Little “a” is my new name for Alzheimer’s. I came up with that name from my friends that have battled against cancer and they call it Little “c”. By calling it Little “a”, it takes away its power. Since my mother was diagnosed I have given Little “a” too much power. At times I allowed it to make me feel overwhelmed, useless, and helpless. I allowed Little “a” to bring the darkness upon me. The darkness is my name for depression. I have dealt with the darkness before, such as when I was laid off unexpectedly and when my father passed away. Little “a” momentarily had me thinking there was no way out of the darkness, that all was lost. Fortunately with the support of my husband I reached out and got the help that I needed. Part of my early treatment with Little “a” meant joining a Little “a” care giver support group, going to see my therapist (everyone should have a therapist on speed dial), and being placed on a low dosage anti-depressant. I know there are many in the Afri