01/06/2021
❤️A neurologist said that dementia/Alzheimer's should be called "terminal failure of the brain," because the other names are nebulous and do not show the severity of the disease to most people. As the patient's brain slowly dies, you know they'll change physically, but the reality of those changes often leave loved ones/caregivers in shock. At the last phase, patients will end up bedridden, unable to move, and unable to eat or drink. But it is the different phases beforehand that are just as painful. The day they suddenly forget how to cook, or how to shop for groceries. When they can no longer dress themselves or become confused or combative when you try to fix the shirt or pants they've put on backwards. When they can no longer feed themselves or feel hunger or thirst but will eat and drink when spoon fed like a small child. When they are unsure of who you are when you have been their long-time mate or friend but you don’t tell them that because it just leads to more confusion and sadness. When they forget their kids and grandchildrens names. When they are confused, angry, or frightened because they are still partially aware of who they were.
There will be people who will scroll by this message because dementia/Alzheimer's has not touched them. They don't know what it is to care for a loved one who leads a battle against dementia/Alzheimer's.
For all the men and women I know, I ask you a small favor. If you know someone who has led a battle against dementia/Alzheimer's, still struggling or who passed, please add this to your status for one hour as a mark of respect and remembrance and to raise awareness of this horrible disease.
Copy and paste it in support of the victims and families affected by dementia and Alzheimer's as there is no cure.💔
