Moments that matter

My mind is swimming.

I spent most of Monday and a good chunk of Tuesday at the state Alzheimer’s Association conference at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells. The event started Sunday. I attended the opening dinner and awards ceremony, but it really got going Monday.

We had general sessions and breakout sessions. I learned about fresh research into using antipsychotics for behaviors — not a good idea — and how where you live can impact your likelihood to get Alzheimer’s. (Think rundown housing, dilapidated mobile homes or even on the street.)

I took part in a training workshop that helped me experience how confusing and frustrating it can be to have dementia and how making some simple changes to approach can make a big difference for the person with dementia.

I bought the new Dorry bracelet with the
purple stone at the conference. All proceeds
benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

I sang Row Your Boat in a round in a key too high. But I learned no one is really tone deaf— just not trained to sing. And that’s ok. YouTube is your friend to find any kind of music you want. Music is so important to people with Alzheimer’s, particularly the songs they listened to from about age 15 to 25. So those really old songs might be too old. Instead, we’re into he 1940s, ‘50s and even ‘60s for our residents. Bring on the Beatles and Elvis!

There was so much to learn. But one thing really stuck with me, a quote from an Association speaker: “If the moment means nothing later, it means everything now.” Isn’t that true on so many levels?