About a year and a half ago, I lost my father to Alzheimer's. It was a tragic loss and opened my eyes to what this disease is all about. I used to think it was just a condition of forgetfulness that often comes with advancing age. In fact, Alzheimer's is the most common cause (about 60-80%) of dementia, a cognitive impairment that does includes memory loss but can also severely interfere with daily life. And while the majority of patients are over 65 years old, early-onset Alzheimer's can affect non-seniors too.
Alzheimer's usually progresses slowly through mild/early, moderate/middle, and severe/late stages. As with many diseases, symptoms affect people differently; some may progress through the stages more slowly and/or agressively. Mild symptoms can start as memory loss, while severe symptoms may include the loss of reacting to one's environment, including the ability to carry on a conversation.
There is much yet to be learned about Alzheimer's, and fortunately there are many organizations (including the Alzheimer's Association) that are doing ongoing research to help us understand it. There are also many independent and assisted living communities, including the soon-to-be-opened La Sonora at Dove Mountain, that provide care for those afflicted with memory loss and Alzheimer's. Currently there is no cure, but many treatments exist to help individuals struggling with this disease. There are also groups for support system members, like spouses, children and friends of the afflicted, who want to help their loved ones during this difficult time. I know it helped for me to talk to others who understood what I was going through, and if I can help you in any way, or if you'd like to share your experiences, please contact me when you're ready.
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