Living with Alzheimer's

[Csara]

Today is my grandma’s 87th birthday. She hasn’t really been here for a few years now though. I mean, physically she’s been here, but mentally she has been gone for a long time. She’s been living in “lock down” in a nursing home specifically for people with Alzheimer’s for the past two years. Alzheimer’s is a horrible, horrible disease. I hate it. It took my sweet, beautiful, kind, caring, funny grandma from her family. My grandpa, who is 91, still visits his wife every single day. She has no idea who he is anymore, but he is still her loving and loyal husband of over 65 years now.

I miss my grandma so much and seeing her now just makes me sad. She doesn’t have a clue who I am, she doesn’t even know what a grand daughter is. She doesn’t like when I visit, as infrequent as that is. It makes her nervous and upset and she has a hard time breathing. She closes her eyes, either to pretend she’s sleeping or from sheer exhaustion at the emotions it possibly stirs up in her. If not that, she just tells me to “go home”. I know my grandma would be appalled if she knew what was going on. I clearly remember she used to tell my mom that if she ever got like this, to just kill her. It is horrible that her nightmare came true. Even more horrible for her adoring family.

I know Alzheimer’s affects so many people and that it affects everyone differently, but all of us have something in common. We all hate it and we all wish there was something we could do. The best thing we can do is to help raise awareness and support our loved ones who are suffering from this awful disease. You can look on the Alzheimer Associations website for tons of helpful information, including details about the Memory Walk, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. There are walks in more than 600 communities. A typical Memory Walk is a 2-3 mile walk held on a weekend morning in the fall. By teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. Together, we can MOVE a nation.

With that, I’d just like to say Happy Birthday, Grandma Ruthie! I love you and miss you always. xoxoxo

[RedBedHead]

C-
I am so sorry. My Grandmother seems to be in the early stages of Alzheimer's and it's not fun. I can't imagine the day when she will not know me or my children. Right now she seems very forgetful. She knows who we all are but can't seem to come up with names. She "misplaces" things. It is a terrible disease. I will make an effort to make a difference along with you.

[meliz]

Awe, sorry you guys. That is so hard. C, I hope your grandmother had a good birthday, and that your granddad at least gets of a glimmer now and then of the woman he married. RHB, it must be hard to watch your grandmother deteriorate. Such a cruel disease. Has she been diagnosed? I ask because there are new meds and other coping methods that can help, at least in the early stages...

I've an uncle with a similar disease, called Picks. Devestating to a young man of 55. Strangely, this same fairly rare disease killed my mom's best friend. Awful awful. I will definitely partake in any Alzheimer walks held here this fall...

[RedBedHead]

Originally Posted by meliz

Has she been diagnosed?

Unfortunately, my grandmother fails to see how bad this really is. Everytime we mention it she says, "Oh, no...I'm just getting old and forgetful." We all think that it goes deeper than that though. I wish we had more control over the situation.