In the latest edition from the Chicken Soup for the Soul Publications, the Alzheimer’s Association has teamed up with the popular book series to bring advice and comfort in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias.
Sara Spaulding, Golden resident and vice president of communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, is one of the 101 contributing stories selected for the book.
“With Alzheimer’s disease, in so many ways, the person we knew is gone in those last few years,” Spaulding said. “As busy as we all are and even as a caregiver, being able to pick up the book to get a quick little tip or a little bit of inspiration or a little bit of hope or a little bit of laughter I just think is a wonderful thing.”
It has been described as a support group that fits in your pocket, she said.
Spaulding’s husband Bill was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s. He lived with the disease for nine years before his passing at the age of 63 in February of 2010.
In those nine years, Spaulding’s life at times was overwhelmed by the demanding needs of Bill’s care and the cruel manifestations of the disease which can strip away the memory and all of its associations.
Her story “Snowflakes and Sunshine” is one of Spaulding’s most cherished memories of Bill during a brief moment of lucidity while taking a drive in the mountains. The memory is also one of the most important lessons she learned while coping with Bill’s disease; to stop and enjoy the happy moments.
“Every moment should be treasured,” Spaulding said. “When you’re living with someone who has Alzheimer’s it’s so important to do that because you just don’t know when the disease is going to steal yet another opportunity to share time and memories together.”
With 11 chapters and 319 pages filled with personal stories from every stage of the disease and from almost every point of view including reflections from individuals who have Alzheimer’s, Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias is a breakthrough in the increasingly worldly discussion of this prevailing disease that has developed in at least 44 million people worldwide.
Angela Timashenka Geiger, chief strategy officer at the Alzheimer’s Association wrote,
“…while we press forward with care and support for affected families, and strive to advance research that will one day lead to a cure, we’re sharing information, compassion, and advice with one another. We’re speaking up about the realities of Alzheimer’s, and together, we’re breaking through the stigmas that exist.”
Spaulding will be available to share stories during a book signing on Saturday, June 7, 1-3 p.m. at the Denver West Barnes and Noble located at 14347 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401.
All proceeds from purchases for this edition will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information about Alzheimer’s and resources provided visit www.alz.org or call the association’s 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900.