World Alzheimer’s Day: Wear Purple
September 21, 2009 by Lillie
Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, and the Alzheimer’s Asociation is asking people to get involved to end this terrible disease.
I know there are many horrific diseases that destroy the body, and watching someone deteriorate from cancer and other diseases is heart-rending. The tragedy of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, however, is that not only do they cause the body to deteriorate, but they also destroy both the mind and the personality.
My father was one of the strongest, most independent, and smartest men I ever met. He used to amaze us by solving arithmetic problems instantly in his head. “Daddy, what is 7,639 times 347?” I would ask. “Two million six hundred and fifty thousand seven hundred and thirty-three,” he would respond before I could punch the numbers on the calculator to confirm the answer.
Our family watched Alzheimer’s destroy him over a period of seven years, and I never want to see that happen to anyone else. Yet 35 million people are living with dementia today, and that number is expected to increase to 115.4 million in 2050. The statistics in the 2009 World Alzheimer’s Report should convince everyone to get involved.
That’s why I’m wearing purple on September 21 and why I’ve signed up as an Alzheimer’s champion. And why I hope you’ll consider helping end Alzheimer’s as well.
My grandma has that illness, it’s very sad to see how an extremely clever person degenerates in front of your eyes…this post made me very sad…
Lara,
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I’ll be writing some more about my father with some stories that I hope you will find encouraging. Treatment is improving though there is still is long way to go.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is sad to see that emptiness in their eyes and to watch them struggle with every day stuff when once they were strong and wise. Always remember that they are still your hero and never give up on them, because when that spark is in their eyes even for a moment it reminds us how special each and every day is.
Debb,
The eyes do say so much. I’m going to write about the look in my father’s eyes as his death neared and also about some brief moments of lucidity he had.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad, my friend is also diagnosed with Alzheimer at an early age of 59. Living with this disease for more than a year now, it hurts to see him every single day having difficulties communicating to us. I hope and pray that these numbers would lessen in the coming years.
Sean,
I’m sorry about your friend. It is really difficult to watch, especially someone so young. I’m praying that research will come up with solutions soon.
Lillie, thank you for posting this. My grandfather just died this past July, he struggled with Alzheimer’s for five years. It was horrible losing the man we knew and loved, long before he actually died; and horrible seeing him affected by this terrible disease. PLEASE get involved everyone!!
.-= Shelley Seale´s last blog ..Good News Wednesday =-.
Shelley,
Losing your loved one before they die—that is the real tragedy of this terrible disease. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather.
Lillie,
Thanks so much for sharing this info about World Alzheimer’s Day! Though I lost my mom to this terrible disorder (as you know), I hadn’t heard of this special day that’s been set aside for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s; so I really appreciate the heads up! Let’s pray that one day soon a cure will be found!
Thanks again!
Jeanne
Jeanne,
I think we can all join in that prayer. There are different manifestations of Alzheimer’s—I believe your mother’s disease progressed very quickly while my father’s took years. However, every case is equally painful.
That’s so true, Lillie!
Just wanted you to know that your informative post has spurred me to pen one of my own at Writer’s Notes — a post in which I acknowledge you for highlighting this important day of recognition for those who struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Here’s a link to the post you’ve inspired: Today Is World Alzheimer’s Day: Spread the Word!
Thanks for passing along this critical info!
Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne.
I’m headed over to read your post. I’m behind in my blog reading because my husband had a TIA on Saturday. He spent two days in the hospital and came home last night. He’s still wobbly on his feet so I’m watching him closely, which lets me get to the office (a portable building in the backyard) only when he’s asleep.
Oh, Lillie, so sorry to hear about your husband’s mini stroke! Thank God it wasn’t more serious! You’re very wise to keep a close eye on him right now.
Please don’t feel obliged to read my post if it’s inconvenient right now. Just wanted you to be aware that you’d been mentioned at Writer’s Notes. If you do have time to visit, feel free to skim. I’ll understand.
