Contemplating Alzheimer’s

In my Grandma’s later years she was diagnosed with what was then sometimes called senility and other times called dimensia. She forgot all sort of things without any warning, and later would remember them. I was a teenager back then, and it seemed that very little was known about her condition. My parents and I have discussed this with each other as well as some doctors and we now know it is highly probable that my Grandmother had Alzheimer’s.

I’m now older, and knowledge and understanding of Alzheimers is greatly improved but still not where it needs to be. I have a son with Down Syndrome. When he was born I realized his chances of having Alzheimers, as well as having it at a younger age than usual, were high. I pray often that a cure is found soon.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in people over 65. It is progressive and degenerative and effects the brain’s nerve cells, causing memory loss, changes in thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of aging, but it touches the lives of many people. Until a cure is found we as society should focus on providing quality care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is not an easy task. I remember how hard it was for my Mom. I can’t help but think it would have been easier on my Grandma as well as all of us if there had been some training back then.

Want to learn more? The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has a very comprehensive website that is full of information. Another way to learn more would be to buy the four part dvd training program entitled Your Time To Care that is available in the Foundations online store. The set is designed to help teach people how to provide quality care for Alzheimer’s patients. I am considering purchasing a piece of jewelry from the store as a holiday gift for my Mother. I think she would appreciate what it represented, as well as knowing that any profit from the sale would help support the Foundation’s mission to provide care while searching for a cure and raise awareness.

Sponsored by AFA

Category: Family, Health, This and That