tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48954574772886280872024-03-19T01:31:29.826-07:00The Kocian Family BlogZoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-4469053944568507352014-10-12T07:47:00.000-07:002014-10-12T07:54:56.733-07:00Day 7 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Swiss Steak<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<b>What is
Frontotemporal Degeneration?</b> People ask me all the time, "Is FTD like Alzheimer's Disease?" FTD affects different parts of the brain initially. Here are the main differences.</div>
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<span style="color: #6f4a7e; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Key
Differences between FTD and Alzheimer's<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
From <a href="http://www.alz.org/">www.alz.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Age at diagnosis</span></b><span style="color: #343637;"> may be an important clue. Most people with FTD are
diagnosed in their 50s and early 60s. Only about 10 percent are diagnosed after
age 70. Alzheimer's, on the other hand, grows more common with increasing age.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Memory loss</span></b><span style="color: #343637;"> tends to be a more prominent symptom in early Alzheimer's
than in early FTD, although advanced FTD often causes memory loss in addition
to its more characteristic effects on behavior and language.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Behavior changes </span></b><span style="color: #343637;">are often the first noticeable symptoms in bvFTD, the most
common form of FTD. Behavior changes are also common as Alzheimer's progresses,
but they tend to occur later in the disease.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Problems with spatial
orientation</span></b><span style="color: #343637;"> — for example,
getting lost in familiar places — are more common in Alzheimer's than in FTD.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Problems with speech.</span></b><span style="color: #343637;"> Although people with Alzheimer's may have trouble thinking
of the right word or remembering names, they tend to have less difficulty
making sense when they speak, understanding the speech of others, or reading
than those with FTD.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #343637; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hallucinations and
delusions</span></b><span style="color: #343637;"> are relatively
common as Alzheimer's progresses, but relatively uncommon in FTD.</span></li>
</ul>
<b>How has FTD
affected my family?</b><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wow, what a week!!!
I am wrapping up this week of posts sitting at my parents’ kitchen table
and reflecting on the weekend spent with them.
My mom spent the weekend pacing back and forth without uttering a word
during my visit. My dad spent the
weekend cleaning up after her. Daddy and
I got to cook together, drink wine together and just hang out and visit. The saying…Life goes on…applies to most
people. It doesn’t really apply to a
caregiver. Life starts and stops
repeatedly for the caregiver. I admire
my dad for taking care of my mother. My
dad surprises me each and every day with is ability to adapt to whatever my mom
throws his way. I know that my mother
would have done the same thing if the tables were turned. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The hardest thing right now is her incontinence. FTD has robbed her of her ability to know
when she needs to go to the bathroom or even know that she has gone to the
bathroom. When we go to visit my mom and
dad, their whole routine gets off track.
Bathroom breaks don’t happen as regularly, meal time changes,
medications get missed, bed-time gets later.
Even though it is the weekend for me and my family, it is not for my
dad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I asked my daughter this week how FTD has affected her
and she said that it makes her think of life in a different way. She no longer thinks the little things are
that important. I’m really proud of her
for feeling that way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As far as me, I miss my mother every day. Sometimes I wish that I had made an even
bigger effort to enjoy every moment I had with her, but then I have to remind
myself that I did what I could in the moment.
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<b>How can I help?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as
you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.theaftd.org</span></a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization
founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as
well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate,
reliable information and support. The
second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund
research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</span></a>
and make a donation during our 2nd Annual Food for Thought week, October 5-12.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Swiss Steak<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Swiss steak was always one
of my favorite meals growing up. I never
understood why my mom called it “Swiss” steak though. The only thing Swiss that I knew of was
cheese and this had nothing to do with cheese.
It did have a rich tomato gravy with green bell peppers and sliced
steak. Every time my mom served it (with
mashed potatoes) I was in heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1.5 pounds sirloin steak
or round steak sliced into ¼ inch slices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Flour for dredging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 teaspoon olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 small onion, diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 ribs celery, diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 green bell pepper,
sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 28 ounce can diced
tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">3 cloves garlic, smashed
and peeled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">½ teaspoon dried oregano
leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 bay leaf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Season meat with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour. Brown meat in hot oil. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil,
reduce heat and cook slowly for about 1 ½ hours or until tender stirring occasionally. Serve with mashed potatoes. Serves 4.<o:p></o:p></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-19155729336977118212014-10-11T08:19:00.000-07:002014-10-11T08:19:20.226-07:00Day 6 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Sundried Tomato Pesto<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is
Frontotemporal Degeneration?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At this time, there are no cures for this devastating
disease. However, the pace of research
is increasing rapidly. Scientists are
energized by advances in understanding these disorders and the first drugs for
FTD are entering clinical testing.
Funding for continued research is critical. Participation of patients and families in
studies is essential. A cure will only
be found through expanding partnerships between families and physicians,
scientists and funders, and policy makers and the public.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD
affected my family?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One blessing that has come out of this experience was
seeing my dad becoming the nurturer. It
comes natural for women being moms and wives to take care of the personal needs
of their families. It didn’t come easy
for my dad. This evolution of caregiving
has given me the opportunity to see my dad take care of my mom. Like I said, this was an evolution. When my mom was still capable of taking care
of her basic needs, my dad would get upset when she would not finish a task,
like unloading and reloading the dishwasher or folding and putting away the
laundry. We kept telling him to hire
someone to help around the house, but I think he thought that he and my mom
could take care of everything on their own.
The FTD support group we attended saw the fatigue in my dad’s face. They kept insisting that he get help…and he
finally did. Through a group in their
town he found a wonderful caregiver. She
fit right in and loved my parents as her own.