Jeanne,
Thank you. I’m really happy it was just a TIA. At first I thought I was having a full-fledged stroke and so did the EMS guys. However, his symptoms started improving by the time the ambulance got him to ER and most have gone away completely. What remains, primarily unsteadiness on his feet, is getting better.
It’s so good to hear that it wasn’t as bad as you originally thought! Glad to hear he’s improving, as well!
Thanks, Jeanne. He’s driving me crazy because he doesn’t want me watching him all the time, but I don’t want him moving around without me there in case he falls. I couldn’t keep him from falling, but at least I could get help.
I can see it from both perspectives. Though it might be hard to do because you’re so concerned, perhaps you could interact with him casually enough to not make it seem as if you’re watching (even though you are).
Jeanne,
I guess it sounds like I’m hoving over him, which I’m not. The problem is that my office is a portable building in the backyard. If I am in the house, he wants to know why I’m not working. He knows I am behind on several large projects, so I can’t tell him I don’t have anything to do.
It’s pretty easy for him to figure out that I’m sitting in the house reading so I can keep an eye on him. If my office was in the house, it would be easier because I could keep an eye on him while I was at my desk.
Ah, yes, Lillie, I can see how it would be difficult to be casual about it when you must forego work to keep an eye on him because your office is in a separate building! That could definitely present a slight problem!
Perhaps, once you do feel free to return to work, you might schedule frequent breaks to stop in and see how he’s doing. (But, I’m sure you didn’t need me to tell you that!)
Thanks, Jeanne. He’s finally agreed to call me when he’s going to move around, so I’m leaving him for awhile sitting in front of the TV or computer as well as when he’s sleeping. I hadn’t felt comfortable doing that before because he would get up and move around without letting me know. I said I’d like some more frequent breaks … Probably he figured it’s better to call me than to have me there all the time.
He is getting more stable on his feet now, so I should be able to leave him alone in a day or two.
Sounds like a good arrangement! And, if you’re anything like me, you probably really do need more frequent breaks. It’s simply too easy to keep right on working when you don’t have a “good excuse” to take a break! So, it will likely benefit both of you! Glad to hear your hubby’s getting more stable on his feet! That’s great news!
Yes, Jeanne, I certainly do need to take more frequent breaks. I get busy and think I’m just going to finish this … and that … and something else, then I’ll take a break. Before I know it, I’ve been sitting at the computer for half the day and am so stiff I can hardly move. My doctor told me to take a break every hour or more often. That will never happen, but I am trying to break more often.
With, writing, editing, or any other kind of “brain work” it’s far too easy to get so involved in what we’re doing that we don’t even think to take a break. This kind of mental distraction from our surroundings (which we might refer to as deep concentration) is great for actually getting a job done, but it doesn’t help us create the balance that’s so important to our overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and it can eventually lead to burnout if we aren’t careful.
I tend to do this, too. But, I’m trying to “come up for air” a little more often these days, to detach myself from the demands of a project for brief periods, during which I walk away from the computer if possible or at least change up the activity I’m involved in to one that’s less work-oriented for a little while. This can make such a difference. Even simply pausing in the middle of our work to stretch or do a few limbering exercises right there in our chairs can help.
For you, the need to keep an eye on your husband can provide a great opportunity for altering some less-than healthy habit patterns that you’ve developed without having to give it any real thought. And that’s a good thing! (Your doctor’s advice is really very sound. I’ve read that taking a break every hour or so is a good rule of thumb. Why is it that we so easily ignore such good advice?)
Jeanne,
Good question: Why do we ignore such good advice? Not only taking a break every hour but so many other things we know we should (or shouldn’t) do yet we don’t do what we should and we do what we shouldn’t.
I wonder whether we’ll ever be able to answer that one, Lillie! Somehow, I doubt it!
I doubt it also, Jeanne.
