My Quicksand of Forgetfulness

  Does this look like a weird painting? It is a self portrait by X, the famous Mexican artist. She painted arrows pointing to her body ailments. She got polio at a young age, lost her leg and her health rapidly reclined. She turned to art to express herself. Now her home filled with her artwork is a museum? Museum in Mexico City.🖼️  I recently visited it and empathized with her pain. She painted, made sculptures and wrote to express herself. She painted her home in bright colors filled with artwork and pottery. What a wonderful example of lifting your spirits daily? How can I do that? I just read a recent study about a man with early Alzheimer's disease. He actually cleared plaque in his brain that could be seen on MRI's. He walked briskly 10,000 steps daily, did strength training and ate a plant based diet. ☘️  A photo of Frieda's garden full of fresh vegetables and flowers! 🌺 🥬  What is the biggest fear of growing older? I just read that it is becoming dependent...

Can you see the Robin Williams plaque on this Donor Wall at the Cleveland Clinic for Brain Research in Las Vegas, Nevada? Robin's Foundation made a generous donation toward discovering more about Alzheimer's and Dementia. Local residents Lou DeRouvo and his wife have organized successful fundraisers to build this amazing hospital focused for brain research.  In addition to the modern medical facilities at the Cleveland Clinic, it also has a library with a wealth of resources and books. The clinic staff is very supportive and knowledgeable. The hospital was designed by the famous architect Gehry, who was instructed to make it not look like a typical hospital. The architect used Douglas Fir wood that beautifully guides patients through artistic hallways that resemble an art gallery. The geometric glass ceiling conference room has hosted many Vegas social events and weddings.  I am one of the pioneers who qualifies for the new Alzheimer's drug 'Lequimbi'. I...

  So excited to have my second Lequembi infusion! The nurse at the infusion told me I am a pioneer. She told me there are only four patients in southern Nevada receiving this new treatment. The other infusion center is in Reno, Nevada ten hours north. I asked why more patients aren't getting this new, hopeful drug. She said they don't know about it or aren't seeking treatment yet. I am lucky to be a guinea pig and lead the way. The only side effect I have is hot flashes with a rash. The nurse said other patients have reported headaches and body aches. Not me! My nurse is from Rochester,  New York.  I told her that my Dad is from the small town of Fairport right next door. She got a big smile and said she went there a lot. I should tell her my Dad was a doctor at the University Hospital in Michigan. Small world 🌎  I am sitting in a recliner now with an infusion in the inside of my elbow. It is painless and I am grateful for the hope each drip gives me. 🙏  ...

I have hope! I will be a human guinea pig for the new drug 'Lequembi' to treat Alzheimers. I feel like I won the lottery. Not for inheriting Alzheimers, but for having the opportunity to try the new drug.  I can't control that I received the Alzheimers gene from both sides of my family. What are the chances? I can control that I took action and made an appointment with a neurologist for an assessment. It was fate that my husband and I decided to move to Las Vegas. It just happens to be the home to the world renowned Cleveland Clinic for Brain Research where I am now a patient. I didn't chooses this disease. It chose me from previous relatives who passed it on. I can't blame them. I can do the best I can do under the circumstances. I told the doctor that I am willing to do anything to recover. He kindly told me that I will not recover my lost memory, but that I qualify for a new drug that that will hopefully stop it from getting worse. My hope meter rose ...

I do and am hopeful about the new drug. I have many wishes. I feel optimistic.  I am grateful for modern medicine, doctors and nurses. I began my first treatment of Lequembi yesterday.  It is the new Alzheimers drug that is administered at a medical facility. I was excited to start my first dosage yesterday! I drove 40 minutes across Las Vegas to the only facility that provides the drug in my city. My husband was attending an all day workshop for Caretakers at the Cleveland Clinic.  I think I had a better day than him.  Mine was spent at a modern medical office with lounge chairs and couches for the patients to relax in while receiving the IV treatment.  I had a view of the mountains and a cart full of snacks to keep me happy. It lasted only 45 minutes and passed by quickly. It gave me hope and the feeling that I'm doing something to fight this horrible disease. I will continue this procedure every couple weeks.  My husband had a good day with a...

Isn't this an artistic hospital in Las Vegas? I had my first appointment here yesterday? It is the Cleveland Clinic for Brain ? I had to wait months to finally get an appointment. The Staff is as wonderful as this creative building. They offer research studies, patient classes and a library for brain health.  I guess our backpacking adventure around the world is officially over. Now we are catching up on doctor appointments, home repairs and errands. It is nice to be home and have our clothes and stuff again. It is a bit overwhelming to deal with repairs, pay bills and go to appointments. We are finding enjoyment in plays, restaurants and walking. We need to return to the gym! I returned to the Cleveland Clinic today for our first appointment with the behavior therapis. She met with my husband and I to ask us multiple questions about the history of my disease. Other questions were related to my habits, behavior and attitude. I will continue to meet with her for guidance for my futu...