Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on Nov. 9th, 2025

Someone once said, “we are made of memories.” Even though we are so much more than that, it makes sense that memories make up a lot. I remember my grandma’s homemade chocolate pudding. My mother reading to me before bed. The first time I saw a play at the Majestic Theatre and knew I wanted to be on that stage one day. Each of these became a building block toward the chocolate-obsessed, book-loving, wannabe actor I am today.

The experiences we collect absolutely shape who we are. Who we are becoming. So, what happens when we no longer have the ability to make new memories? When our most cherished ones start to slip away? When we can’t remember our child’s face or even where we are? How do we make sense of our surroundings and ourselves without them?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive form of dementia that makes memories disappear. A thief stealing away what we thought could not be taken. For those experiencing these types of cognitive changes, it can be scary. Many people become understandably confused and angry. It can suddenly feel like there is no one to trust.

For those caring for someone experiencing these changes, it is often heartbreaking and exhausting work. It takes so much strength and patience to introduce yourself to your own parent, repeatedly. To remind them why they are at your home and not their own. To commit yourself to taking care of a person who once took care of you.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. An estimated seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. If you or someone you love are among them, you are not alone. While there is no cure, yet, there are effective treatments. Lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression and approved medications manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

At the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library, we offer a variety of resources to help. Through our Beyond Books Collection, we offer a unique resource called Memory Kits. These themed sets contain tools that promote memory health and awareness, relevant books, and activities designed to stimulate the mind and spark conversation. Themes include pets, travel, and other hobbies and professions. To see the full list visit www.crcpl.org/memorykits, call us at 740-702-4145, or stop by any location for more information.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia, or to explore free online classes for caregivers, visit www.alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association also operates a 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Processing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a major life shift. Please remember that self-care is not selfish, it is necessary. Sometimes all we can do is take things moment by moment. Really, that’s all we have. So maybe it’s more accurate to say that we are made of moments. Because whether or not we’ll have the privilege of remembering it later, we still get to live it right now. I hope it is a good one.

Sheena Brown is an Enrichment, Communications, and Marketing Clerk at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library.