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  You are here:  AllExperts > People/Relationships > Senior Health > Alzheimer`s Disease

Expert Profile: Mary Gordon

Expertise:  Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!

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What do you like about this subject?  Absolutely nothing. This is a horrible disease and has a terrible impact on families. The positive that comes out of it is being able to help other people who need support and information.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?  To be helpful - to give accurate, timely, useful information and advice, in a compassionate and supportive manner.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:  Many families do not realize that "senility" is not a normal part of aging. It always has a cause, and it should never be accepted without a thorough medical exploration. There are treatable causes of confusion, and new drugs to help slow down the progress for incurable causes.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject  Personal peeve: Doctors who do not take confusion and forgetfulness reported by family members seriously or who do not adequately explain or suggest supports or resources. Caregivers need information, so they can understand what is likely to happen as dementia progresses,and make informed plans for future care with all the financial, legal, emotional and practical issues that go with it.
Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 6682
Knowledge   10.0   Best of the best
Clarity of Response   10.0   Best of the best
Timeliness   10.0   Best of the best
Politeness   10.0   Best of the best
Number Of Questions
(in Past 24 Hours)
0
Max Questions to be Asked
(in 24 Hour period)
15
Total Questions
(since joining AllExperts)
655
Recent Reviews from Users
KnowlClarityTimePolitenessDate
1010101008/28/08
1010101008/01/08
1010101007/30/08
1010101007/16/08
1010101006/26/08
User Comments
Sorry to bother you again Mary. I remain troubled by friends in wheelchairs, need to be fed and diapered and don't recognize even family 90% of the ti
(Bill on 08/28/08)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(Lou on 08/01/08)
Thank you so much, Mary....I appreciate your quick reply, and the links you provided.
(Debra on 07/30/08)
Thank you for your time. We are thankful for your response.
(Linda on 07/16/08)
Thanks so much for this information. I really appreceiate it. I am sure i will be back in touch.... :) Thanks Cheris
(Cheris on 06/26/08)
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Recent Answers from Mary Gordon
2008-08-27  ending it Hi Bill. You asked me a very similar question about four months ago. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alzheimer-s-Disease-1005/2008/4/food-fluid.htm As then, I don't believe that care facilities would define...
2008-07-31  alzheimers, hospice and nutrition Hi Lou, I know you are grieving. This phase is like one long goodbye. It really is like having a body laid out without the closure of a funeral. Its heartbreaking to see her come to this, and not be able...
2008-07-29  How to get my mother into care Hi Debra, Do you know what kind of power of attorney your mother signed? This is key, because there are three kinds in Ontario. Basically, one is for financial matters and short term use only (such...
2008-07-23  dimentia Jessy, you asked why dementia is not a "normal" part of aging. First off, dementia is a term like fever. It describes a symptom. Dementia means that person has symptoms that suggest impaired brain function...
2008-07-17  Behavior Issues Hi Jen Your family absolutely has the right to know exactly what medications they are giving your father. I'd get a list, including dose, and look them up for side effects etc.. This is not the disease...
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