CW Notes

Professor and therapist changes roles to battle Alzheimer’s: Richard Taylor PhD to speak at Family Caregiver Night, Education Conference 

On every street and around every corner, there are people who possess the qualities of a hero. One such role model is Richard Taylor, a former psychologist and current Dementia patient who reaches caregivers and individuals with early-stage and early-onsetAlzheimer’s. 

Throughout his life, Taylor has thrived in many different career paths. He has worked as a debate coach, management trainer, professor, therapist and psychologist to name a few. Spending time with family, gardening and reading also enriched his busy lifestyle. 

In 2000, Taylor’s daughter whispered, “There is something wrong with Dad,” into his wife’s ear. A year later, at the young age of 58, Taylor was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. 

After the diagnosis, he reacted positively by using his knowledge and experiences as therapist and psychologist to give a fresh perspective of Alzheimer’s. He has taught in the Peoria area before the Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  He has become a dedicated speaker to people with dementia, family members, professional caregivers, physicians and politicians. In his March 2008 Newsletter,Taylor states that he is often traveling about, communicating with about 500 people per week. 

Although words might not come as easily now, Taylor also battles Alzheimer’s by engaging others with his writing. Originally he wrote essays so he could better understand what was happening inside of him. Eventually he wrote to share his experiences with those with Alzheimer’s and caregivers. 

One of his main focuses is to communicate the effects of Alzheimer’s to others. In 2007, he wrote Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out, which contains more than 80 personal essays on his journey with the disease. “I race up and down the corridors of my mind, frantically seeking to make sense of what’s going on around me. Sometimes this process makes me even more lost, and I become lost about why I am lost!” Taylor writes. 

Overall, Taylor wants to change perceptions by opening up communication between those affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. “It is not easy, reading other people’s minds, especially when they have Alzheimer’s disease! Maybe it is time we sit across thetable from each other and talk. I may not like what you have to say, and you may not like what I have, but at least we will be heard, at least we will know for sure what the other person wants to happen and why they want it to happen and how they want it to happen. That is lots and lots more than we know now, about each other and ourselves.” 

In his essay entitled A Choice - Not an Echo, he further demonstrates how those with Alzheimer’s disease are still normal and complete individuals, capable of making their own decisions. Taylor describes how even though these people need help, others should not take on the responsibility of making every decision for them. “Enable me to continue to make my own decisions. The decision making process may take longer for me than in the past but it is really, really important that I stay in charge of myself.” 

Taylor adds that when he and others involved in a recreation group were given adequate choices, they had a better time choosing which games they truly wanted to play. “We always enjoy each other’s company and sometimes the bridge playing reaches levels of brilliance (or so we tell each other).” 

Many different caregivers are considered heroes for their time, patience and daily support given to those battling Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, will host two upcoming events in April to assist these caregivers and help themunderstand more of Taylor’s knowledge. 

On Monday, April 28, the agency will present a FREE Family Caregiver Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria, IL. The Family Caregiver Night is a FREE educational program for family caregivers, friends and loved ones of persons with Alzheimer’s that teaches participants how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. 

Richard Taylor, Ph.D., will be presenting on his early-stage Alzheimer’s experiences. Sandra Lutz, R.N., a certified Laugh Leader, will be speaking about introducing healing laughter into Alzheimer’s caregiving. 

On Tuesday, April 29, the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, will present the Lee. L Morgan Education Conference entitled “Dignity Through the Stages” to be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Blvd. in East Peoria, IL.  The Lee L. Morgan (former Caterpillar Chairman) family recently donated a sizeable amount to help finance agency expansion and programs like the Education Conference.  The amount of the large donation is embargoed until late April to coincide with an official PR event.  Other Conference sponsors include OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. The Lee L. Morgan Education Conference is a one-day conference for  healthcare professionals focusing on how to understand and care for persons with dementia. 

Speakers include Richard Taylor, Ph.D., discussing his experiences with Alzheimer’s to change hearts and minds; Julian Dean, M.A., presenting on imparting dignity through the stages; Gabe Billiet, Pharm.D, discussing new trends in Alzheimer’s medications; and Sandra Lutz, R.N., a certified Laugh Leader, speaking on introducing healinglaughter into Alzheimer’s caregiving. 

Taylor stresses how difficult changes should not prevent caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s from living in the present. “Please do not mourn the fact I am not who I was, or who you want me to be, or we both miss this moment.” 

For reservations or more information please call the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 309.681.1100 or 800.272.3900.