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.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More thenewsargus News Articles
- CAMPUS CREW; What do you think about the new arrangement in the cafeteria?
- Welcome back Ram Family
- ‘Empire’ vs ‘Black-ish’
- A final Look Editor's Column: Leap of faith
Recent thenewsargus News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THENEWSARGUS
WSSU Rams Head Football Coach Relieved of His Duties By Elijah Richardson
Bennett College Loses Accreditation Despite Raising Sufficient Funds By Elijah Richardson
Smollett Investigation Continues To Be Unsolved and Difficult to Resolve By Elijah Richardson
Lady Rams look to reverse an abysmal 2014-2015 season By Demetrius Dillard
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
LATEST THENEWSARGUS
- Black Business
- WSSU Rams Head Football Coach Relieved of His Duties
- Controversial Wake Forest Tweet Sparks Outrage
- Bennett College Loses Accreditation Despite Raising Sufficient Funds
- Smollett Investigation Continues To Be Unsolved and Difficult to Resolve
- UREC Looks To Continue and Improve Student Engagement Through Physical...
- University Recreation To Hold Personal Training Pilot Study
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
RECENT THENEWSARGUS CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK