Alzheimer's, Down the Long Road

Alzheimer's, the debilitating disease that not only affects the victim, but also the person's loved ones. This is the story of a daughter's journey with her mother as they travel Down the Long Road of this dreadful disease. It is a story that eventually leads the daughter to journal the events and happenings that occur over an eight year span. This has allowed her to provide suggestions, in the way of tips, that may be helpful to those persons who are just beginning or who will shortly be heading on their own journey down this long road with a loved one.

Sandy Eastman was born and raised in Silverton, Colorado. Finishing high school, she then attended nursing school at St. Mary's in Tucson, AZ.

Not wasting any time after graduation, she tried out her wings by taking a job working at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. She spent a year there and during that year she met her beloved on a blind date. She laughingly states, "Most blind dates are with losers, but this one was different. It turned out to be the best ever." She continues to kid about it after 46 years of being happily married.

Working as a nurse in various fields, she ended her 40 year nursing career in the field of pain management. After retiring, she decided she'd like to write children's stories and began taking writing classes. When her best friend, her Mother, got Alzheimer's disease she became involved in her care. Feeling passionate about care giving, she switched gears and began writing a book for caregivers.

Sandy is a grandmother to three and feels this is the best job there is. In her spare time, she likes to read and do crafts, stamping and scrapbooking. She's currently working on a children's book that will explain Alzheimer's disease so that children can better understand "what is happening to their grandma or grandpa"