by Ava Butler | May 9, 2021 | Caregiving, Depression, Parkinson's
Caregiving is stressful and depressing. So is having Parkinson’s. The sugar-laden, high-fat foods we often crave when we are stressed or depressed, as comforting as they are, may be the least likely to benefit our mental health. This New York Times article...
by Ava Butler | Mar 14, 2021 | Dementia, Exercise, Lewy body dementia
Exercise can change how crucial portions of our brain communicate as we age, improving aspects of thinking and remembering, according to a fascinating new study of aging brains and aerobic workouts. Sedentary, older adults who took aerobic dance classes twice a week...
by Ava Butler | Jan 18, 2021 | Breathing, Caregiving, Dementia, Grieving, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's
Even four years after my husband’s passing, I still have trouble breathing. I still find myself holding my breath in an attempt to suppress the pain. This article is helpful and I will take its advice....
by Ava Butler | Jan 10, 2021 | Caregiving, Dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's
I recently participated in a family intervention to convince my mother that it is no longer safe for her to drive. My mom’s dementia is in early stages, but is interfering with some abilities. She was defensive and insisted it was a problem with the car, not...
by Ava Butler | Jan 4, 2021 | Caregiving, Dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's
Music is a powerful tool for managing emotions. My dear husband Richard had Parkinson’s and Lewy-body dementia, and needed 24 hour caregiver support. We listened to his favorite rock music to get him up and ready for the day. We listened to classical music...
by Ava Butler | Nov 29, 2020 | Caregiving, Dementia, Depression, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's, Support groups
This is a difficult time of year for me. It’s the 4th year I have spent the holidays as a widow. I don’t like that job title. Not at all. It’s a time of year I need to be proactive to manage my emotions. David Kessler is the grief specialist and...
