T:The Christmas Season. 	Q:For our caregivers. remember that this is that special time of year where we spend it with friends and loved ones. But please don't forget our parents,  brothers,  sisters,  grandparents,  aunts,  uncles or friends that are afflicted with Alzheimer's. Take some time to go visit with them if they're in <institution> or if they live with you,  spend an extra day here or there with them. Some of them may not remember you,  nor what the season is but know that deep down they can still feel the love that you can give them.  Happy holidays! 	A:What a great reminder <name>! My mom lives in <institution>. She was diagnosed <time_period> ago and remains stable in moderate stage. We are so fortunate that she is doing so well (she continues on <medicine> and <medicine> and we feel that is the reason she is so stable). She has no short term memory whatsoever,  but she knows who I am as well as my sisters and she loves when we spend time with her. As tough as it sometimes is,  we make sure one of us is there each and every day,  even if it is only for <time_period>,  we are there. We also call her every day,  usually <num> a day. That too is a tough one,  trying to find something to talk about,  but she enjoys listening to whatever is happening in our lives. I wish my life was a little more exciting so I could share it with her,  lol! I just ramble about anything and everything and she listens. What keeps me going is reminding myself that no matter what,  as long as she is alive,  she is in there. no matter if she stops talking,  eating,  walking,  she is IN THERE and I truly believe that she will know that we are there,  whether she knows who we are or not,  and that she is loved.  The very best of holiday wishes to you, <name>


A:I am also a firm believer that they are in there somewhere,  perhaps a little lost but they are still human and still have emotions; so I KNOW that they must feel the love. I'm glad that your mother is doing well and is stabilized. That is great actually! And that you spend time to be with her. I'm sure she really does appreciate that you and your sisters come to visit her :)


A:It's funny,  I was just having a really tough day yesterday because I had the feeling that since my Mom has moved further away from me that she's forgotten me already. We had a phone conversation,  and she seemed so far away,  like she didn't remember me. I know that's not the case,  and she won't remember me coming to see her,  but it's more for me. My siblings didn't realize that she was so far along. It's tough,  but for sure somewhere they remember. we just say Mom lives in the moment now. The best part is the memories I have of being with her and Dad.  
