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While sitting on my balcony with eyes closed, I noticed that the colors of the spectrum pass through my eyelids muted, but certainly alive!
The spring afternoon breeze is fragrant while the the sound of jazz playing in the distance is warm and smooth.
Who knew such joy could be had in a relaxing afternoon retreat!
Colors of Dawn
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The Gulf of Mexico offers such a magnificent canvas for inspiration, especially during dawn when the colors are at their most ethereal. Acrylics can capture the vibrancy and depth of those hues so beautifully by capturing the serene yet dynamic atmosphere of a Gulf of Mexico dawn.
Mixing neutral gray with white for the sand adds a touch of realism, grounding the scene and providing a contrast to the vivid blues and whites above which not only captures the colors of dawn but also the essence of the Gulf's vastness and tranquility.
By highlighting the light in the clouds and the atmosphere, the scene effectively conveys the soft, diffused quality of dawn light as it gradually illuminates the sky. Capturing the waves in the moment of churning with whitecaps and foam is a brilliant way to depict movement and energy. It brings a sense of dynamism to the painting, suggesting the constant ebb and flow of the ocean. The foam and spray add a sense of immediacy, almost as if the viewer can feel the salty breeze and hear the rhythmic crash of the waves against the shore.
Galveston Seawall
The Power of Unfaded Memories
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and eventually, the loss of ability to carry out daily tasks. Faded memories in Alzheimer's disease occur due to the damage and deterioration of brain cells, particularly in areas associated with memory formation and retention.
In Alzheimer's disease, while there is a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function, some memories may remain relatively intact, often referred to as "unfaded memories."
Since emotional memories often have a deeper imprint in the brain, individuals with Alzheimer's may retain vivid recollections of important life events, relationships, or emotionally charged experiences, even as other memories fade.
As a "Born on the Island" Galvestonian, I can easily recall the seawall, the beaches of packed sand, palm trees, the smell of salt air, and the granite piers, and they are all very clear.
Opening Doors to Hope
18X24 Acrylic Panel
Advocating for Access to Leqembi® for Every Alzheimer's Warrior is a poignant call to action aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals battling Alzheimer's disease. This advocacy campaign seeks to address the critical need for access to Leqembi®, a potentially groundbreaking treatment, for all those affected by Alzheimer's.
At its core, this initiative highlights the fundamental importance of equitable access to innovative therapies, particularly for marginalized communities and underserved populations. By advocating for widespread availability of Leqembi®, proponents of this movement aim to empower Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers with newfound hope and possibility.
Through strategic partnerships, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy, the campaign endeavors to dismantle barriers to access and promote inclusivity within healthcare systems worldwide. By amplifying the voices of Alzheimer's warriors and their allies, "Opening Doors to Hope" strives to catalyze systemic change and foster a future where every individual impacted by Alzheimer's disease can benefit from the transformative potential of Leqembi®.
Ultimately, this advocacy effort not only represents a collective commitment to advancing Alzheimer's research and treatment but also underscores the broader imperative of prioritizing health equity and justice for all. As we open doors to hope, we pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future for those affected by Alzheimer's and their loved ones.
Blood-Brain Barrier - Another Win?
18X24 Acrylic painting on Acrylic Panel
As I mentioned in the earlier "Journey with Alzheimer's" post, I will begin my first Leqembi infusion on Thursday, February 1st, and will continue them on a bi-weekly basis for 18 months.
Researchers are exploring the use of ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enhance the delivery of drugs like Leqembi to the brain, specifically targeting the removal of amyloid protein plaques associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
The blood-brain barrier is a protective mechanism that limits the entry of certain substances, including drugs, into the brain. This barrier is essential for maintaining the brain's microenvironment and protecting it from potential toxins. However, in the context of treating neurodegenerative diseases, finding ways to safely and temporarily open the BBB could improve drug delivery and efficacy.
This painting captures the idea of breaking through this protective barrier to enable the drug to better target and dissolve amyloid protein plaques, and the merging of scientific innovation with the quest for effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
The hourglass in this image represents a depiction of lethal plaque build-up within a human brain that could ultimately lead to Alzheimer's Disease. I am one of the many patients who suffer from Alzheimer's and rejoice in the knowledge that the disease may be controlled at this time. I challange myself to fight and wiin this battle; and I encourage everyone to take up the mantel and.fignt the good fight!
The red shapes in the upper portion of the hourglass represent the plaque that destroys the healthy brain. But the drug Leqembi® can reduce existing brain plaque and slow the progression of the disease. The lower portion of the hourglass demonstrates the reduction in the plaque resulting from Leqembi®.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, researchers and healthcare professionals are actively working to better understand the disease and develop treatments to manage its symptoms and potentially slow its progression.
Various medications are available to help manage symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Additionally, lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and social engagement, may contribute to overall well-being and potentially help manage the impact of Alzheimer's disease.
Research into potential cures and disease-modifying treatments is ongoing, but progress in this area can take time. It's essential to stay updated on the latest developments in Alzheimer's research and consult healthcare professionals for the most current information.
For the latest information on Alzheimer's disease management and research, please check reputable sources such as medical journals, health organizations, and government health agencies.
Before receiving Leqembi®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Since it is not known if Leqembi® will harm your unborn baby, you should tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with Leqembi®.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Since it is not known if Leqembi® passes into your breast milk, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while receiving Leqembi®.
Faded Memories
Meet Brigid, the pre-Christian Irish goddess and member of the ancient Tuatha De' Danann. Brigid was associated with protection, healing, wisdom, and poetry.
Through the years I've enjoyed painting various images of Brigid, including placing her on my homebrew labels. When I learned earlier this year that I had Alzheimer's disease, I decided to express some of the intense emotions through my artwork, and I’m beginning with Brigid.
My goal is to complete several paintings that express living with gaps in cherished memories, as well as the new treatments for the disease that may initially slow or stop the progression and potentially lead to a cure. I’m scheduled to begin one of these new treatments in February.
The canvas is dominated by a spectrum of radiant splashes of yellow, green, and violet that symbolize the vitality of recollections. These bold strokes represent the vivid memories that once painted the canvas of the mind with clarity and emotion. As the eye moves towards the center of the painting, vibrant and intense hues become increasingly subdued, gray, and eventually a black hole. This mirrors the gradual fading of memories.
This painting captures the emotional journey of memory loss through the use of colors, inviting you to contemplate the transient and delicate nature of the human experience.