Decorah native authors a children's book about coping with Alhzeimer's Disease

"Mausdrachen - Curse of the Laxness" is a fairytale about a grandma with a memory curse whose granddaughter goes on a quest to find her. The story is an allegory for a family coping with Alzheimer's Disease and how to explain it to young children.Author Thea Kvamme, originally from Decorah but now living in Mabel, Minnesota, says, "I knew I wanted to help people understand what Alzheimer's is and especially explain to children why grandma/grandpa/other family members don't remember." She began working on the book shortly after her mother passed in May of 2017. " I promised my mother before she passed that her comfort stuffed mouse, Mr. Mousey, will continue to go on adventures." Hence the name of the book -- Mausdrachen (mouse dragon in German). Kvamme says "Mausdrachen - Curse of The Laxness" is the first of at least a 5-part series on different topics. The second book in the series, "Mausdrachen and the Vapors of Sadness," is on the topic depression and will be out in August. "Kvamme recently received the honor of being designated an AlzAuthor by the AlzAuthor organization. AlzAuthors write words that serve as caregiver handbooks, guides through the disease process, or a catalyst for much needed conversation. When asked about being named an AlzAuthor, and also having the organization recommend her book, Kvamme says, "It is an honor to have my book designated by AlzAuthors! I hope my book will help many people!"