I didn’t even know about this, but today, I found myself wearing a purple shirt and tie anyways. If days like this had more publicity, I think it would mean something bigger, but I guess it needs to start here.
.-= RW@Free Online Speed Reading´s last blog ..How do you Teach Speed Reading? =-.
RW,
I’m surprised we didn’t hear more about this, but we can all help spread the word. It’s interesting that you chose the right color to wear today without even realizing it.
That is a fantastic tribute! The only interesting fact that I can contribute is that drinking coffee regularly has been proven to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s because it strengthens the blood brain barrier, which prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s.
C,
I hadn’t heard this about coffee. Can you direct us to a link for the research?
My grandma died with dementia and Alzheimer’s – it is so sad to see someone who used to take care of you lose their mental capacity.
Bill,
So true—watching someone who used to take care of you and others become someone who must have others take care of them is so painful. I’m so sorry about your grandma.
It is very difficult to see someone who has made us capable of working and speaking dying day by day. The worth thing about these kind diseases is the fact that they kill our family members (people) day by day and not once. This is the worst fact of these diseases.
Carl,
That’s right—watching someone we love die slowly day by day is devastating.
My grandmother is experiencing that illness too. It’s just a couple of months ago, July, I think. So sad to see my dad worrying for his mom. All we do now is to continue talking with her, though she could hardly recognize us plus the difficulty to communicate with her.
.-= Nicolas´s last blog ..Cheyletiella Mange =-.
Nicolas,
It is very difficult to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s, and it’s so painful when someone we love doesn’t even know who we are. I’m so sorry about your grandmother.
I work at a retirement community, and I’ve worked with a number of people with Alzheimers. I’m so sorry you watched your father go through this, I know how hard it is, I have a hard time watching people I consider my friends go through it. It’s such a confusing thing for the friends and family to deal with, let alone the actual person.
.-= Jennifer @ How Does Refinancing Work´s last blog ..How Does Refinancing Work? =-.
Jennifer,
I respect and admire everyone who works with dementia patients. My sister is a social worker in a nursing home. The experience with our father, I think, has made her more understanding of the patients. It is hard to be patient and compassionate when people become very difficult, though it’s the disease that is making them that way.
Alzheimer is one terrible disease and I have known it pretty better even though it hasn’t affected anybody in my family so far. One of my friends grandpa was so unfortunate that he struggled a lot during his last days with this dreadful disease. We still remember how intellectual he was and he use to accompany us when we played together. Helped us to do homework and he can almost talk for hours on any topic around the world due to his extensive reading skills. If I had read this blog post yesterday I would have surely arranged something in purple. Sorry that I have to read it today. Tributes like these are quite helpful to the society in creating awareness of such cruel diseases. Thanks for writing an exclusive article and reminding all of us.
Best Regards,
Mack McMillan
.-= Mack@Foreclosure Las Vegas´s last blog ..Commercial Real Estate Bubble =-.
Mack,
It seems that so often the people who are smart and nice are affected by Alzheimer’s. It’s tragic to watch them lose their intellectual abilities and their personalities.
Very true Lillie. I read an article published on the world Alzheimer’s day in a local newspaper and it had portrayed the lives of both the patient and the caretaker. After reading it i felt so sad and was thinking how this cruel disease turns their lives so badly. The article also had some valuable tips to the caretakers on how to divert their mind and safeguard them from hazardous threats within home. All we have to do is pray for them and show more love and care than when they were alright.
.-= Mack@Las Vegas Condos´s last blog ..Commercial Real Estate Bubble =-.
Mack,
My sister is a social worker in a nursing home. She wrote a little tips booklet for Alzheimer’s caregivers that I have suggested she expand. She gives a lot of practical advice from both the personal perspective, based on years of experience with my father, and the professional perspective, based on years of experience as a social worker.
