Molly Pope

@mollypopeart

Artwork and Sculptures Dayton Society of Artists
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526
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3 months ago
Alzheimer's is called "The Long Goodbye". The reason for this is that the disease can last for years. Sometimes up to 20 years. Sadly, there is no cure, there are no survivors. There are new medications and treatments. Some are out and available now, and more remain on the horizon. I am hopeful that one day, there will be a cure. This disease is heartbreaking for everyone involved - the sufferers, families, and caregivers. It strips the person suffering from so many of their faculties, even their ability of their bodies to know when it's time to let go. There are also good times with the person suffering from Alzheimer's. There is an innocence to them and a child like quality. Sometimes, there are many humorous situations that arise. You'll need that laughter. Hold on to those moments. Try and remember those endearing times. It's bittersweet. It's grieving the loss of that person who is still alive. It's wishing you could talk to and have the same relationship with them as you used to. It's the long goodbye. Thank you for following along this month and reading these posts. I'm grateful for you. 💜 Rare Treat Bearded Iris, 30x30 acrylic on deep canvas, available for sale #Alzheimer 's #dementia #art #artheals #makeart #irispainting #botanicalart
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3 months ago
Alzheimer's caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Read on to learn symptoms and ways to avoid burnout. Here are 10 symptoms of caregiver stress. 1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed. I know Mom is going to get better. 2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do. He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn. 3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good. I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore. 4. Anxiety about the future and facing another day. What happens when he needs more care than I can provide? 5. Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope. I just don't care anymore. 6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.I'm too tired for this. 7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns. What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself? 8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions. Leave me alone! 9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. I was so busy, I forgot my appointment. 10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll. I can't remember the last time I felt good. If you're a caregiver, it is overwhelming and just as important to take care of yourself. It's so easy to feel helpless. If family or friends offer help- take it! Go for a walk, join a support group, or consider hiring help if you're able. Rare Treat Bearded Iris, 30x30. New available work. #alzheimer #caregiver #dementia #irispainting #artist #makearteveryday #artheals
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4 months ago
Some communication tips for communicating with an Alzheimer’s sufferer: Communication can be hard for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias because they have trouble remembering things. They also can become agitated and anxious, even angry. In some forms of dementia, language abilities are affected such that people have trouble finding the right words or have difficulty speaking. You may feel frustrated or impatient, but it is important to understand that the disease is causing the change in communication skills. To help make communication easier, you can: Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful. Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible. Respect the person’s personal space. Build quiet times into the day, along with activities. Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure. Remind the person who you are if he or she doesn’t remember, but try not to say, “Don’t you remember?” Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible. Try distracting the person with an activity, such as a familiar book or photo album, if you are having trouble communicating with words. Contact your local chapter of Alzheimer's Association for help. Rythm in Blue Iris, 36x36" acrylic on deep canvas, available on my website #alzheimersassociation #alzheimers #dementia #art #botanicalpainting #artist
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4 months ago
These are a few tips to help someone you know and care for suffering from Alzheimer's: Early on in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, people experience changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning in a way that affects daily life and activities. Eventually, people with these diseases will need more help with simple, everyday tasks. This may include bathing, grooming, and dressing. It may be upsetting to the person to need help with such personal activities. Here are a few tips to consider early on, and as the disease progresses: Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day. Help the person write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar. Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day. Consider a system or reminders for helping those who must take medications regularly. When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible. Buy loose-fitting, comfortable, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, fabric fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles. Use a sturdy shower chair to support a person who is unsteady and to prevent falls. You can buy shower chairs at drug stores and medical supply stores. Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, while you help them bathe or get dressed. Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and give the person enough time to eat. Contact your local chapter of Alzheimer's Association. They are able to help with all aspects of the disease and support caregivers. Rythm in Blue Iris, 36x36" available #alzheimers #art #botanicalart #dementia #Alzheimer 's #artist
