Lonnie Ali’s “Fight for More” campaign

I just discovered a compelling interview of Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie, in the Oct/Nov issue of Today’s Caregiver Magazine. In the interview she discusses her role as wife and caregiver to the great boxing champion – who is suffering from the ravages of Parkinson’s Disease.

Lonnie has helped launch the “Fight for More” campaign which aims to provide education, resources and support for other caregivers of the one and a half million afflicted with Parkinson’s. Take a look at her Caregiver Tip Sheet for ideas on how get the most out of your life with your afflicted loved one.

Senile Dementia

The best overview of Alzheimers Disease I have read to date is provided by the American Healthcare Foundation. The Foundation offers educational programs related to specific illnesses. Alzheimers is one of them.

I quote from their summary:

“Unfortunately, although there are medications to control symptoms and diminish progression, Alzheimer’s is a degenerating disease that is neither gender nor race specific. It’s difficult for both for the patient and the family to adjust to changes that occur over the course of the disease.”

This is perhaps the cruelest of afflictions to befall our seniors – and their families!