Nshei Chabad Newletter's Shvat issue explores the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia on frum families. Plus: Rivka Teich talks about her work as a court stenographer.

By COLlive reporter

Bubbe Zelda has always been a vibrant, active personality: Cooking Shabbos meals, hosting sheva brochos (everything home-made), baking special treats with her grandchildren and flying out for simches - these were all in a day's work.

But lately the family has been noticing odd behaviors.

With alarming frequency, she locks herself out of her house and is then found pacing the street in front of her house, unable to get in. She forgets the names of her grandchildren and has begun to show personality changes as well, snapping at the children she loves so much.

The number of Alzheimer's and dementia cases has also been exploding with a growing number of the population reaching the ages of 80's and 90's. Bearing much of the burden of this unfortunate trend is the so-called "sandwich generation" -- adults in their 50's, still caring for their own children while attempting to meet the needs of their parents.

In the upcoming Shvat issue, the N'shei Chabad Newsletter presents a special supplement on Alzheimer's and dementia, filled with practical advice and support for caregivers and loved ones of people suffering from this disease and its symptoms.

Also in the Shvat issue is an article by Rivka Teich about her work as a court reporter, also known as a court stenographer, who transcribes court hearings and proceedings using machine shorthand.

"I wanted to share what I do and what I know with other Lubavitcher women and I knew the best way to do that would be through the N'shei Chabad Newsletter," she said.

"It's my favorite magazine and everyone I know reads it and loves it too. So I called Rishe Deitsch and proposed the idea to her. After a detailed conversation to understand court reporting, she agreed that it was a subject N'shei had never written about and that it would interest many women and girls.

"I'm thrilled to have such a well-respected forum as the N'shei Chabad Newsletter in which to share my career choice and hopefully encourage others to join," she said.

The Shvat includes the life story of the spirited Holocaust survivor R' Leibel Zisman of the Five Towns, hilarious recommendations for traveling overseas with children by Rivkah L. Groner of Melbourne.

Linguist Gabi Abramac writes about what lured her to Crown Heights from Croatia and there's also a collection of halachos pertinent to nursing women, compiled by Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind OBM.

"I feel this is one of the best issues we've ever read," commented Mrs. Dvorah Chazanow, longtime proofreader of Nshei Newsletter. "I hope people take advantage of the sale and sign up in time to get it."

From now until Purim, N'shei Chabad Newsletter is offering a special sale: Pay for a 1-year subscription (5 issues) and get an extra issue free. Find our more at NSheiChabadNewsletter.com.