The challenges of his political career were nothing compared to the steep learning curve faced by former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber when his wife Elaine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and he plunged into the role of spousal caregiver.  In today’s show, Schreiber opens up about his climb up the rocky Alzheimer’s mountain and he discusses his new book, “My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, And Surviving As An Alzheimer’s Caregiver.”  From what he learned in counseling to the value of therapeutic fibbing and why ignorance of Alzheimer’s is worse than the disease itself, Schreiber offers sage advice for his fellow caregivers and a rallying cry for policymakers to address the looming crisis of dementia care.

My Two Elaines” websiteMy Two Elaines
Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel article by Martin Schreiber: Living With Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s 24/7 Hotline – 800-272-3900

 

Marty and Elaine Schreiber

Music: “Roll On” by Ketsa | CC BY NC ND | Free Music Archive