If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know raising awareness of Alzheimer’s is a cause close to my heart. I saw my grandfather being hauled off to the state hospital (the only mental institution available) when I was twelve years. At the time, the doctors said he had “hardening of the arteries.”
Three decades later, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Seeing the same behaviors in him that my grandfather exhibited, we realized that Grandpa had Alzheimer’s, but it wasn’t well-recognized in those days. Along with my mother, siblings, nephews, and paid caregivers, I helped care for Daddy for several years until he was too debilitated and had to placed in nursing care.
Almost twenty years later, my husband was diagnosed with the dreaded disease. Until the last few days of his life, I was his sole caregiver, and he was totally dependent on me. I am blessed that I was able to turn much of my work over to an associate and focus on my husband.
Alzheimer’s a terrible disease that turns strong and wise men and women into helpless children unable to think for themselves. It destroys the personality and takes away the memories. I know how devastating this disease is, and I’m praying for a cure.
Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. If you haven’t had experience with Alzheimer’s, thank God and pray for those who haven’t been so fortunate.
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