A Daughter’s Perspective: Alzheimers
Our parents and grandparents are suffering increased diseases related to cognitive dysfunction and memory issues. Leading the way is Alzheimer’s Disease. Many will have to watch as their parents forget special memories, forget who they are and watch them developmentally break down before they pass on. Alzheimer’s Disease has no set time limit and often the suffering can be prolonged. This is a harsh way to watch someone die.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years and individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
Research typically highlights the preventative measures one can take to increase their chances of non-development, but there really are no black and white answers to this problem. Someone with Alzheimer’s is cognitively impaired and unable to advocate for themselves. The progression of this disease requires 24/7 care. Loved ones are forced to place their Alzheimer’s family member is housing facilities where they are at the mercy of the owners and staff members.
The family is held hostage by this disease and members are not able to control their loved one’s environmental circumstances. Facility managers may state, “Your loved one with Alzheimer’s is blissfully unaware and not bothered by materialistic circumstances.” Blissful unawareness does not decrease the pain of having to leave their parent, sister, brother, aunt, or uncle behind.
As consumers, we can be diligent about our choices of where to house our loves ones with Alzheimer’s Disease. We can stay involved with visiting them regularly, even if it is brief visits. We can find supportive resources to help us manage our emotional stress. Speaking to someone who can relate to this process can be most helpful when exploring your options.