Now my dad has an opportunity to do the things around the house that he
hadn’t been able to and learn how to be a better caregiver.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As challenging as it may be at times and as resistant as
your loved one may be, it is so important to get help. That can be a support group, someone to come
help with housework, someone to take care of your loved one’s basic needs,
skilled nursing or even nursing home care.
Asking for help doesn’t mean you are a failure, it means that you love
the person you are caring for and you are taking care of you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sun Dried Tomato Pesto<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 jar 7-8 oz. oil packed sun dried tomatoes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Olive Oil (enough to make ¼ to ½ cup when combined with the
oil from the tomatoes)<o:p></o:p></div>
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4-8 cloves garlic<o:p></o:p></div>
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¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)<o:p></o:p></div>
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¼ cup fresh basil (packed)<o:p></o:p></div>
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½ t salt<o:p></o:p></div>
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drain tomatoes, reserving oil. Add olive oil to
reserved oil to equal ½ cup (I eyeball this and never use ½ cup of oil…more
like ¼ to ½ cup of oil).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combine drained tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, basil, salt and
Parmesan cheese in a food processor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cover and process until finely chopped. With machine
running, gradually add the oil. Process until smooth, scraping down sides
of processor as needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tip: The mixture will
initially clump in a ball and as you add the oil it will smooth out and spread
around the base of the food processor.
That’s when I know it is done.
You can save any remaining oil for sautéing veggies or meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-60360490822121205972014-10-10T05:35:00.001-07:002014-10-10T05:35:26.223-07:00Day 5 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Black Eyed Peas<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is
Frontotemporal Degeneration?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
FTD can affect language and ability to communicate. The person with FTD may develop problems
speaking fluently, understanding words, reading and writing. This is known as primary progressive aphasia
or PPA and there are several forms. Some
people become hesitant in their speech and begin to talk less, but appear to
retain the meaning of words longer (non-fluent variant). Others have difficulty understanding words
and recognizing objects, but retain the ability to produce fluent speech
(semantic variant).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD
affected my family?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Two of the scariest things about this disease began
shortly after my mom’s diagnosis. She
began having hallucinations and she began wandering. She would see rats in the corners inside the
house and snakes outside. She would also
see people watching her. She would go to
the guest house on their property where my grandmother had lived years ago. She would go there to visit with her. My grandmother died back in the ‘80s. She also had a difficult time sleeping and
would get up in the middle of the night and turn on all the lights. This was frustrating for my dad who was
losing sleep afraid that my mom would wander off in the middle of the
night. Some of this could have been from
new medications or it could have been from her brain deteriorating. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Before she got sick, my mom was faithful about walking
every day. When the disease set in, she
would take their dog and go for walks around their property. She stayed on the path that my dad had
carefully manicured. As the disease got
worse, she would forget to put her shoes on or tell my dad where she was
going. She quit taking the dog with her. One day my dad found her walking down the
middle of the street on a hot day, barefooted.
A couple of concerned drivers pulled over to make sure she didn’t get
hit by a car and called 911. Thank
goodness the sheriff’s department was understanding and let my dad get her back
to the house.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My dad has had to modify the house to keep my mom from
doing something that might injure her or someone else. He has put locks on the doors, he has turned
off the hot water faucets to some of the sinks in the house, he’s recently put
up a gate blocking off the kitchen so she doesn’t turn on the gas burners. He also found a guardrail for the bed that
keeps her from getting up in the middle of the night. This has helped my dad get a better night’s
sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How can I help?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as
you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.theaftd.org</span></a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization
founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as
well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate,
reliable information and support. The
second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund
research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</span></a>
and make a donation during our 2nd Annual Food for Thought week, October 5-12.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Alice’s Black-Eyed Peas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Serves 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 slices of lean smoked bacon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6 ounces ham, ¼ inch dice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup red onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 clove garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ tsp. salt plus more to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ tsp. pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ tsp. smoked paprika<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ tsp. ground cumin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 15 ounce can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the
bacon and ham till it begins to caramelize, stirring occasionally, about 5
minutes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Add the red onion, jalapeno and garlic. Sauté with the meat till veggies begin to
soften, about 3 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Add the dry seasonings and stir till fragrant, about 1
minute.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Cook stirring occasionally for about 3
minutes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Add black-eyed peas.
