Letter: Reader offers advice to caregivers

'The Longest Day” evokes two memories: June 6, D-Day in Europe; and June 21, the longest day of the year.

On June 21 we also commemorated the caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease. Most have read the number of people affected by Alzheimer's and who have died from Alzheimer's. At present, it's an incurable and untreatable disease.

The unseen longest day is the stress on caregivers. In my case, my wife Sheryl was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's in 2008. In December 2013, we moved Sheryl to assisted care and in 2016 to skilled nursing. That was a longest day that lasted four years until her passing last December.

What advice can I offer? Be sure you have family and friends' support to help you and aid in decision-making. Find a local support group (Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter, (319) 294-9699). There are at least two in Johnson County. Make a will. Visit care facilities and put their name on a list so when you are no longer able to care for your loved one, while maintaining your own health, you have a place for them. Volunteer to participate in Alzheimer's research projects (TrialMatch.org). Sheryl was on an 18-month infusion study and I am volunteering and participating in two studies, all with the University of Iowa.

Contact your senators and representatives and ask them to support Alzheimer's research. Participate in Alzheimer's walks to raise funds and awareness. Finally, do not put off making Alzheimer's decisions, it will not get easier.

Palmer Holden

Iowa City