EP 157 :: Younger Onset Alzheimer's Part 2 :: James Russell

It can often feel hopeless trying to engage with a loved one suffering from dementia. That's why it's important for not only family but also friends to share stories that connect with them. In part two of our talk with blogger James Russell, we discuss the wonders of the village that emerged to help him care for his daughter, how he goes about documenting her life on his blog, and how we can better support a loved one in assisted living by sharing stories of their life. After all, we are the memory keepers for those having trouble remembering their own lives.

James’ blog, “Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist,” began in January 2020 to record his daughter’s life with Alzheimer’s disease in an Aegis Living facility in Seattle. She and James are supported by love channeled to us from their family and many of Lynne’s friends. James is an 81-year-old widower who retired as Dean of Business and Computer Technology at a community college in 2001. He and his wife, Karen, and quickly moved to Wenatchee to enjoy many outdoor and community activities. They moved to Redmond in 2018 to better care for Lynne and her sons.  James’ wife died in September 2019 two months before their 56th anniversary.  James then returned to Seattle to give Lynne better care.

Follow James on Facebook & Twitter.

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