Stir, bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-2325419135881134832014-10-09T08:24:00.001-07:002014-10-09T08:24:14.677-07:00Day 4 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Favorite Pancakes<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is
Frontotemporal Degeneration?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Damage to the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes affects
complex thinking and reasoning. These
problems in “executive function” alter a person’s ability to plan, organize and
execute activities. People gradually
become less involved in routine daily activities and withdraw emotionally from
others. Symptoms may include
distractibility, inflexibility, reduced initiative, apathy, poor judgment and
abrupt mood changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD
affected my family?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On the weekends when my mom had more time around the
house, she would make us girls pancakes for breakfast. Then later when we had our own families and
would visit on the weekends, she would make pancakes for the grandkids and us. She had that recipe memorized and she would
whip up a batch in no time at all. And
no one had to worry if we ran out because if we did, she would just make
another batch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When the symptoms of FTD began to appear, she would have
to be coaxed to make those pancakes. As
she got worse, she was unable to plan and prepare the pancakes so one of us
would make them for her. She just didn’t
have the initiative anymore. This was
particularly hard on the grandchildren. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We were very open with the grandkids about her
degenerative disease, but it was still sad for them as well. My younger niece and nephew don’t concern
themselves with the fact that she rarely says a word or even smiles anymore. They just hop up in her lap and love on
her. My daughter has said many times how
much she misses her Grammy. It is very
important not to shield the children from the progression. Depending on their age, there are many ways
to approach the topic. The AFTD has
valuable resources for approaching the topic with children and teens at <a href="http://www.aftdkidsandteens.org/">http://www.aftdkidsandteens.org/</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How can I help?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as
you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.theaftd.org</span></a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization
founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as
well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate,
reliable information and support. The
second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund
research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</span></a>
and make a donation during our 2nd Annual Food for Thought week, October 5-12.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Favorite Pancakes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sift together:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 ¼ cup sifted all-purpose
flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">3 teaspoons baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 tablespoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Combine:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 egg beaten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 cup milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 tablespoon oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pour wet ingredients into
the dry ingredients and stir to combine until flour is moistened and batter is
lumpy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pour ¼ cup batter onto
hot, oiled griddle. Flip when bubbles
begin to form and break. Continue
cooking till the center is cooked and pancakes are browned. Makes 12-16 small pancakes.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-71835400634654844532014-10-08T07:23:00.004-07:002014-10-08T11:24:02.274-07:00Day 3 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Fruit Crisp<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is
Frontotemporal Degeneration?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The behavioral form of FTD is characterized by loss of
empathy and increasingly inappropriate social behavior. People gradually become less involved in
routine daily activities and withdraw emotionally from others. Unusual behaviors may include swearing, overeating
or drinking, impulsivity, repetitive behavior, sexually inappropriate behavior
or deterioration in personal hygiene habits.
The person may show little awareness of these behavior changes and
little or no concern for their effects on others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD
affected my family?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For me the most difficult part of FTD is mourning the
loss of my mother over and over and over.
I remember sitting in bed with her one evening crying to her that I
missed my mother and wanted her back.
She said, “I’m right here, Zoy.” And
what do you say when your loved one says they feel like they are disappearing
and you know that there is nothing you can do about it except to comfort
her. I’ve learned over the past several
years to try and live in the moment and make the most of each and every moment
with her and hold those memories close. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How can I help?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: none;">www.theaftd.org</a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate, reliable information and support. The second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to<a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: none;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</a> and make a donation during our 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Food for Thought week, October 5-12.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I love this recipe because it speaks to my mother’s
simplicity in life. She could always
make the simplest of ingredients taste amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Fruit Crisp<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Topping:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1/3 cup flour<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup uncooked oats<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 teaspoon cinnamon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup melted butter <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Fruit:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4 cups fruit (apples diced or berries)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 tablespoons of the topping<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Mix the topping ingredients together and set aside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Mix the fruit ingredients together. Pour into an 8x8 inch baking dish sprayed
with non-stick spray. Sprinkle the
topping over the fruit. Bake for 30
minutes or until bubbly and topping begins to brown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-12158584539217720682014-10-07T10:02:00.001-07:002014-10-07T10:02:16.668-07:00Day 2 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Italian Buttered Rice<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is Frontotemporal Degeneration?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The behavioral form of FTD is characterized by loss of
empathy and increasingly inappropriate social behavior. People gradually become less involved in
routine daily activities and withdraw emotionally from others. Unusual behaviors may include swearing,
overeating or drinking, impulsivity, repetitive behavior, sexually
inappropriate behavior or deterioration in personal hygiene habits. The person may show little awareness of these
behavior changes and little or no concern for their effects on others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD affected my family?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My mother didn't always love the holidays, particularly
Christmas. For years it brought back
feelings of loss, but once her kids were grown, on their own and beginning to
have children of their own, my mom’s love for the holidays really grew. I remember one Christmas around 2000 when she
had lit about 15 Christmas trees in and around their home. She had a tree decorated with crystals, one
with cars, one with Hallmark ornaments and one with handmade ornaments. She hung lights and decorated just about
every corner of the house. Christmas
dinner was carefully planned a good month in advance. We incorporated traditions from both my mom’s
and dad’s sides of the family with the same courses each year. My mother always made Italian Buttered Rice
among many other delicious foods for our Christmas meal. There was an abundance of food with plenty of
leftovers for the next day. My mother’s
love for the holidays filtered over into each of our families. We loved seeing our mother so happy. Then in 2010 we almost ran out of food and
she didn't buy gifts for the new grandchildren and she just really didn't care. FTD took away her emotional connection to the
holiday and family. We scrambled to find
last minute gifts. There isn't much open
on Christmas day in a town of only 2,500.
It was a nightmare. By the time
the next year rolled around, we were tasked with making sure that didn't happen
again. My mom participated in the
preparation of the food but she mostly supervised the cooking. She was only able to decorate one tree with
the help of the grandchildren. Each year
has gotten progressively worse. Last
year at Christmas as we were sitting down to eat, we didn't realize that she
was stuffing her mouth. She choked right
there at the table in front of everyone.
