Hello Friend,

I'm a professional songwriter. I'm also someone who knows what it's like to care for someone with Alzheimer's. I am releasing a song on my web site in anticipation of National Alzheimer's Disease Month (November), so that families everywhere, involved in the caregiving of an Alzheimer's victim, can know that others have gone through what they are going through.

"CHARLIE" was written as a reflection of my own family's experience with my father-in-law, Charles, a victim of Alzheimer's. The song has touched the hearts of all who have heard it. I hope you like it and will forward it to others.

Sincerely,

John Dominick Carratello

GO TO: www.songsforalltimes.com/charlie.htm

Please be patient. The faster your computer, the faster the song will download.

Message Removed

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike K,

I personally find messages such as this totally ludicrise and should not be allowed here. There is NO CURE for Alzheimers Disease at this time. There are only medications that can ease the symptoms and slow the progression and no guarantee with that. It is messages such as this that give false hope to those that are new to following Dementia Road in hopes of a cure.

quote:

Originally posted by My Grandmother was helped:
My Grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 4 years ago. Today her Alzheimer's is GONE! I am serious...GONE! Dr Peterson of The Peterson Clinic, saved her life. No drugs and no surgery used. Your own MD guiding you the whole time, too. Call The Peterson Clinic at (949) 215-0972

Dear John,

What a touching and beautiful tribute to your father in law. It is very well written and I love your voice. If you read this, will you post your song in the caregivers forum? Your song will get more exposure and it is certainly worthy of it. May God bless you and keep you and your Pop and family through this journey.

Peace be with you,
Marcie

The Following is an email I received that I felt was wonderful and thought I'd pass it on:

To whom it may concern,

My mom died after a long fight with Alzheimer's on 10/28/2006; her funeral was 11/01/2006. I am still grieving the loss of my Mom. While trying to find some comfort online, I discovered the most amazing song that is a tribute to the love shared by former President Ronald Reagan and his lovely wife Nancy. It brought tears to my eyes, and to my dad as well.
If their is no specific song associated to the cause of Alzheimer's, may I propose "The Long Goodbye", written by Mr. Ken Johnson. You will find attached the email I sent to family and friends, in honor of my Mom's 1st. year anniversary from passing, followed by an amazing slideshow about the love story of Mr. and Mrs. Reagan, with the lyrics of "The Long Goodbye".
As a daughter and as a physician, I thought I was prepared for the day she would leave; I was wrong, nothing can prepare you for this.
The lyrics of that song, are the only words I ever found, that described the true feelings and emotions felt by the victim and their loved ones.
I am convinced that other victims and their families, could also find some comfort listening to that song, as it did for me.
Regards,
Dr. Carole M. Dean M.D., FRCS(c)
dr.dean@northsideents.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaRexAgjWug

The Long Goodbye

We shared a wondrous life
It's hard to understand
But I have to say goodbye
Now while I still can

And though we've done it all
There's still so much to do
Our spring will turn to fall
As I winter without you

Remember all the smiles
But if you need to cry
Love's never out of style
Despite The Long Goodbye

And those who still believe
In love so deep and pure
Won't feel we've been deceived
By the things we must endure

I won't ask you to stay
But I'm praying that you'll try
I'll love you anyway
Despite The Long Goodbye

I know it's hard to see
A mind no longer there
But my heart will always be
As long as I breathe air

And in eternity
My love will fill the sky
As I watch and wait for thee
But now the Long Goodbye
I'll watch and wait for thee
'Til you can be with me
But now The Long Goodbye


Words and Music by
© Ken Johnson Copyright 2004

Ken

My sister and I are taking care of my mom (age 61) who has been diagnosed with FTD. She had been displaying unusual behaviour for a few years and we all blew it off as her needing extra attention following my father's passing. She was in a car accident in January 07 and suffered brain damage. We had to make visits with her to her nuerologist which is when we found out she was being treated for FTD for 3 years prior to the accident.

It is extremely difficult to care for her due to she displays inappropriate behaviour and repeats the same sentences over and over for hours on end. She also spits on the floor and displays inappropriate se*ual behaviour. It seems she's tried every mediciation there is to help with the impulses and nothing seems to work.

It's gotten so bad we are going through the dreaded process of placing her in a assisted living facility. We both are exhausted but are very distraught about her leaving our care.

If anyone has any advice or medications that have worked for you or your family members please advise.

May God bless and strenghten every one of you going through this horrible disease and the caregivers that lovingly provide for you!

has anyone brought dimebon into the us

tgoodson, Have you tried Clonidine- or another impulse control medication. It does seem like your mother may be too advanced in her symptoms to be helped significantly by impulse meds- but you might want to ask her doctor if Clonidine or another medicine in that family would be helpful. I hope you and your sister can find some strength to carry on.

Thank you CJDaughter. My mom has a Dr's appt on Tuesday and I will ask about the Clonidine. Thanks again!!!

I just heard this song and cried

For me, it's a song called "Can't Remember If We Said Goodbye" by Steve Earle. Touching for a lot of reasons.