Bob DeMarco a Former Wall Street Exec-Turned Caregiver/Blogger
Bob DeMarco, a veteran Wall Street executive, had his life turned upside down when his beloved mother Dotty was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Bobs life suddenly shifted gears when he moved to Delray Beach, FL to become a full-time caregiver to his mother, a role that is traditionally reserved for women. Bob is now part of the 40 percent of family caregivers who are men. Bob began spending his time reading medical journal articles to learn the latest Alzheimers disease developments, helping his mother exercise at the gym for the first time, and taking her to doctor appointments. As editor of the nations largest Alzheimers disease caregiver blog, Bob came to be looked upon by others as a role model, resource and educator.
While his story is not that unusual nearly 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimers disease what Bob chose to do with his experiences is remarkable. Bob writes on his blog: It is up to the caregiver to adjust since the person suffering from dementia is incapable of the adjustment. Understanding this need is the first big step. Once Bob realized he could take steps to improve his mothers quality of life, he decided to share his experience and knowledge with thousands of people by creating the Alzheimers Reading Room blog.
Mark Brody, M.D., a neurologist and nationally recognized expert in Alzheimer’s disease management and research, specializing in memory disorders, is available to provide medical insight about this life-changing, progressive disease. Dr. Brody is the President of Brain Matters Research and Medical Director of The Memory Program at Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Delray Beach, FL.
Bob DeMarco, like millions of others, was blindly thrown into the world of Alzheimers disease when he became responsible for providing in-home, 24/7 care for Dotty, who was diagnosed in 2004. Bob says that Alzheimers disease caregivers have two choices: walk away, or learn how to love and care for someone that does things that would normally make you want to walk away.
He worked tirelessly, trying countless strategies and working closely with a family physician, until he found a routine that worked for them, helping to improve his mothers daily life. Since starting the Alzheimers Reading Room blog in November 2008, Bob has connected with many others, helping them learn about new research and sharing his experience through more than 1,200 articles that have been syndicated on outlets such as Reuters, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, Time Warner, Chicago Sun Times, Houston Chronicle, Livestrong, and Cox News. Bob often receives hundreds of emails from fellow caregivers in a single week.
The impact of Alzheimers disease on caregivers
Tips for caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease
What to do if you suspect a loved one has Alzheimers disease
Signs and symptoms of Alzheimers disease
Diagnosis and available treatment options
Available caregiver resources
ABOUT THE ALZHEIMERS READING ROOM BLOG:
This high-profile Alzheimers disease caregiver blog is the most visited blog of its kind, boasting a consistent and engaged following. Influential in the Alzheimers space especially for a non-commercial blog this interactive blog covers new studies, news of the day, and Bob DeMarcos personal experiences. The Alzheimers Reading Room continues to grow in readership with an average of 26,000 visitors per month.
ALZHEIMERS DISEASE FACTS
Alzheimers disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S., is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that eventually become severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, or social life.
Every 70 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimers disease, and by 2050, someone will develop it every 33 seconds.
Approximately 10 million of the 78 million U.S. baby boomers who are alive today can expect to develop Alzheimers disease, a condition that often disrupts relationships and life plans.
This radio media tour is made available by Forest Laboratories, Inc., makers of Namenda (memantine HCl), indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimers disease.
For More Information Please Visit www.alzheimersreadingroom.com and www.brainmattersresearch.com