Fortunately we were able to come to my mother’s aid, but we have to
always be on our toes when food is involved. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How can I help?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as
you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/">www.theaftd.org</a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization
founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as
well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate,
reliable information and support. The
second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund
research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> and make a donation during our 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual
Food for Thought week, October 5-12.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Italian Buttered Rice</b> - <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Serves
4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 cup long grain rice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1-2 T butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1/4 t garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1/2 tsp dried oregano
leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 tsp dried basil leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1/4 tsp marjoram powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">6-8 ounces sliced fresh
mushrooms or 2 ounce jar of mushrooms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 cups vegetable, chicken
or beef stock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Preheat oven to 350
degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Melt butter in a 10-12
inch heavy oven proof skillet that has a tight fitting lid over medium
heat. Add the rice and minced garlic and
cook stirring frequently until the rice begins to turn golden and the garlic is
fragrant. If using garlic powder, add it
with the herbs in the next step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Add the herbs, mushrooms
and chicken stock. Bring to a
simmer. Taste liquid and add salt if
necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cover and place in
preheated oven. Cook for 30 minutes or
until rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You can serve this dish
with chopped fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Or you can do what my sisters and I used to do and drizzle a little
Italian vinaigrette on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-48620185335848072752014-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:002014-10-07T09:00:46.972-07:00Day 1 of Food for Thought – Alice’s Squash Casserole<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day from October 5-12, I will post one of my
mother’s recipes (my favorites of course), how FTD has affected my family and a
little bit about the AFTD. My mother has this terrible disease.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What is Frontotemporal Degeneration? </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) is a disease process
that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It causes a group of brain disorders that are
characterized by changes in behavior and personality, language and/or motor
skills, and an inevitable deterioration in a person’s ability to function. FTD is often diagnosed in the mid- to
late-50s, when a person is actively parenting and nearing the height of his or
her career. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How has FTD affected my family?</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My mother loved to cook.
She grew up helping her mom cook the food that came from their garden
and fields. One of my earliest memories
of my mother cooking was preparing and delivering supper to my dad who was
working the night shift at the bus station (chicken fried steak, green beans and
macaroni and cheese). My last memory of
my mom cooking was horrible. We were
getting ready to go to a family reunion.
She hadn’t been diagnosed with FTD yet, but the FTD was in high
gear…inappropriate comments were flying out of her mouth. We had put a squash casserole in the oven to
take to the reunion. While we were
waiting for it to cook, my mom decided the casserole needed toasted bread
crumbs on top. She had done this many
times successfully. She proceeded to
turn the burner on under the skillet, melt the butter and pour in the
breadcrumbs to toast. She then walked
away. When I got back to the kitchen,
the bread crumbs were burned. I lost my
patience which didn’t even phase my mother.
When I removed the casserole from the oven and before I could set the
potholders down, my mother poured the burned bread crumbs over the
casserole. I lost it and screamed at
her. I just knew she had done this on
purpose. Little did I know that she had
no control over this behavior. Six
months later we found out that she had the behavioral variant of FTD.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>How can I help?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The first thing you can do to help is to learn as much as
you can about FTD and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or AFTD (<a href="http://www.theaftd.org/">www.theaftd.org</a>). The AFTD is a not-for-profit organization
founded to advocate for more funding into the causes and treatments of FTD as
well as provide caregivers and patients with a dependable source of accurate,
reliable information and support. The
second thing you can do is make a donation to the AFTD. Your support helps to promote and fund
research into finding the cause, therapies and cures for FTD. Please go to <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels-food-for-thought-2014</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> and make a donation during our 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual
Food for Thought week, October 5-12.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Squash Casserole</b> – 6 servings (side dish)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My mother used to make this recipe with the abundance of
yellow squash in their garden. She would
make it in large batches and put into smaller freezer-to-oven containers to
save for a later date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 medium yellow squash, sliced into ½ inch rounds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 medium onion, diced<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup crushed crackers (like Saltines)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 Tablespoons butter, divided in half<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 egg, beaten<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ teaspoon pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup dried breadcrumbs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Place the squash in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the squash
till just tender. Drain well. Transfer to mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a large spoon, mash
about ½ of the squash.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a 10 inch skillet, saute onions in one tablespoon of
butter till tender. Add to squash.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Melt one tablespoon of butter in the skillet and lightly
brown the crackers. Add the crackers to
