Personal Stories of Alzheimer’s Caregiving in Johnston County

Alzheimer’s disease has profoundly affected the lives of many families in Johnston County, particularly for Craig Olive, the county's Registrar of Deeds. Olive's personal experience with the disease began when he lost his mother, Pearl Thompson Brown Olive, to Alzheimer’s in 2007. He recalls her as a dedicated mother and a nurse who returned to school at 45 to earn her nursing degree. As Alzheimer’s progressed, Olive witnessed significant changes in her behavior, which included wandering and confusion, leading him to become her primary caregiver.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home

Olive emphasized the emotional toll of caregiving, stating, “You need to allow time for yourself, because it can take a toll.” He noted that caregivers often sacrifice personal joys, citing his own absence from the beach for four years due to caregiving responsibilities. He sought assistance from various local resources, including Community & Senior Services of Johnston County and the N.C. Alzheimer’s Association, which he credits for easing his caregiving journey.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home

Similarly, Melanie Nunn, Olive's niece, faced her own challenges as her mother, Brenda Ann Brown Dixon, began showing signs of dementia. Early detection through an APO-E blood test allowed Nunn and her family to prepare for the inevitable decline. Nunn became her mother’s chief caregiver after her father passed away in 2020, navigating the complexities of caregiving while managing her own family responsibilities.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home

Both Olive and Nunn shared insights on coping with the stresses of caregiving. Olive highlighted the importance of self-care and utilizing available resources, while Nunn found solace in her faith and support from her husband and church community. Nunn advised caregivers to maintain a sense of normalcy for their loved ones, emphasizing the value of expressing love and cherishing moments together.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home

Nunn also described her efforts to keep her mother engaged, such as decorating her nursing home room to resemble her previous home and taking her to church, where her mother often seemed to regain clarity during worship. “It was like the Holy Spirit made the confusion dissipate and mom was present,” Nunn reflected.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home

Despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, both Olive and Nunn expressed a deep appreciation for their loved ones. Nunn noted that her mother, even in her decline, never forgot her husband or her faith, stating, “She loved Jesus and trusted him completely, even in this diagnosis.” Their stories highlight the emotional complexity of caregiving, the importance of support systems, and the enduring bonds of love that persist even in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

For Registrar Craig Olive And His Family, Alzheimer’s Hits Close To Home