Lillie, my hearty congratulations and best regards to your sister for coming up with such a thought of compiling tips into booklets based on real life experiences. I am sure there are so many books on this topic but experiences taken from life of a caretaker is more trustworthy and credible. Thank you for suggesting this to your sister. We all are very much expecting the release and I hope you will let us know. I will also try to spread the love and care through whichever channels feasible for me.
Regards,
Mack McMillan
.-= Mack@Las Vegas Homes´s last blog ..Commercial Real Estate Bubble =-.
Mack,
Thanks for the encouragement. My sister hasn’t done anything about this, but I’m going to send her the link to this post and tell her to read the comments. Maybe that will encourage her to get busy.
Sorry to hear about your dad, Lillie. It seems almost everybody knows someone who has Alzheimers these days. My first grade teacher passed away last December from it. She became a dear life long friend after both my brother and I were in her class and it just blows my mind that someone who dedicated forty years of her life to teaching others could lose her mental capacity to such a disease. My grandmother who is 81 is currently suffering from dementia. It is really hard to watch the changes that take place. I keep hoping they will find a cure soon.
Rebecca,
Unfortunately this horrible disease is becoming more prevalent so everyone does know someone who is affected. My father died 14 years ago and was first diagnosed more than 20 years ago. The disease was not nearly as well-known then, and most people didn’t have the experience of knowing someone affected.
WoW, your father is a genius and I’m so sorry for seeing him suffering with the Alzheimer’s disease, Lillie. Trust me, my grandfather was one of the Alzheimer’s disease victims and I knew how miserable the condition was, especially when someone we love are getting trouble with this ugly disease!
.-= wilson´s last blog ..Do Mind About Your Annual Medical Checkup! =-.
wilson,
I’m so sorry about your grandfather. It is so painful to watch someone we love deteriorate from dementia.
Lillie,
I am sorry to hear that your father had to go through such a difficult ending. Alzheimer’s Disease represents an extremely serious problem, especially for the elderly and I certainly hope that the scientific community is able to develop an effective form of cure at some point.
Thanks for raising awareness of this very important issue.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Back home/back online! =-.
Andrew,
The sad truth is that the problem is increasing. When my father was diagnosed, we had never even heard of the disease. It was not commonly known about at the time. Now I don’t know anyone who has not had a loved one or friend diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I’m praying for research to find a cure—better yet, prevention.
Thanks for this Lillie!
As some know, my father passed away from complication related to Alzheimers a few years ago. The disease is indeed a real tragedy and robs many of their final years.
I’m reading this post after the fact, but I am going to wear purple today anyway.
So sorry to hear that, Laura! I know how tough that is, since my mom also died of Alzheimer’s (though much more recently).
Hope you’ve been well! Sorry I haven’t stopped by Writing Thoughts lately. My life has been so crazy of late that I’ve been visiting precious few of my favorite blogs — and it’s a miracle that I’ve been updating my own blog as (in)frequently as I have!
Take care!
Jeanne
Jeanne and Laura,
Laura hasn’t been posting much at Writing Thoughts. She must be too busy posting on other blogs. I miss Writing Thoughts regular posts.
Finally visited WT today for the first time in ages. I’ve been so out of the loop that I didn’t know Laura wasn’t updating much these days. I’m noticing, though, that a few of my blogger friends are at the same place due to other writing/blogging projects. I guess one person can only do so much, and it can be very easy to spread ourselves too thin if we aren’t careful. So, we have to prioritize our projects and be content to post whenever we can.
Jeanne,
Blogging is an outlet for me—a break from client writing/editing. But that’s because I don’t blog anywhere else. If blogging were a job for me, I’d probably have a hard time spending time here as well.
Yes, blogging can be a bit stressful as a job, because of the pressure to post regularly. I often wonder how some bloggers can maintain several blogs simultaneously without stressing or burning out. Glad you’re able to enjoy your blogging! It is a wonderful way to connect with readers/fellow bloggers while exercising one’s talents and indulging one’s own creative urge.
