I've long supported the idea that an essential component of living well is keeping death close, a part of our daily experiences. My hope is that by talking often and openly about illness, decline, and dying, I'm preparing myself and those I care about in practical, emotional, and spiritual ways for the unknown path that… Continue reading The Art of Dying Well
In my role as a health educator, I deal on a near-daily basis with claims of treatment and cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. I see the range of emotions that people experience upon receiving a new diagnosis: worry and uncertainty, but also optimism and hope. And I know the deep fear that many… Continue reading Quacks or facts?
It's June, which means the jacaranda are blooming, and San Diego is awash in purple flowers. And it's the time of year when many in my field don some purple of their own in recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. I've never liked the use of the term "brain awareness," because I think most of us… Continue reading Purple hearts
Confessions of a future librarian: I have not read the Harry Potter series. Most of my adult life, it's been a glaring gap in my cultural knowledge, but something I've mostly been able to successfully socially navigate. That is, until I began a Master of Library and Information Science program last year. Because there is… Continue reading My Harry Potter shame
brain dump 