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This is dedicated to my mother, who is in the last stage of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative disorder of the nerve cells located in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. No known cause has yet to be found. It generally strikes when a person is 60 or older, although onset has been noted in persons as young as 40. Aggressive research, in my opinion, has not been shown to this disease. There are few medications available now which are inclined to slow its progression. Unfortunately these were not available when my own Mother was diagnosed. Hers had already gone too far to have been beneficial anyway. The inevitable end to this "brain burgler" or "soul stealer" as I prefer, is the shell of the person who no longer exists except in physical form.







My Mother was "officialy" diagnosed with this disease in 1993. For her, the disease took over rapidly, she is now bedfast, with a feeding tube and knows nothing of her surroundings. Please read the tribute below and check out the Alzheimer's links. I also have written a timeline detailing to the best of memory, with the help of my journals, the progression of her disease.



My mom was diagnosed (as best as can be) with Alzheimer's in 1993. From there, the disease rapidly took over, devouring her soul and leaving the shell of a once beautiful, vibrant and proud woman. It's been a long and scary road through hell, difficult for everyone who loves her. But maybe the one who is suffering the most is my dad, her primary caregiver. Mom used to say "They broke the mold when they made your daddy." I could never understand more than now just what she meant. My dad has remained steadfast and loyal almost to a fault. He wouldn't have it any other way. My parents have always been the most devoted and romantic couple I have ever known. Theirs was a fairy-tale romance, bittersweet at the start, only to end happily ever after. That is, until Alzheimer's Disease decided to make a place in their world.

Anyone, anywhere who loves someone lost to Alzheimer's knows the pain and the frustration. One minute you wish it would end, the next you feel guilty and ashamed for even thinking like that. Altogether, you wish the disease had never snuck in to begin with. If someone knows of a person or a caregiver suffering ALONE with this wicked, insatiable illness,won't you please reach out to them,or let me know about them and I will provide a source of comfort. Won't you have a look at the information in these links and arm yourself with what knowledge there is available.

If you are a caregiver, please seek out support in your area! Don't forget or disregard taking good care of your own self. The stress of your responsibility will take it's toll on you, your health should be monitored also. Find someone whom you feel comfortable talking to. Just because you are caring for someone stricken with AD doesn't mean you shouldn't have love and care too. Kids, young and old, appreciate your parents and be there for them. We never know if it may strike us too.





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