Here’s a look at 10 of the best blogs written by people who have experienced the challenges of life with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s and have graciously chosen to share their experiences and advice with others.
AlzAuthors
From caregiver guides and personal stories to memoirs and crash courses on dementia and Alzheimer's, “AlzAuthors” has it all. This platform contains a wealth of information written by people who have experience with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia and choose to share those experiences with others, thus providing encouragement and support. With a new author featured every week, this blog is a never-ending virtual library filled with educational and relatable content for people in similar situations. Through inspirational content and a growing community of bloggers and readers, “AlzAuthors” hopes to destigmatize all forms of dementia and to enlighten others one story at a time. “AlzAuthors'” format truly reflects its maxim: you are not alone.
Dementia Diaries
“Dementia Diaries” is not your ordinary blog. It pushes the boundaries and redefines blogging with its audio diaries. These minute-long recordings from people living with dementia include topics ranging from daily musings on a Christmas tree dilemma to a quick lesson on how encouraging someone with dementia to voice their opinions and thoughts could go a long way. The recordings make a listener’s experience intensely personal, as they convey the essence of the speaker’s personality. This unique style of blogging also empowers individuals with dementia, as it shows that they too still have a voice and a personality. Having started as a UK-wide project, we hope that “Dementia Diaries” will catch on in other countries and continue changing attitudes in surrounding communities.
Living in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s
Apart from being Bob’s wife, Sheri has also become his caregiver about 11 years ago, when Bob was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Frontal Lobe Dementia. What sets her blog apart is how Sheri refers to her husband’s Alzheimer's as a separate entity that goes by the name of “Al”. She frequently displays her knack of writing poetry by describing her experience through poems. These poems may be short but they are written succinctly and encapsulate an abundance of emotions that might render a tear or two from you.
Other posts you may be interested in on the MyTherapy blog:
Memories from My Life
Alongside caring for her mother who has been living with Alzheimer's for over a decade, Patricia White dedicates time and effort to her blog. She updates her readers on current developments concerning Alzheimer’s and shares the tips and tricks that have proven useful to her as a caregiver. Patricia has woven her buoyant temperament and positivity into her articles, making it impossible not to be infected by her optimism when reading them.
Mum has dementia
“Mum has dementia” is written with humor by a doctor (“a proper medical one”, she assures her readers) whose mother has dementia and is cared for by the author’s father. She describes how her mother gradually changes, how her father copes with being a caregiver to his spouse and shares advice on subjects her family has had to tackle, from seemingly mundane decisions (whether to pluck her mother’s chin hair) to life-changing ones (whether her mother would be better off in a nursing home). The author also wrangles with controversial topics related to dementia, such as assisted dying, which are both educational and refreshing to reading.
Sharing My Life with Lewy Body Dementia
Since his diagnosis, the author of “Sharing My Life with Lewy Body Dementia” has been consistently documenting his experience with this progressive form of dementia. He writes about topics that are not commonly aired in public such as arguments he had with his wife, to his aversion to hanging out with people. Most of the time such personal thoughts and sentiments would be considered too intimate to be shared with others, however the author’s frankness in sharing his ordeals and emotions is highly laudable. His constant reminder that while a condition may reside in one’s body, it should not someone’s defining factor nor should it be part of anybody’s identity, is both encouraging and relatable to fellow readers who might share the same condition.
Suddenly Mad
“Suddenly Mad” is written by a woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In a no-frills manner, the author writes about trying to come to terms with her diagnosis and the poignant emotions that come with it. She describes her surroundings with such fervor that she is able to paint vivid imagery for readers. Her play on words in her articles makes for a very interesting read. Apart from sharing her flair for words, the author also features skillful portraits of loved ones and sketches of her surroundings.
The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
“The Diary of an Alzheimer Caregiver” was created by Rena in the hope of building an online community for other fellow caregivers. Articles featured on this blog range from Rena’s personal experiences to comprehensive guides on caregiving, as well as reviews of books and products that readers may find helpful. With such a wide array of articles, this blog is definitely a must-read for those touched by Alzheimer’s, whether through their own diagnosis or as a caregiver.
The Long and Winding Road: An Alzheimer’s Journey and Beyond
Ann Napoletan is a renowned writer who has been advocating for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers for many years. Apart from educating readers on her blog, Ann has also shared a copious amount of resources, from where to get legal assistance and help with finances to the latest research on dementia and Alzheimer’s. She has structured her blog for easy navigation, making it a joy to delve into the extensive amount of information.
Which me am I today?
Having been diagnosed with young-onset dementia, Wendy Mitchell created “Which me am I today” with the initial intention of journaling her thoughts before they were “forgotten”. Her blog also inspired many people living with or caring for a loved one with dementia. Wendy has also tirelessly channeled her efforts into raising awareness for dementia and is the proud author of “Somebody I Used to Know”. Her flair for writing is also evident in her blog, where her pieces are transparent, honest, and always written in good humor, making it relatable and comforting. In sharing the perspective of a person living with dementia, she leaves readers all the more enlightened and knowledgeable.
Take a look at some of the other posts on the MyTherapy blog:
