FEBRUARY 12/13, 2008 - VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE CNN.COM ARTICLE
Many of you are aware of the CNN.com article that appeared on that website on Monday. The subject was the effect of Alzheimer’s Disease on marriage. It was written by a geriatric physician who interviewed me and other spouses for her research.

Although I am extremely grateful to Dr. Loengard for bringing this issue to the forefront, I did tell her that I was disappointed that my portion of the article came across as quite negative, and I would like to set the record straight here. Yes, I did say, and have always said, that Alzheimer’s Disease has a devastating effect on a loving marriage; that the personality changes and temper tantrums were shocking and painful to me. Alzheimer’s Disease has altered the dynamics of our relationship, stressed us both to the breaking point, saddened us both to tears, changed the husband I knew, and yes, has made him act like a monster at times. But those of you who have been reading this website since the beginning know that Sid and I have worked very hard to keep the love we have always had for one another. Through Alzheimer’s support and education, we feel we have been successful, given the disease we are up against. Please click the following links for a more positive perspective:

1. Our Love Story

2. Changing Places With My Alzheimer Spouse

3.Who Will Kill the Bugs?

4.The Bond that Cannot be Broken

5.My Husband, My Hero

My E-mail Inbox was inundated with messagesfrom people who read the article. Most responses were very positive. I apologize that there were too many for me to answer each individually, as I usually like to do. I am going to have to resort to sending out a “bulk” e-mail of thanks to all who wrote. If any of those writers are reading this, please accept my gratitude for your messages of support. To those of you who are dealing with family members other than spouses, please log onto www.alz.org for resources and information.

JOAN'S BLOG - Wednesday, February 13, 2008- THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO THE CNN.COM ARTICLE

Although the negative slant of Monday's CNN.com article upset me enough that I wrote a clarification (see below), your responses have all been positive. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My plans for this website are as they were in the beginning – to offer support, information, and Blogs of my experiences to which you can relate, so we all will feel less alone.

My husband and I will continue to face these dreadful Alzheimer challenges as they present themselves. Each new episode is more painful than the last, but we have no choice but to do the best we can with the tools we have acquired from our support group, books, and conferences.

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com

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