Jeanne,
Most of my work is editing rather than writing, so I don’t have to come up with new ideas all the time. And on my blog I can write about what I want rather than what the client wants.
Good point, Lillie. One of the most difficult things about regular writing is the necessity of generating new ideas all the time; whereas editing (though it’s part mechanical and part creative) works with ideas that already exist, so it doesn’t require that constant flow of imagination that’s so easily impeded by so many things.
Writing on our own blogs does give us a great deal of creative freedom, though — definitely more so than when we’re writing for a client — and that can make it especially enjoyable.
Jeanne,
I prefer to do my own writing—blogs and books—for the creative freedom. On the other hand, I really enjoy editing because it’s such fun to turn something mediocre into something really good or something good into something great.
Great points, all, Lillie! I heartily agree!
Jeanne,
But I’m sure you also heartily agree that it’s wonderful to write for clients and get paid for it!
This is true! Though it may not always feel wonderful every moment, it can indeed bring great fulfillment! (And the money isn’t bad, either!)
We do appreciate that money, Jeanne. It would be lovely to write for the sake of our art, but the grocery store and the power company don’t take art as payment.
Laura,
It’s so hard to watch a loved one—especially a parent who has cared for us and been so independent—deteriorate through this devastating disease. I’m so sorry your family has gone through this.
I had no idea that Monday was national Alzheimer’s day..This disease is huge in my family. My moms mother and 2 of 4 sisters are battling Alzheimers. My mom, 59, has been showing signs for years and it is slowly starting to become a challenge. Great to know there is support out there!
Tyler,
I’m so sorry your family is affected so much. It’s difficult enough to have one family member with the disease—both emotionally and practically as the caregiving duties are many. To have so many loved ones affected is indeed tragic.
Hope you can discuss more about Alzheimer’s disease if i am right. Is this about something you forget those people and places because of aging. They said it is just a memory gap due to poor diet.
Bob,
Alzheimer’s is much more complex and serious than you realize. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Before it ends in death, it causes horrific symptoms throughout the body. Memory loss and confusion are usually the early signs, but gradually the entire body shuts down. You can learn more at http://alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
I will write more about my father and Alzheimer’s, but I’m not an expert on the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information.
My grandfather just died this past July, he struggled with Alzheimer’s for five years. It was horrible losing the man we knew and loved, long before he actually died; and horrible seeing him affected by this terrible disease. PLEASE get involved everyone!!
bobbac,
I’m so sorry about your grandfather. It is awful to lose a loved one long before they die.
Bob, very sorry for your grandfather. I am sure he would have been a great human being.
@ Lillie – Hope you send this link to your sister. I guess she would be pretty excited to work for a noble cause. I am with you guys.
There is a good news too. I stumbled upon vancouver sun’s article over the web and seems to be a good sign. An Israeli researcher claims that he has made significant progress in alzheimer’s vaccination. I wish him all the very best and soon he will discover something great.
Regards,
Mack
.-= Mack@Las Vegas Condos´s last blog ..Commercial Real Estate Bubble =-.
Mack,
Thanks for the info on the Israeli researcher’s progress on a vaccine. I’m praying it works and becomes available in a reasonable amount of time (considering all the trials and testing and red tape that will be required).
I talked to my sister tonight and suggested she start a blog as a way of writing her book. She can be providing valuable information and building up a platform as she writes in small segments. She’s getting excited about it. I promised to help her with set up the blog. We’ll be together in a few weeks and will talk about it then.
I know how difficult it is to take care of an elder person and witness their downfall, especially if you’ve know them from before, when they were vibrant and full of life. Alzheimer is a degrading disease, it leaves you with no dignity and it’s heartbreaking to watch. My mother has suffered a lot from it, not because she had it, but because of her mother, who died from it. My grandmother was a very lovable and caring person, but in her final time she was a complete stranger to me, as a child, and I was forbidden to go see her. I still miss her badly, after all this time, and I only hope we can find a cure or at least a bearable treatment to it.