the squash mixture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine
everything. Spray an 8x8 inch baking
dish with cooking spray and fill with the squash mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until center is hot
and bubbly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Melt remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet and
brown the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle
breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole and serve.</div>
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-25776560779346393532013-05-14T15:13:00.000-07:002013-05-14T15:13:26.308-07:00So Where Do We Go From Here?Ever since Kiley asked me if I was going to get FTD and if that meant she also would get FTD, I've been a little troubled. I know there is a test that can identify the genetic markers for FTD and that if my mom has those genetic markers then I have a 50/50 shot of getting or not getting FTD, but do I really want to know?<br />
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That question brings me to the presentation I heard today at our monthly FTD support group meeting. The presenter was Dr. Ronald Devere, an Austin area neurologist specializing in memory loss and dementia. He really tried to drive home the likelihood or should I say the unlikelihood of developing genetic dementia.<br />
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So here are the numbers I heard:<br />
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Only 15-20% of FTD cases are genetic.<br />
.5% of Alzheimer's disease cases are genetic.<br />
10% of people over 65 have mild cognitive impairment.<br />
60% of people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia.<br />
40% of people with mild cognitive impairment don't develop dementia.<br />
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Stress is the biggest cause of memory loss.<br />
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Let's say that someone is predisposed to getting FTD or another type of dementia, something like surgery or anesthesia can trigger the development. This happened with my mother who had a stint put in a few years ago. She experienced extreme stress before, during and after her surgery and as she recovered, her personality and behavior went downhill. Another person could live out their life and never develop dementia but only experience mild cognitive impairment.<br />
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So needless to say, I am not as stressed out about getting FTD. Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-30845366444683573582013-04-06T15:25:00.001-07:002013-04-06T15:25:33.382-07:00More of the same...So I went to Hallettsville to work a party on Thursday. I stayed with my parents. My mom has been calm the last few times I've seen her. Little things that seem to be getting worse...pocketing food in her cheek as she eats. She eats really fast and her chewing and swallowing can't keep up. Another thing is her messing in her pants. She was on a med for a little while that caused this problem, and she got better when the doc switched that med, but she's doing it again. Daddy is a little more prepared this time around. Even gives her Imodium before a road trip. I'm more sad for my dad that he has to deal with that aspect. One thing that has been helpful for him is an online support group called Dementia, The Journey Ahead. It's on Facebook and gives info in little spurts so it doesn't get too overwhelming. Of course our monthly support group can't be beat. <br />
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Usually on my visits, the mornings are the most difficult with mother. She seems a little more scattered than normal, but as the day progresses she seems to calm down. <br />
<br />
I'm really glad I still have both my parents and it would be great if they aged according to the plan I had, but it hasn't. <br />
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I guess the saying, "It is what it is," is an appropriate slogan for FTD. Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-85611085851907248232013-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:002013-01-24T13:28:05.617-08:00Alice's AngelsWe've just about come to the one year anniversary of my mother's diagnosis of FTD (frontotemporal degeneration). This year also brings around the 2nd Annual "With Love" Campaign. My daughter and I decided to jump on the band wagon and start a page in honor of my mother and all the angels supporting her...We are calling it <a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels" target="_blank"><strong><em>Alice's Angels</em></strong></a>. We hope you take a moment to click on the link to learn a little more about our cause. The organization is trying to raise $50,000 between now and February 14, 2013. Kiley and I are trying to raise $1,000.<br />
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Some important links:<br />
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The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration - <a href="http://www.theaftd.org/">www.theaftd.org</a><br />
Alice's Angels - <span style="font-family: ".HelveticaNeueUI"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels"><span style="color: blue;">http://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/alice-s-angels</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-25719920501175135432012-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:002012-10-03T11:36:02.747-07:00Symptoms, Side-effects, Medications...Oh My!!!So it was great seeing my parents again this past weekend. My mom has her ups and downs with FTD...we seem to be in a slightly "down" time right now. We spent Saturday at Kolache Fest with my in-laws. It was so nice seeing some of my mom's friends who are all concerned about both my mom and my dad.<br />
<br />
At mother's last neurology appointment, Dr. Schulz prescribed 250mg of Depakote. Depakote is used to help FTD patients slow down just enough to think before they speak. I think it is also supposed to slow her ADHD brain down just a little. Anyway, Daddy was supposed to increase the dose by 250mg each week if her symptoms didn't improve. She could have up to 1000mg per day. The reason Daddy increased the medication from 500mg to 750mg was because he hadn't seen improvement in her ability to "put on the brakes" with her thought-to-mouth process. It has done nothing to help...instead, we are thinking that it might be making her hallucinations/delusions worse.<br />
<br />
She is visiting the guest house behind their home (where her mom lived while she was sick with Alzheimer's) to talk with her mom. She opened the front door to let her mom in her house. She sees one of their former employees all the time. She even drew a picture of him with a Sharpie on the sliding glass door.<br />
<br />
So Daddy is making some notes in preparation to talk either with Dr. Schulz's nurse or Dr. Schulz himself about the medication and what could be causing the hallucinations/delusions.<br />
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On a better note, my mom's blood sugar and blook pressure are ideal according to the endocrinologist. She just needs to kick up the exercise a bit.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-5419537370202100452012-09-28T12:58:00.001-07:002012-09-28T12:58:24.388-07:00Learning to live and love in spite of a personality-robbing diseaseHere is a link to a wonderful article about care taking for a spouse with FTD. <br />
