Dr. Marie Marley was an Alzheimer’s caregiver for more than seven years. As a long-time medical grant writer at the University of Cincinnati Department of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians, she has acquired a keen understanding of many geriatric topics, including dementia. Marie publishes a blog, a monthly newsletter, and writes for Huffington Post.
Dr. Marie Marley was an Alzheimer’s caregiver for more than seven years. As a long-time medical grant writer at the University of Cincinnati Department of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians, she has acquired a keen understanding of many geriatric topics, including dementia. Marie publishes a blog, a monthly newsletter, and writes for Huffington Post.
Articles by Marie Marley
Article: Mental Health
Concerned You May Be Developing Alzheimer's?
by MARIE MARLEY
With all the public interest in Alzheimer's disease these days it wouldn't be unusual for you not to be concerned you are getting it. When you have what we refer to as "a senior moment," you may laugh about it with your friends, but you may also be among the numerous people who are secretly afraid it…
Article: Your Tales
Tales from 'My Ladies'
by MARIE MARLEY
I arrived at Ethel's door one Thursday afternoon. After a long pause (which made me guess she'd been taking a nap), she opened the door and smiled when she saw me. "Come in! Come in, honey!" Before I had a chance to sit down she started showing me the quilt she'd made many years earlier. "The binding…
Article: Advice
Need a lifeline? Put these 2 numbers on speed-dial
by MARIE MARLEY
When the going gets rough and you need free, expert advice on the spot, two Alzheimer's organizations each have a helpline you can easily access. 1. The Alzheimer's Association 2. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (Please note, however, that you should call 911 for emergencies.) The Alzheimer's…
Article: Good
A Tender Alzheimer's Love Story
by MARIE MARLEY
Ed, my Romanian soulmate of 30 years, had Alzheimer's. And I knew I'd never be able to accept it. It was so bad I couldn't have a meaningful two-way exchange with him. He couldn't advise me about my problems or praise me for my successes as he'd always done. He couldn't provide emotional support and…
Article: Family
When you can no longer deny the symptoms...
by MARIE MARLEY
When a person is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's, that person and their loved ones are usually in denial. They may make excuses for, or try to explain away, the symptoms. Alzheimer's is, above all, an insidious disease. Its symptoms typically begin so mildly and progress so slowly that it's easy…
Article: Therapies
String theory: the joy of live music
by MARIE MARLEY
People caring for those with Alzheimer's have long known that music is special to these individuals. It won't stop or slow the progression of their disease, but it can be of significant benefit to them. Many people with Alzheimer's can sing songs, including most or even all of the lyrics, long after…
Article: Happiness
The cheerier side of Alzheimer's (there is one)
by MARIE MARLEY
Alzheimer's is a deadly serious disease and deservedly so, yet I ask: Does being "serious" mean that it is horrible and depressing? Yes, it can be horrible and depressing. But is it always that way? I think not. I think to some extent at some times it depends on the attitude of the beholder. Let me…
Article: Long-Term Care
A case for the care home
by MARIE MARLEY
Placing a loved one in a nursing facility is a highly controversial issue. Many people would rather die than do it. But in some -- not all -- cases, such placement may actually be the best solution for the patient. Although your loved one may have previously stated his or her adamant opposition to moving…
Article: Family
Stumped by the simplest things
by MARIE MARLEY
"Thank you, Marie. I will sit here for thirty minutes. What should I do then?" People with Alzheimer's may have great difficulty figuring out the simplest activities. The following story illustrates that poignantly. One day I decided it was time to see how my Romanian life partner, Ed, was adjusting…
Article: Your Tales
Alz People Say the Darndest Things
by MARIE MARLEY
Ruth tells me the same story every time I visit her, except she sometimes includes new information, or adds a twist to some other part of the story. She's one of the ladies with Alzheimer's that I volunteer to visit in a local memory care facility. She tells me that during World War II the Army…