available to help your circumstances. It's FREE! She can be reached by calling 405-319-0780.

• How they feel? They are scared all the time. Each patient reacts differently to fear. They have become passive, uncooperative, hostile, angry, agitated, verbally abusive or physically combative. They may even do them all at different times, or alternate between them. Anxiety may compel them to shadow you (follow everywhere). They can't remember your reassurances. Keep saying them.