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4 months ago
What are the stages of Alzheimer's? This is a shortened list. There's also a seven stage list that is helpful. Every person with this disease has symptoms that are different and unique to them. No two people will experience the disease the same. Stage 1 – Mild/Early Many people at this stage experience frequent recent memory loss, particularly of recent conversations and events. They may ask repeated questions and have some problems expressing and understanding language. Mild coordination problems include having difficulty writing and using objects. Depression and apathy can occur, accompanied by mood swings. They may need reminders for daily activities and have difficulty driving. Duration: 2 to 4 years. Stage 2 – Moderate/Middle People at this stage can likely no longer cover up their problems. Pervasive and persistent memory loss includes forgetfulness about their personal history and inability to recognize friends and family. They may experience rambling speech, unusual reasoning, and confusion about current events, time, and place. They’re more likely to become lost in familiar settings, experience sleep disturbances, and undergo changes in mood and behavior, which can be aggravated by stress and change. Experiencing delusions, aggression, and uninhibited behavior are common. Mobility and coordination are affected by slowness, rigidity, and tremors. They need structure, reminders, and assistance with the activities of daily living. Duration: 2 to 10 years. Stage 3 – Severe/Late In late-stage Alzheimer’s, most people are confused about the past and present. They lose the ability to remember, communicate, or process information. They’re generally incapacitated with severe to total loss of verbal skills, unable to care for themselves, and likely immobile and prone to falls. Problems with swallowing, incontinence, and illness are also common. Many also experience extreme problems with mood, behavior, hallucinations, and delirium. They need around-the-clock care. Duration: 1 to 3+ years. #alzheimers #dementia #alzheimersassociation #art #artheals
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4 months ago
What are the differences between Alzheimer's and Dementia? A decline in memory Changes in thinking skills Poor judgment and reasoning skills Decreased focus and attention Changes in language Changes in behavior Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but it's not the only one. There are many different types and causes of dementia, including: Lewy body dementia Frontotemporal dementia Vascular dementia Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy Chronic traumatic encephalopathy Parkinson's disease dementia Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Huntington's disease Mixed dementia While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease. It is marked by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse over time. Alzheimer's disease first affects the part of the brain associated with learning, so early symptoms often include changes in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include confusion, changes in behavior and other challenges. Credit: Mayo Clinic Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for help. Purple Hyacinth flowers, acrylic on paper, 12x14" #dementia #alzheimers #alzheimer
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4 months ago
Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more persistent and disruptive to daily life. Some examples are: forgetting things you recently learned repeating yourself trouble performing familiar tasks forgetting common words misplacing things in odd places getting lost on a familiar route making poor decisions Do you have a loved one that you're wondering if they have cognitive decline? Contact their primary care physician to begin the process of testing and care. Credit- Alzheimer's Association August Treat Bearded Iris, sold #purple #purpleforalzheimers #alzheimers #paintedflowers #irispainting #art #makeart
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4 months ago
Purple flowers for the month of November and Alzheimer's Awareness Month. I plan on showcasing my purple artworks in support of this terrible disease. Why purple? Purple is the color of strength. My family has lost both parents to Alzheimer and dementia. We lost mom in May 2022 and lost my dad this year in July. Both had different types of Alzheimer's. Both suffered. Both are deeply missed. About 6.5 million Americans are living with this disease. Contact your local chapter of Alzheimer's Association if you need help or an assessment for a loved one. #alzheimers #alzheimersassociation #purple #art #makeart #irisflowers
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4 months ago
Point of view. Sometimes, we like to sit in our rocker on the porch and watch the horses across the street. #artaslife #sweetpea #makearteveryday #artist
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5 months ago
Sometimes, I mess up, well, quite frequently, I mess up. 😅 I've learned not to sweat the small stuff. There's always ways to fix it when you color outside the lines. This birch board will get stained a rich walnut shade and will completely cover up my whoopsees. #whoops #nosweat #art #makeart #makearteveryday
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5 months ago
My husband and I moved earlier this summer in July. We bought a fixer-upper just outside of the small town we live in. Lots of work, but one of the most wonderful things is that there are two barns on the property. We'll be sharing one barn for our own studio space! Wheeee! Slowly working my way on this painting. 🎨 #botanicalart #art #artwork #paint #artist
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5 months ago