<br />
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/44479-living-with-frontotemporal-degeneration?Itemid=1&linktype=hp_featuredZoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-67790154262161260742012-09-10T13:53:00.003-07:002012-09-10T13:53:46.506-07:00On Disappearing...So my mother's birthday just passed...she turned 68. She and my dad came to Round Rock to visit for the weekend. Daddy called me very frustrated on Friday...her actual birthday. They had been planning to go out to a nice dinner in her hometown of Moulton, Texas. She had told my dad that she wanted to eat at Kloesel's Steakhouse for her birthday. Daddy had planned to take her a little early to avoid the crowd on Friday evening. Mother doesn't do well with crowds of people anymore. They were going to have a nice dinner and then head to Round Rock the next morning. Daddy called frustrated because mother had decided that she was going to wait in the hot car until he was ready to leave. This of course was about four hours prior to their planned trip. Daddy kept having to go get her and bring her in till he finally called and said they were going to eat and come straight to Round Rock. So that is what they did.<br />
<br />
We had a lovely weekend. We swam Friday evening and ate light appetizers. Our friends Ken and Julie came over for a visit, too. <br />
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One of the main reasons mother and daddy had decided to come to visit was because they both needed to do a little shopping. Mother for clothes and daddy for shoes. On Saturday we ventured out in the early afternoon. Kiley and I went ahead to Chico's to get things lined up and to tell them about my mother's brain disease. It worked beautifully. We had lots of clothes lined up for her to try on. I even had some glimpses of the old mother. She loved to shop and buy beautiful new things. On this particular shopping trip, she found a beautiful bracelet right when she walked in. Of course she bought it. And even though it was a lot of work, everyone got what they wanted out of the trip.<br />
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On Sunday my mom knew they were going back to Hallettsville so she started heading to the car early again. We had to re-direct her several times before she and daddy finally left.<br />
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This time my mom mentioned that she felt like we were disappearing.<br />
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Today I found a NY Times article that I wanted to share. It is about disappearing:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/magazine/my-mothers-struggle-with-dementia.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/magazine/my-mothers-struggle-with-dementia.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all</a><br />
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-35010338272765148552012-08-31T16:41:00.001-07:002012-08-31T16:41:46.069-07:00Seeing Things That Just Aren't ThereSo I talked to my dad for a while this afternoon. He sounded really good. Here's what he said about mother. Mother has now been on Depicote for a few weeks. She's up to twice per day. Daddy said she's calmer but she told him she's seeing things that she knows aren't there. She is sleeping good but doesn't go to bed till late and then sleeps till noon. She still seems to get obsessed about things. She thinks Lauren is there. She also goes to the guesthouse to tell granny about family. I'm just so sad to be losing my mother to FTD. It is horrible. <br />
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James and I went walking last might at one of the middle schools in Georgetown last night. It brought back memories of better days with my mom. She could focus on exercise, carry on conversations and show a little empathy. She's pretty much lost everything. She had complex thought processes and could reason. <br />
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Wow...what a difference a few years makes. Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-66682208446703295362012-08-18T13:46:00.001-07:002012-08-18T13:46:07.890-07:00Happiness...TodayI feel like I have my mother back...somewhat. <br />
<br />
So last week the neurologist recommended a new medication to help slow my mom down a little. Depicote. He called it "brakes". It's an anti-seizure med that is used for a lot of things besides seizures. Anyway, she's only taken two small doses but I can already tell a difference. I can carry on a conversation with her, she went to a party last night and stayed longer than an hour and she hasn't been pacing back and forth for food. She's not quite as OCD. I'm going to try to enjoy every minute with my mom. <br />
<br />
I know there are a lot of FTD patients that don't take meds like Namenda or ant-depressants or Depicote because they don't feel like themselves but for the first time in months when I asked my mom how she felt, she said, "I don't feel like I'm going to disappear." This is huge!! I feel like I have my mother back. I'm happy. Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-21756136622734215152012-06-06T09:06:00.002-07:002012-08-19T06:33:26.916-07:00Howard's BlogI wanted to post a link to Howard Glick's latest blog post about apathy and dimentia.<br />
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<a href="http://earlydementiasupport.blogspot.com/2012/06/ftd-and-apathy.html?spref=fb">http://earlydementiasupport.blogspot.com/2012/06/ftd-and-apathy.html?spref=fb</a><br />
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-961443749008764742012-05-12T21:12:00.001-07:002012-05-12T21:15:27.340-07:00Mother's Day WeekendSo playing Scrabble with my mom isn't the same as it used to be. Now I'm playing with my mom and FTD. I have to keep score now...she used to do that. I have to help her find words sometimes or remind her to play on a double or triple to get more points but that is okay...at least we can still play. <br />
<br />
I decided to get her a new art set for Mother's Day. I figured if she sparks the creative juices in her brain at least a few times a week that would be a great start. <br />
<br />
It takes a lot to get her motivated and keep her motivated, but she is so afraid of "losing" herself that I think she is willing to try anything and so am I. <br />
<br />
I love my mom so much and am so grateful to still have her in my life<br />
<br />
Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-25583943926148903642012-05-09T15:02:00.000-07:002012-05-10T07:32:01.597-07:00FTD RevelationsSo another FTD support group meeting has come and gone. I learned two very important things.<br />
<br />
1. If your loved one seems to take a sudden turn for the worse, it is most likely due to another illness. Once that illness is treated, your loved one should return to their normal FTD state.<br />
<br />
2. Even though someone with FTD doesn't show empathy and love in the same way they used to, it doesn't mean they don't benefit from signs of affection...a hug or kiss or "I love you." Just because they may not be able to outwardly initiate those signs doesn't mean they don't experience the feelings and love the affection.<br />
