The 3 curses of Alzheimer’s caregivers

Over time, my first Elaine faded more and more. As the years passed, I learned a lot about how best to care for my second Elaine – the one whose mind was riddled with Alzheimer's.

Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin J. Schreiber is an award-winning crusader for Alzheimer's caregivers and persons with dementia. Inspired by his father's example as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Milwaukee Common Council, Martin ran for public office even before he had completed law school. In 1962, he was elected as the youngest-ever member of the Wisconsin State Senate. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970 and, in 1977, became the 39th governor of Wisconsin. Martin is retired from his public affairs firm in Milwaukee and now is an advocate for Alzheimer's caregivers. After spending nearly 20 years caring for his wife Elaine, he is passionately committed to speaking out to help caregivers and their loved ones live their best lives possible. Since 2017, Schreiber has given more than 800 presentations. He shares his experiences in: My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver, now available in softcover. Marty has four children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The care of our loved one is a challenge in and of itself. There are Alzheimer’s behaviors and symptoms that are the direct result of this disease, and these challenges are devastating.