Saturday, February 28, 2009

ALZHEIMER'S and LOSING SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Alzheimer's disease destroys lives--the lives of those you love. It robs people of their loved ones long before it should. For me, it took my beloved mom in Oct. of 2007, but in reality she was gone long before she left this world physically. Visiting my mom in the special care unit for 5+ years and missing her even though she was right there with me was a struggle. It was as if we switched rolls I was now her mother and she was my baby. Even though she failed to recognize me, she always had a smile for me. Her smiles were love unspoken.

Facts about Alzheimer's Disease:

As many as 5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's.

Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's.

10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in the United States.

100% Alzheimer's disease is always fatal.

June 2008 Update: Alzheimer's disease now sixth-leading cause of death.

Do you know the signs of Alzheimer's?

In 2007, the Alzheimer's Association started a campaign and set a goal to have 5 million people take action and join the cause. They are over 3 million short of this. Please sign up .

1 comment:

Liz said...

They don't know if it was Alzheimer's or just dimensia, but either way Grandma wasn't herself anymore, so I know exactly how you feel.

On a happier note, I teach math to 4th - 7th graders - though I've only been at it for 16 years. I also teach science.

Have a great day!