<br />
I also wanted to share a number of links to articles and videos that I've come across recently. It is really great that these journalists are writing about FTD. It is getting the word out about this terminal disease.<br />
<br />
Forbes article: Inside The Mind Of Frontotemporal Degeneration: A Patient's Story - By: Alice G. Walton<br />
(Featuring Howard Glick)<br />
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/05/09/inside-the-mind-of-frontotemporal-degeneration-a-patients-story/">http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/05/09/inside-the-mind-of-frontotemporal-degeneration-a-patients-story/</a><br />
<br />
NY Times article: When illness makes a spouse a stranger - By: Denise Grady<br />
<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47314169/ns/health-alzheimers_disease/t/nyt-when-illness-makes-spouse-stranger/?fb_ref=.T6dLFYvIAx8.like&fb_source=timeline">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47314169/ns/health-alzheimers_disease/t/nyt-when-illness-makes-spouse-stranger/?fb_ref=.T6dLFYvIAx8.like&fb_source=timeline</a><br />
<br />
Forbes article: The Other Side of Frontotemporal Degeneration: Inside A Deteriorating Brain - By: Alice G. Walton<br />
(This is kind of a follow up to the NY Times article<br />
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/05/09/the-other-side-of-frontotemporal-degeneration-inside-a-deteriorating-brain/">http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/05/09/the-other-side-of-frontotemporal-degeneration-inside-a-deteriorating-brain/</a>Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-89408294293735480352012-04-15T18:14:00.003-07:002012-04-15T18:14:35.819-07:00Gumbo Practice<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In two weeks is the <a href="http://www.fiddlersfrolics.com/index.html">State Championship Fiddler's Frolics and BBQ Cookoff</a>. My family has been cooking in this competition since the beginning between my uncles and my dad, mom, sisters and now my husband and brothers-in-law and our various friends. So a few years ago, my mom had a first place win in the Jackpot Gumbo Cookoff. We've been trying to match her win ever since. So I did take a stab at it last year with my mom's supervision. She kept telling me that my roux wasn't dark enough, but I totally chickened out and made a blonde roux which made my gumbo beige and boring and bland.</div>
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This year I'm taking another stab at it. I've been reading as much as I can about roux and okra and file and all things gumbo. Here is my first attempt at roux. It could probably be a little darker, but I didn't want to take a chance at it burning and then having to start all over. I think it looks like milk chocolate which is one of the descriptions I read about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX2hqPbJHYwtjCYYo5pOLOOQEcnHjUreo9-U8TQ4Uf1HTRfSKxunpzBTyaRiccUxXZKnoWgjLTTGQ9pKUSBBRkBcKl0WiLVMoM2AD9XgM05Ak70No8gOVzb3_qAsTRlA5ckyM2O28V5U/s1600/1Roux.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX2hqPbJHYwtjCYYo5pOLOOQEcnHjUreo9-U8TQ4Uf1HTRfSKxunpzBTyaRiccUxXZKnoWgjLTTGQ9pKUSBBRkBcKl0WiLVMoM2AD9XgM05Ak70No8gOVzb3_qAsTRlA5ckyM2O28V5U/s320/1Roux.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used a combination of bacon fat and vegetable oil. Next time I think I am just going to go with straight vegetable oil. I think I will get a cleaner and more consistent roux.</div>
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Next was the trinity...celery, onion and green bell pepper...I added it to the roux.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYCsnAAaQuSOw5eXiDNZuHdwPP0kkwsGL6gZ_Y1l7kJXw1e_QeZnePqe0nrRt3fSoTjR5sipp4XSa21xvIo1nq0otXLHzfzcnpRr8fISqkR9-Wlr5INy-IssSqaYa2TQzg68xi4gXd04/s1600/2Trinity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYCsnAAaQuSOw5eXiDNZuHdwPP0kkwsGL6gZ_Y1l7kJXw1e_QeZnePqe0nrRt3fSoTjR5sipp4XSa21xvIo1nq0otXLHzfzcnpRr8fISqkR9-Wlr5INy-IssSqaYa2TQzg68xi4gXd04/s320/2Trinity.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I cooked this together for about 10 minutes which softened the vegetables.</div>
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Then I added the stock.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5s-soiE_W5izxgpg55beLOyo1kgQpwFlMK7xxQYmEzYN7uTjYKxAo5JsKXpir-NxPi2u7XyemzfLvIurKpPwFhNCqETpGBqSjzMDlwnqfwzM61Qhk7LGTmc3ojNwwGZsd6ZyY1Eu9tg/s1600/3Stock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5s-soiE_W5izxgpg55beLOyo1kgQpwFlMK7xxQYmEzYN7uTjYKxAo5JsKXpir-NxPi2u7XyemzfLvIurKpPwFhNCqETpGBqSjzMDlwnqfwzM61Qhk7LGTmc3ojNwwGZsd6ZyY1Eu9tg/s320/3Stock.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I simmered this mixture together for about 30 minutes before adding my bay leaf, sausage and shrimp. Cooked this together for about 15 minutes, removed the bay leaf and added salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. I decided that I didn't want to add the okra since the roux did a great job at thickening it. I may buy a little file to sprinkle on top to make it more authentic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-gAQvqKA5WZtPzgkJatj1giK9e8DzckGVufs-fYNVAn_HGxLmk_-G9ZUmSgv9ObukNlnKjEXYVj4gz6PuQ3bMLRA5H0pHWsCcJSMiDS8xfGJj6ZLuaht2GVU8kXB7OyiONJKMGyGcAU/s1600/4Gumbo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-gAQvqKA5WZtPzgkJatj1giK9e8DzckGVufs-fYNVAn_HGxLmk_-G9ZUmSgv9ObukNlnKjEXYVj4gz6PuQ3bMLRA5H0pHWsCcJSMiDS8xfGJj6ZLuaht2GVU8kXB7OyiONJKMGyGcAU/s320/4Gumbo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And voila. With a little rice, and some scallion for garnish, the taste was awesome. I got two thumbs up from both James and Kiley. I'm going to take a sample to my neighbor who is from Louisianna for one more little taste test.</div>Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-54586049167848048232012-04-10T14:57:00.002-07:002012-04-10T15:06:49.851-07:00My brain feels like mush...So I know that my mom knows that she has FTD, but I don't know if she knows what that means. She does know that it is dimentia and that it is affecting her behavior. She just can't control it all the time. At one point this weekend, she said her brain felt like mush. At another point she asked Donna what her name was and then later said that her biggest fear was forgetting her kid's names. It is getting harder and harder for her to control her behavior and sometimes she just lets it all go.<br /><br />I love my mother so much and wish I could have her back the way she was five years ago.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-63790567340027260222012-04-02T09:27:00.003-07:002012-04-02T09:46:34.406-07:00Howard's BrainThis is a really entertaining video recorded by an FTD patient to raise money and awareness about FTD. I hope you take a moment to watch it.<br /><br /><a class="UIShareStage_InlineEdit inline_edit">Howard's Brain</a><br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thinkfilm/howards-brain?ref=live">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thinkfilm/howards-brain?ref=live</a><br /><br />To learn more about FTD and Howard see these sites:<br />National Institutes of Health: <a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm</a><br />The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: <a href="http://www.theaftd.org" target="_blank">http://www.theaftd.org</a><br />Howard’s Blog: <a href="http://earlydementiasupport.