Continue awareness of Alzheimer's

How would you feel if someone very close to you didn't remember who you are or even your name?

The feeling can be indescribably painful.

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

An estimated 5.4 million people have Alzheimer's which is a common form of dementia.

Some of the common signs include difficulty remembering names and recent events and depression.

 Other symptoms that occur later are impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behaviorial changes, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

My grandfather was diagnosed with this disease four years ago.

I remember when I first met my grandfather.

He was very talkative and he enjoyed great conversation with family and friends.

My father, along with other family members, began to see changes.

He began to forget small details. His condition had gotten worse.

He stopped eating and lost an unhealthy amount of weight.

My aunt had been my grandfather's caregiver when he became ill.

It took a tremendous toll on her because a person with Alzheimer's needs a lot of attention.

The family finally decided that my grandfather needed to be in a nursing home.

It was not the first decision they wanted to make for my grandfather, but they wanted to make sure that he was taken care of as needed every hour of the day.

At times, I think about the sad things about this whole ordeal.

My grandmother died in 2009, and my grandfather doesn't even know that she is gone.

He doesn't remember family members that visit him regularly, and he is barely able to speak.

I have to remember that my grandfather is being taken care of despite him not being able to be around family.

My family goes to visit him to make sure he is happy and that his spirits are high.

 Those who have Alzheimer's should still be shown love and affection by friends and family.

Caregivers at times can become stressed and depressed.  

 It angers me when I see someone with this disease being mistreated just because of memory loss and changes in behavior.

No one should reprimand them for something they cannot control.

Emotional support can make people who are ill feel like they are in perfect health.

Those who have a relative with the disease should consider joining support groups for families of Alzheimer's patients and caregivers.

Support groups can help those who are caring for someone to seek counseling.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease visit the Alzheimer's Association website at www.alz.org.