Library of Congress CIP Data

1. Thomas, Mildred Key--Diaries. 2. Caregivers--Diaries.
3. Thomas, Floyd Emory--
Mental health. 4. Alzheimer’s disease--Patients--Family relationships. 5. Alzheimer’s disease--Patients--Biography.
I. Title.
RC523.2.T48 2004
362.196’831’0092--dc22 2004016470

• "This is a very touching diary which shows lots of love and also the anguish of Alzheimer's Disease. I believe this will be of great help to other families."Dr. Adele B. Ackell, neurologist, Chattanooga, TN
• "The writer presents the most comprehensive dialogue and activities of the Alzheimer's patient, in the last two years of his life, that I have read. I recommend it to help understand the thoughts and feelings of the patient. Dr. Bruce W. Johnson, family physician, Chattanooga, TN.
• "Mildred Thomas' journal offers tender insights into the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Her loving diary chronicles her husband's constantly changing moods and reactions as she helps him contend with moments of clarity as well as confusion. The reader is given an intimate look into the true struggles faced by family members as they make difficult care decisions. A must-read for families with and without a loved one with Alzheimer's disease." Nancy Bowers, RN, BSN, Author, Educational Consultant, Birmingham, AL.

About the Author

      Mildred Key Thomas attended George Peabody College and has an R.N. degree from Nashville General Hospital. After a year in public Health Nursing she gave up nursing as a profession when she married E. Floyd Thomas and became mother to their four children. Always a helpmate to her husband in business affairs, she also supported him in his pursuit of tennis excellence.
      Her first appreciation of writing came when she was editor of her high school paper. Since that time she has penned a few poems and essays. She was inspired to write Life With Alz when, after 58 years of blissful marriage, she lost her husband to Alzheimer’s. Through this gentle, caring, and sometimes humorous, record of his journey through the disease, she serves as an inspiration to other caregivers.
      She is an active member of St. John United Methodist Church and participant in Chief John Ross Chapter, DAR. A member of the Chattanooga and Tennessee Porcelain Artists for 35 years, she is an accomplished and award winning artist.