When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease there will almost certainly be issues relating to family relationships. First, normal roles change. A son suddenly becomes his mother’s caregiver, reversing their lifelong roles. Over time, a couple’s relationship changes as caregiving becomes the priority. Life plans, retirement plans, all the things you put off for the future, those things change and may in fact disappear completely. Roles of the caregiver change within their own family as well; a caregiver’s children may feel infringed upon when Grampa needs mom’s constant attention and focus. Continue reading “Family Dynamics – Facing a New Normal, Together” »
Tag early onset Alzheimer’s
Family Dynamics – Facing a New Normal, Together
A Son’s Letter to His Mother with Alzheimer’s Disease
About a year ago, Cynthia got lost on the way to her favorite ice cream place – one she had been to time and time again. When she finally found it, ordered herself a treat and got on the road home, she was alarmed to realize she couldn’t figure out how to drive across the street, becoming disoriented with the number of bright headlights and speed and number of the cars. In the weeks that followed this incident, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Cynthia and her son on Mother’s Day
Cynthia, 64, has become a passionate advocate for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, attending advocacy meetings, support groups and speaking at events. She recently moved to a retirement community in Napa, Calif., to be close to her son, who is her primary caregiver. She shared with us a letter her son wrote to her about the present and the future.
Mom,
I don’t want you to worry or be afraid. Let’s enjoy every single day and not think too much about whether you can remember as well as you could in the past.
I will watch over you and won’t let anything bad happen to you. If the time comes when we need to do more for you, I will make sure you have everything you need to have a great quality of life.
I wish I could change things. I wish I could take your illness for you but I can’t. All I can do is be there for you and love you.
5 Brilliant People Struck by Alzheimer’s
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- Charles Kao, nobel prize winner for physics, father of fiber optics. Diagnosed in 2004 at 70 years old.
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- Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history. Diagnosed in 2011 at 58 years old.
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- Richard Sharp, big business guru, founder of Carmax, leader of Circuit City and Crocs Inc. Diagnosed in 2010 at 60 years old.
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- Glen Campbell, country and pop music icon. Diagnosed in 2011 at 75 years old.
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- Rae Lyn Burke, renowned vaccine scientist, clinical trial participant for an Alzheimer’s therapy she helped create. Diagnosed in 2008 at 60 years old.
On a Personal Note… (Lou Bordisso)
Two years ago, at the age of 56, my neurologist informed me that I had been diagnosed with Younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. My diagnosis was both a shock and a relief in that it finally put a name to and made sense out of all the problems I was having at work and managing my personal affairs.
Lou Bordisso (left), living with Alzheimer’s, advocates in Washington, DC during the Advocacy Forum.
My experience living with this diagnosis is similar to many living with Alzheimer’s. When first diagnosed, my life took an unexpected turn. My future plans, hopes and dreams were altered by a few short words from my medical provider. Abruptly, my life, as I had known it, and the plans I had for it, changed.
Suddenly, I was navigating life insurance policies, trusts, wills, financial and long-term care planning, early retirement, social security disability, state disability insurance, medical directives, and compromised health – all at the same time! It has been overwhelming and confounding. Continue reading “On a Personal Note… (Lou Bordisso)” »
Angie and John, A Love Story: Our Life Together
We’re celebrating Valentine’s Day all week with a very special love story. Meet our blogger, Angie and her husband John, who talk Valentine’s day, marriage, commitment, love and life in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.
Angie and John, A Love Story: Our Wedding, Our Marriage
We’re celebrating Valentine’s Day all week with a very special love story. Meet our blogger, Angie and her husband John, who talk Valentine’s day, marriage, commitment, love and life in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.