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://earlydementiasupport.blogspot.com/</a>Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-62051115397431993782012-04-02T09:10:00.003-07:002012-04-02T09:36:40.438-07:00Bill's Story...as told by his son.An interesting video about a father and husband who has FTD. Bill Fehon was an avid bow hunter. His son is creating a documentary about his father's life. This video was taken at the annual bowhunter's meeting. There are some videos within this video of Bill Fehon and of his wife that show the disease in the early stages. The early stages can last many years. The final two stages go pretty quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://youtu.be/DItwiqApj-o">http://youtu.be/DItwiqApj-o</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DItwiqApj-o&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DItwiqApj-o&feature=player_embedded</a><br /><br />The two links above are just two different ways to get to the same video.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-45319190845743554182012-04-02T08:40:00.003-07:002012-04-02T12:07:23.032-07:00Words of EncouragementI receive the AFTD newsletter and saw this article in it about a husband who has FTD and the wife's experience. I am reposting for your reading.<br /><br /><br /> From Catherine Montgomery<br /> <br /> Finding Companionship in a<br /> Silent World<br /><br /> The hours when there is no communication between my husband and me make<br /> me wonder if this is what it is like to live with a deaf person. Robb,<br /> however, is not deaf. He has FTD--Frontotemporal Degeneration--a<br /> dementia that that has taken away his ability to converse. I call it<br /> living in a vacuum. As the dementia has progressed, one by one, the<br /> many and varied interests of his have dropped out of his memory. The<br /> creative gifts have also disappeared. First the gift of surgical talent<br /> was stilled, and then it was his ability to design and create stained glass<br /> pieces. All memory of that artistic era has disappeared. He used to be<br /> full of ideas and had opinions about many subjects. Now I guide him<br /> through the day with a simple routine of sleeping, waking, eating and<br /> dispensing medicines. We do watch TV, and he chooses music to play on a small<br /> DVD/CD player. The one outdoor activity, which marks each day, is<br /> feeding the birds. He no longer can tell me the names of the birds or<br /> identify the calls as he used to do. There is one thing he can do well<br /> and that is to beat me at Gin. We slowly play several hands after<br /> dinner, and he continually outplays me.<br /><br /> Recently Robb was asked, "How did you decide to become a<br /> podiatrist?" Unable to recall his decision, he looked to me to answer<br /> the question. Listening to me as I related the events, which led to a<br /> discussion of his life's work, it was as if he were hearing it for the first<br /> time...like it was a story about someone else.<br /><br />Catherine<br /> Montgomery<br /> <br /> As I do not see the situation improving in Robb's condition, I must make a<br /> friend of the silence. There have been times as a young mother, raising six<br /> children, when I would have welcomed some quiet. Little did I know how<br /> a day without sociable conversation would make me work to keep engaged with<br /> the world around me...trying to interpret what Robb struggles to say takes<br /> all my concentration and sometimes we just give up.<br /><br /> I am really glad that there are activities that I can do to fill the hours of<br /> quiet. It has allowed me to take a renewed interest in planning and<br /> preparing meals, to write to family and friends, and to begin painting once<br /> more. We have family and friends who come to visit, and even though Robb does<br /> not contribute to the conversation, he is a part of the group.<br /><br /> As our children come to visit us, Robb no longer struggles to keep back tears<br /> when they leave. The first time this happened I asked him, "You<br /> don't think you will see them again, do you?" He nodded yes.<br /> Then we both cried. Tears are really helpful, and we do not hold them<br /> back. One of the precious moments we share now is tears. I would<br /> never have expected this to have the meaning it does.<br /><br /> I share these various ways I can help my beloved husband with the hope that I<br /> may help someone else who will walk along the same path.<br /> <br /> --an exerpt from Memory is a Fragile Thing<br /> - Reflections of my life experiences from childhood to the present. ©<br /> <br /> If you have Words of<br /> enCOURAGEment that you would like to share in upcoming issues of The Gateway,<br /> please email them to <a href="mailto:amaher@theaftd.org" shape="rect" target="_blank">amaher@theaftd.org</a> with "words of encouragement" in<br /> the subject line.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-53977562522896506902012-03-07T15:52:00.002-08:002012-03-07T15:58:19.192-08:00So I'm feeling kind of sad today. My mom went to spend a couple of nights with Donna. She wanted to go home after the first night because she was missing my dad. I thought that was really sweet, but I'm glad that she stayed another night. It is really sad for me to think about all the fun times that I had with my mother before <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FTD</span> and that I will never have THAT mom again. On the other hand, it is great to see my dad step up. My mom has had to step up on so many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasions</span> for so many of us. My dad is taking great care for her just as she would of him and has in the past.<br /><br />James and I had lunch today and were talking about vacations during the school year. Those will be things of the past since we no long have parents that can stay with Kiley for any length of time. That makes me sad, too.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4895457477288628087.post-15485069629215203732012-02-23T07:52:00.001-08:002012-02-23T08:19:29.727-08:00So I never did post anything after the AFTD support group meeting.<br /><br />The meeting was both comforting and informative. I'm actually looking forward to the next meeting.<br /><br />This past weekend we celebrated James' 50 birthday. My family came to help celebrate along with some of James' co-workers as well as some of our friends. When Randy and Kathy Frederick arrived I went to greet them. My mother followed me. She called Kathy "Cindy" and thought she knew her from a wedding. I had told them previously about my mom's disease. They were very understanding. It really helped to have gone to the support group meeting to learn strategies of how to deal with awkward situations.<br /><br />One of the handouts from the support group meeting was a card that said "Please excuse my companion. She has Frontotemporal Disease which affects her behavior." It is amazing how forgiving and patient people can be if they understand.<br /><br />It makes me very sad that my mother has an irreversable disease that will eventually end her life. I guess that is a pretty drastic way to look at what's going on.Zoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03987919803482822058noreply@blogger.com0