My Turn: Experience with Alzheimer's has made me grateful

June 17 marked a decade since the passing of my mom, Dorothy Lauter, due to the ravaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Although Mom is no longer with us, I am fortunate enough to have my father living with me. At 98, “Pop” continues to be my daily source of inspiration. Good health has enabled him to continue to be living under my roof and not in a nursing facility. For this I am grateful, especially in light of the numerous fatalities experienced in these settings from the coronavirus pandemic.

The debilitating effects suffered by Mom during her battle with Alzheimer’s still resonate with me daily. As a tribute, 10 years ago, and with the help of a very talented Long Island art teacher by the name of Ayallah Jeddah, I created a children’s book in Mom’s honor. The purpose of “Understanding Oma: A Sharing and Caring Alzheimer’s Story,” my self-published book, was to educate families, especially those with young children, about how to respond when a loved one is stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the consultants for my book was Dr. Jacques Winter, a Huntington neurologist who treated Mom during her illness. I recently met again with Dr. Winter to check my father’s cognitive health and to inquire about Alzheimer’s research advances.

In contrast to the continued decline in memory Mom experienced as she aged, Pop remains sharp, even as he approaches 99. I clearly witnessed this during his “cognitive checkup.” The doctor peppered Pop with an array of questions: “How many children do you have?” “What are their names and where do they live?”

Satisfied with Pop’s responses, the doctor made the following clarification: “As we get older, it may take longer for our brains to wake up.” With “wake up” being the operative term, the doctor emphasized granting seniors extra time each morning before engaging in any routine that tests their cognitive abilities.

Additional recommendations for improving brain fitness include this directive: “Get out of the chair!”

According to Dr. Winter, “The brain recognizes motion. Physical and social activity can lessen the decline. Isolation, with no departure from routine, works the opposite way.” One study revealed that exercising a half hour before an exam produces a higher score.

One more suggestion from the good doctor: “Turn off the television.” Better to engage in conversation with others, whether in person or over the phone.

Regarding advancements in the field of Alzheimer’s research, Dr. Winter shared that there were some experimental drugs being tested. In the meantime, the doctor emphasized maintaining good health, which includes “a good appetite and a good night’s sleep.”

I can only imagine now, 10 years after leaving us, that Mom would be happy to hear Dr. Winter offering me the following advice: “Be grateful and appreciative of your father’s happy outlook.”

I am!

Jim Lauter,

Huntington