Still hope for those with Alzheimer's

Huntsville Times

In one of today's most famous love stories, "The Notebook," author Nicholas Sparks portrays a love between Allie and Noah that withstands her parents' disapproval, her engagement to another man and even later her Alzheimer's disease.

When my great-aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago, I watched her inevitable downward spiral into oblivion with helplessness and confusion, much as Noah must have watched his beloved wife gradually relinquish her abilities to perform simple tasks such as cooking, cleaning and dressing.

My great-aunt began brewing coffee at 2 a.m., pacing aimlessly around her house and panicking at the first sign of sundown. Her attention span diminished to that of a young child, and she no longer had the patience to sit and watch her beloved Alabama football games on television. My aunt was eventually moved into a facility with trained nurses.

Her communication skills disappeared much too quickly, and when her lips no longer formed words, she found other methods of expression. My family refused to give up on her. Whenever I visit, we piece together puzzles she loves, and I encourage her to play songs on the piano from memory.

My aunt still remembers her baptism, smiles at the mention of her famous red velvet cake and kisses us when we visit.

One of her deepest desires in life was to have..........read the whole story

For a great resource for those with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professinals, click here


For information on being the best caregiver you can be, click here


For more interesting dementia articles and activities, click here