I Hate Alzheimer’s Disease
I hate Alzheimer’s Disease and what it does to the individual, the loved ones, family, friends and finances. Alzheimer’s is a thief that steals the mind and I loathe it for that reason and so many others.
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Alzheimer’s Disease is a despicable, horrible and debilitating disease that robs a person of their very being. I hate Alzheimer’s. I have witnessed it, along with the torment and sorrow it creates. It is a friend to no one.
There are four stages to Alzheimer’s Disease:
Pre-Dementia may appear as early as eight (8) years prior to the actual diagnosis. Symptoms may involve memory loss, the concept of certain relationships, planning, attentiveness, flexibility and apathy.
Early is when motor skills start to deteriorate. There may also be some problems with language. Newer facts learned are more difficult to remember. Although an individual may be capable of performing many tasks independently, there are certain, more involved duties that require assistance and supervision.
Moderate is when the stranglehold takes affect. This is when the individual is no longer able to perform the most common of daily living activities. Their speech and vocabulary are adversely affected. Risk of falling during this stage increases dramatically, along with the loss of reading and writing. There may be problems with irritability, wandering, emotional outbursts of crying and aggression, followed by a resistance to care. It is at this stage where home care is no longer feasible and time to move to a long term care facility.
Advanced is the terminal stage of Alzheimer’s. The patient has now become bedridden and can no longer feed themselves. There is a loss of all bodily functions. Language is reduced to just a few words or gestures. This is the end stage and death occurs due to a host of external factors, but not the disease itself.
I watched my grandmother go through the trials and tribulations of Alzheimer’s. She was a hard worker and “Jack of all trades,” her entire life. The grandchildren that followed me, including my children and her other great grandchildren always referred to her as “Grandma Right,” because whenever they would do something she would respond lovingly, “Right!” Her torment lasted only a short time. She moved to an assisted living facility and within two (2) years she died from a stroke. Although we all tried to make her comfortable, it was to no avail. Early on my grandmother would call me several times a day crying hysterically and asking me to get her out of there. It was gut wrenching.
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Lord Banks | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
A fascinating insight into this crippling disease, told with real life experiences, (Little tip you do need to comment on others work to create a loyal base of frinds on Triond) great article. LB
hfj | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
This to me is one of the saddest diseases you could get. I had a very close friend who was like a second mother to me who developed alzheimers. The last time i visited her she didn’t even know who i was. I told my wife that i wouldn’t see her again in that condition because i wanted to remember her the way she was. I truely hope they find a cure for this dreaded disease. Well done friend.
Freethinking | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
I’m still feeling my way around, so I appreciate the tip. Thank you.
The Quail 1957 | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
This was a great article and i’m glad you wrote about it. Well done my friend,.
Will Dee | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Great information. I have seen it first hand. I did not know it had four stages. I know it works slowly over time. Thanks for the share.
yes me | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
A great share this one for awareness of this horrible disease.
cheers
thestickman | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Excellent write-up. Unfamiliar with recent advances, but recall that even though Alzheimer’s is associated with (slightly) elevated traces of aluminum in the brain, it is *not* because of the use of aluminum cookware as had been previously thought.. (or, has that flip-flopped again, anyway, probably not good to use anyway because raw aluminum DOES shed aluminum ions in cooking water, and likely not good for the human body..)
lapasan | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
I am moved by your story. I also sympathize with you on what happened to your grandma and mother. My own father too fell victim to alzheimer’s before he died.
LewSethics | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Sad story, Free, all the sadder because its true.
I always try to find some redeeming factor in all things, but you got me here.
Be strong.
Tulan | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
I have know several people who had it and I can say, it is the most terrible thing in the world.
papaleng | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
A sad but true story. My only antidote for this disease, is for middle-aged person, to continue reading books,magazines etc. Make your brain work.
The Soul Explorer | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Percy | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Nice educational information. Thanks for sharing this.
Ruby Hawk | Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
It’s a horrible disease and the whole family suffers.
albert1jemi | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
great share
LCM Linda | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
I can deeply feel the sense of helplessness and pain when someone you love and care so much got Alzheimer’s disease. Hope the medical breakthrough can be fast enough to get a cure ready the soonest.
crisdiwata | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
I’m sorry for your mom. That was very dreadful.
nz2rdfox | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
Great share and a brave one..:)
Thank you for sharing
john smither | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
Well written and personal account of the effects of this condition. Not just to those it slowly takes its hold on but their family as well.
cyrenjan | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
I was touched by the story. I guess conditions like that is hard to handle.
PR Mace | Dec 8, 2010 | Reply
As a nurse I see so much of it and it is a terrible illness. It steals your life away.
J M Lennox | Dec 9, 2010 | Reply
I agree with you whole heartedly Freethinking. One of my extended family members suffered from it before passing away, and her immediate family suffered greatly. It was heart wrenching. A well presented article. And by the way – thank you for all your comments on my articles. I greatly appreciate it.
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dloriginal | Dec 9, 2010 | Reply
It is heart wrenching to go through it with someone you love. Great article.
Likha | Dec 11, 2010 | Reply
Is this a genetically transmitted condition? I was moved by this and I agree it is heartbreaking for the entire family. My mother has been showing early signs of this disease since my dad passed away. We have to confirm though, through a medical diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with us.
Freethinking | Dec 11, 2010 | Reply
It does seem to run in families. Sometimes the inevitable end is quick and sometimes it takes years. It’s like I tell my doctor, I’m living for quality, not quantity. Keep an eye on your mom for subtle changes in behavior, loss of bowel movement control, loss of interest in certain things and if she starts having trouble with mobility.
Betty Carew | Dec 28, 2010 | Reply
Great post Free but also very sad. We lost a sister in law to this disease a few years ago. That was very hard to watch. Her husband who never left her side as she became bed ridden died of cancer a year before she passed.This insidious disease knows no boundaries.
KittyK | Mar 27, 2011 | Reply
I absolutely HATE Alzheimer’s as well. My paternal grandfather had this disease in the 60’s and no one actually knew what his illness was. He suffered for nearly 10 years.
juliachild | May 24, 2011 | Reply
Good share!
David | May 4, 2012 | Reply
I hate Alzheimer’s so very much. I was only 15 years old when my father was diagnosed with it. I watched him go from a strong intelligent hard working man to a crippled up man that can’t talk anymore or doesn’t know me anymore. It has seriously affected me when I was growing up having my father diagnosed when I was at such a young age. He was only 57 when He was diagnosed, but had already been showing symptoms for over 5 years. I am 30 years old now and my father was diagnosed over 15 years ago now. He is currently in a nursing home and can’t do anything anymore. He has to be picked up out of bed and sat in a chair and that is all he does all day cause he can’t do anything else. He has outlived a lot of other people who have had this terrible illness. I wish so much I could just talk to Him when I need Him there for me. The most I can do is to spend time with Him and let Him know that I love Him and that God loves Him. Early onset Alzheimer’s runs in my family from way back and has not skipped a generation yet that I know of. My dad’s father was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 57 years of age. I hope and pray that a cure is found. I am not so much worried about myself but am very concerned for my children for when they get past middle aged. I will continue to spend time with my father because I love Him and pray everyday that a cure is found soon.