Kelly,
My sympathy to your family. I understand how devastating this would be for your mother and you—it’s horrible to watch a loved one become a stranger.
I can only hope that someday will be a cure to such painful diseases. The real heroes are the ones who stand by their love ones when they can take care of themselves.
Carry,
You are so right about families and caregivers being the heroes. This is such a difficult disease to deal with and puts such emotional and physical demands on everyone involved.
I think if someone from the family is suffering from such a disease, it is a very difficult test for all the family members and there is no option to fail because if the family members fail in providing the emotional and mental support to the member who is suffering from the disease, the family member would loose the rest of his strength and would die before the time comes
Carl,
It is extremely stressful for family members, especially as the disease progresses. Our family cared for my father at home for several years with the help of a hired caregiver during the week because my mother wasn’t physically able to provide the care. My siblings and I took turns spending the weekends with my parents and providing my father’s care. But they lived on a farm and it was difficult to keep live-in help so far out in the country. And he eventually reached the point that he needed more medical intervention that could be provided at home so we had to put him in a nursing home. Of course, we still spend a lot of time with him even though he didn’t know who we were.
This goes out to all those who have experienced or has been living with someone who has the disease. Keep going. Life is nothing without the risks and trials. Purple means royal. It means special. You are special because God knows you can handle the situation.
Diaz,
Family members who support their loved ones with this disease are certainly special. It is difficult and challenging.
I have a Grandfather in the VA Hospital with Alzheimers. He fought in the Battle of the Bulg. He doesn’t deserve this disease.
Tjameson
Tjameson,
I’m sorry about your grandfather. He deserves our accolades for being a hero. No one deserves this disease.
A cruel disease and difficult to watch as your loved one deteriorates.Recently my mother in law has become afflicted.
However my husband and I, have been given hope with recent news on the internet, that taking a supplement in tablet form, of the popular indian spice turmeric can help slow the progression of the disease.
Hopefully this or something else will work.
xochitl,
I’m sorry to hear about your mother-in-law and hope turmeric works to slow the progression.
My husband and I take several supplements with various herbs and natural ingredients, but none of them have turmeric. Did your information indicate it might also help as a preventive?
Hi Lillie
Apparently the incidence of Alzheimers in Asian Indians is extremely low.This has been linked to intake of Turmeric.
Also the research indictes that it works as a preventative.
Also I think other supplements such as Omega 3 in combination work well.
Since reading the research we have added turmeric supplements and oily fish regularly to our diet.
Here is one link fron BBC news
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1668932.stm
Xochitl
Xochitl,
Thank you. The article was very interesting. We take Omega 3 fish oil. It sounds like you’re coming up with a good regimen.
Alzheimers disease is a truely monstrous condition, and it forces relatives to go through just as much, if not more pain than the loved one suffering from it…
.-= Si@ Control Freak´s last blog ..Leadership Mentoring – Developing Your Own Style =-.
You’re so right, Si. We don’t know how much the person with the disease is aware of what’s going on, but the loved ones watching the deterioration feel a lot of pain.
does the medical society have come to a solution to cure this disease?
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Mickey,
Unfortunately, there are no solutions yet. That’s why it’s so important to advocate for research.
Tonight I found out that my dad most likely has Alzheimer’s (he’s 71).
Supports groups, Good information, Medical advances. I want to be an expert and fast, fast, fast. Yes, I’m doing my google work.
peter,
I’m sorry to hear your family is going through this. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information. Just follow the link in the above post to World Alzheimer’s Day and click through to other sections of the Web site. You’ll find a lot of excellent information there, and the association has support groups in many places.
Touching story, Lillie. As I get older more and more of my elders that I knew all of my life seem to be suffering from health problems, and I am now no stranger to Alzheimer’s myself
Some of the most important people to my childhood now have it so bad that I can’t bear to even see them. It’s too sad.
