Traveling solo

Use the same good sense you'd use in Phoenix and you'll be fine. I traveled alone in Spain last year with no problem.

I am an "oldish" male (58) recently (a month ago) diagnosed with EOAD (Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease).

I am still in possession of my faculties (just have a lot of short-term memory loss), but I was just wondering if there are any others of us on this board and how you may be handling travelling?

Do you let someone know, or what?

Thanks

Bill

LAURA, it's safe and very interesting. Go! And BILL, I write lots of stuff in my little pocket-size notebook. I always carry a business card from my hotel just in case I need a taxi or forget where I'm staying. Keeping track of money and credit cards is important, so be sure to use a moneybelt. Keep a list of important info in your moneybelt, so if you need a reminder about a phone number or where you are supposed to go next you will always have it with you. I don't hesitate to ask someone if I don't know where I am or how to get to where I'm going. With me it's a lousy sense of direction, not Alzheimer's. Jetlag can add to confusion and short term memory deficit, so you are not alone. My suggestion is that you stay in very few places, so you can explore a place in depth, and not have to figure out so many things (like trains, finding hotels, etc).

Bill, may I suggest you get in touch with your local Alzheimer's Assocation as they may be able to give you better advice than those of us here who don't have the illness.

Alzheimer's Association--Dallas Chapter

The chapter offers a support group for people with early onset of the illness and you might meet others who have traveled with the same concerns.

Thanks, y'all. I post on the alz.org message board, but I think the Dallas chapter in the link is the Dalls TX one. We don't have one in Dallas, GA. yet.

I also have a blog called www.wheretobud.blogspot.com.

If you visit, parental guidance is suggested! :) It's kinda funny and kinda bitter, so it may not be everyone's cup of tea, sorry.

Swan, thanks for your advice. I will be going home to Rothenburg, but my main worry will be at the airport and train stations. I was wondering about an armband, but right now, as I said, it's Early Onset, and I didn't want to overreact.

Thanks

Bill

Sorry, Bill, I really shouldn't try to post on this board before my third cup of coffee. (However, there is an Atlanta Chapter.)

I used to be a tour director and I'll give you the same bit of advice I gave my passengers:

Always keep your itinerary, list of hotels, contact names and numbers, with you at all times. This way, if a problem occurs, you can always get help. Also include all flight, trains, etc.

Thank you, Frank. I think I will get myself one of those whatchamacallits and put all my travel documents in it.

This would include my passport, tickets, a list of meds, a copy of my travel insurance and contact information.

Did I forget anything?

Thanks

Bill

You might want to think about getting a medical ID bracelet that would alert anyone helping you to the fact that you have Alzheimers.

There is no shame in wearing them. I know lots of people with different illnesses that wear them.

If you were thinking of getting a moneybelt to carry all that stuff, I would suggest one to wear around your neck rather than type around your waist. It's easier to get to.

Frank

Think it will get me an empty seat next to me if my seat-mate notices the bracelet? :)

That's a JOKE, y'all!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

Bill

Tying both themes together:

As a young female with terrible memory, I have trekked through France and back with little trouble. Use street smarts. If you feel uncomfortable anywhere, leave. Keep identification on you at all times.

Gettin' my SERIOUS face on for a minute........

Today I went to 7 pharmacies and 2 medical supply stores looking for an engraved MedicAlert "Alzheimer Disease" bracelet.

There aren't any. (Not here in the Dallas, Georgia area, anyway).

Oh, they do have engraved bracelets for diabetics, hemophiliacs, asthmatics and contact lens wearers to name a few, but for those of us with AD, the closest I was able to come was a bracelet engraved with the word "Memory".

To me, all THAT indicates is I may have a fixation on Andrew Lloyd Webber plays about felines, and that I may burst into song at any time.

Sorry but with stats such as these (from the Alzheimer's Association), I think there should be bracelets avalable for us as well:

• As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.

• 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.

• Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.

• Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death.

• The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.

Does anyone know who controls pre-engraved bracelets, so that we can get something done about this?

Thanks

Bill

Bill....can you not get blank Medic-Alert bracelets and have them engraved?

Laura & Bill, one of the best ways to keep safe, is to have a basic itinerary, with hotel contact info, train schedule etc that you leave with someone who will notice if you go missing. An organized tour is always a good option.

Bill..here's MedicAlert's page on Alzheimer's. You should get one custom engraved..not one that says memory but one that says Early onset Alzheimers. Then have it registered with your info so if you should bet into trouble, whoever is helping you can call and get more info.

I have people in my family who have gone through this and unfortunately, you won't notice when your memory really starts to go and you beomce disoriented. Others around you will. The Medic Alert bracelet should be worn at all times--not just when you travel.

Medic Alert

The following is on my blog:

Here's an update on the bracelet purchase:

1. Called MedicAlert and joined their program. ($39.95 for the first year)

Gave them all pertinent info: meds, doctor, next of kin notification, drug allergies etc. In return they will keep all info on file in case it is needed if someone finds me gone BOOGA-BOOGA and calls the number on said bracelet.

1. Bought the bracelet: ($19.95)

2. Paid for overnight shipping: ($21.00)

Total cost: $80.90

As compared to $7.00 if I had been able to find one at a drugstore.

When I questioned the lady about why the bracelets are not as available as, say, a diabetic's or hemophiliac's, she told me it was because they needed the information I had just given her about my disease.

She could not explain why there were bracelets for Diabetics, Hemophiliacs, Cardiac Patients, etc.

Could the reason be....... MONEY???

The answer may be money but probably because the treatment for some illnesses is more generic.

As an example, a diabetic showing signs of hypoglycemia or diabetic shock is going to be treated like all other diabetics with the same symptoms.

However, with your illness, it will depend on the meds you are on. Additionally, if there is a problem, you have a custom made bracelet with contact information, drugs you're on, and so on that the generic bracelets don't have.

Look at it as an investment in your health and well being.

Bless you Bill and Good Luck

Thank you Eddie, Frank Juanita and just everyone in this thread.

The bracelet is here and on my wrist as I type.

I left y'all a little "thank you" on my blog at www.wheretobud.blogspot.com.

Just read and then click on the arrow and watch and listen.

Love you guys.

Bill

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!

it just occurred to me that I hijacked Laura's thread!

Laura, I am SO sorry. I wasn't thinking when I posted what I did and I apologize sincerely.

I should have started a new thread, I'm sorry.

Please forgive me, although this was totally inexcusable!!!

Slapping myself on my butt!!!!!!!

Bill

Laura,

I spent two month in the regions you are talking about. One month in Madrid and one month in the south (Alicante region and Baleric Islands).

I was 20 when I went and it was my first solo vernture. I would say that I felt very safe most of the time, and the little things that "got" to me probably shouldn't have. I was young and by myself and sometimes got catcalled by men/boys. In all honesty it was pretty harmless and from a distance. On a more serious note, if you are carrying a purse, consider wearing it across your body rather than over your shoulder. I wore a money belt and would do so again.

I agree with the other posters who wrote that you should take the same precautions you would take when at home.

Have a great trip!