Celebrating Caregivers on World Alzheimer's Day
Dear Caregivers,
One of my favorite days of the year is coming up. On September 21, communities around the world unite in a global effort to support those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. It’s a day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for the families and caregivers walking this journey.
Over the years, many caregivers have shared with me the deep loneliness they’ve felt after losing vital social connections during their loved one’s illness. At NAN, we work to change that. Every caregiver is paired with a personal Navigator—a trusted guide who provides not only information but also the human connection we all need.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, as we stand together to support all those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss, I want to share three special resources with you. I hope you’ll take a few minutes—just ten is enough—to explore them.
Take a Virtual Tour:
Seeing the world in a new light can bring fun and joy into the day. As an exclusive offering of NAN, you can visit the beautiful city of Florence, Italy and explore its majestic, ancient churches, all from your chair. Click here to watch a virtual video tour of this famous city and its treasures.
How to Manage the Stress of Caregiving:
Sometimes the stress of being a caregiver can be overwhelming. But did you know that the attitude you bring toward the stressful events you experience can play a big role in how your body and mind respond? In this Caregiving Essentials video presentation, caregiving expert Pat DeAngelis (RN) and I explore how to manage stress and build a healthier life.
I Wrote the Book…for You!
In a book I co-wrote about this topic, "Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss", we shared one caregiver's journey as she and her family cared for her mother. As an exclusive content offering for NAN subscribers, you can read chapters of this book in PDF format on the NAN website. Click here to explore!
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“When we replace stigma with understanding, we create a world where no caregiver walks alone.”
— World Alzheimer's Day message