Halitonic Review
Jacob,
It is sad to see someone you love and respect deteriorate with Alzheimer’s. I’m praying for a cure.
Yes, Alzheimers is a terrible disease to have to cope with- more so for the family members. To see someone you care for and have fond memories with forget the moments you shared must be devastating…
.-= sammy @ alzheimers´s last blog ..Natural Hair Loss Prevention =-.
sammy,
Yes, it is tragic and painful for family members to watch a loved one suffer with this disease.
My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s too. But ultimately, he died of cancer. He only remembered my brother’s name, when he actually has 3 grandkids. Kinda hurts for me, but I’m sure he’s resting peacefully somewhere now. And I really miss him… he’s such a nice grandpa. A little grumpy, but hey, I think we all are, at some point.
Louise,
I’m sorry about your grandfather. It’s so hard when someone we love doesn’t even know who we are.
Hi, it’s a nice inspiration for every one who will read your article about the Alzheimer of your dad, I’m sad to know that he suffer for this kind of disease, but keep on hoping and praying for the other people who have Alzheimer’s disease, thanks for this article..
.-= Zurich@permanent life insurance´s last blog ..Mortgage Insurance Quote Vernon Bc British Columbia – Shopping Mortgage Insurance Rates is Easy =-.
Zurich,
I’m praying for a cure and supporting the Alzheimer’s Association.
From now on, I will wear purple at this time of the year. Thanks for the info.
.-= ashley@superfoods´s last blog ..Superfoods That Contribute to a Healthy Conception =-.
ashley,
We need to do all we can to find a cure and/or treatment for this devastating disease.
[...] survey took a huge amount of time and energy to compile. Recognition of special days—such as World Alzheimer’s Day, I Love to Write Day, and Religious Freedom Day—and special organizations and programs—such as [...]
My grandfather passed from Alzheimer’s. He was a WW 2 Vet and a great man. We put him in a home the last few years because he forgot everyone, even hiswife of 65 years.
The one funny thing is though he didn’t remember much, when my grandmother would come over, he would proudly show her off to every one as his girlfriend. It’s sad, but was kind of cute.
He was a good man.
Lutz,
It appears that your grandfather’s memory worked for the time period before he and your grandmother were married. It’s typical for Alzheimer’s patients to remember things from the distant past but not remember things from a few minutes ago. At least he had some memory of her.
And by the way, my whole family wore purple in his and all who suffer from Alzheimers on Sept 21.
.-= Lutz Schwartz´s last undefined ..(Enjoy 10 returned posts for Christmas) =-.
Lutz,
Thanks to you and your family for wearing purple!
Of course Lillie! Thanks for raising awareness. We all need to and someday, god willing, they can get this under control.
.-= Lutz Schwartz´s last undefined ..(Enjoy 10 returned posts for Christmas) =-.
Lutz,
That day when this terrible disease is under control can’t come soon enough for me.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate your concern. hoping that there could be anymeans to prevent this disease.
God Bless!
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celine,
I’d love to see advances in prevention, treatment, and cure!
I went through the same thing. My Father died of Alzheimer’s Disease just a few years ago. He was similar to your Father, very strong and could out work me at age 65 and I was 40. I worry about Alzheimer’s every time I forget something I really should have remembered. I hope they find a cure soon.
Lee,
I totally identify with that fear that simple everyday memory lapses are signs of Alzheimer’s. Probably everyone who has seen the deterioration of a loved one understands that fear.
This post is over a year old but it is that time of year again. Get your purple out.
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Mike,
Yes, I’ll be wearing purple and posting about Alzheimer’s next Tuesday.
[...] Alzheimer’s Month: I’ve written before about my experiences as a caregiver for my father and another family member with Alzheimer’s. My associate Beverly Ellison has [...]