Alzheimers: The Long Goodbye
Most people don’t think about when the last time someone they loved made them a home cooked meal or called them just to talk, but I do. When I sat with my great grandma in hospice these thoughts ran through my mind, when was the last time we shared these experiences? If you knew today was the last day you would ever hear someones voice you would listen to it until the end. With Alzheimers you don’t get those chances, the disease is unforeseeable you never know when it truly is the last time. If you ever have ever lost someone to Alzheimers, like I have, then you know this is a disease that gradually takes away your loved one. When many people are diagnosed with a terminal illness, such as liver or heart disease, they are being affected at that organ while still maintaining their identity. However, with Alzheimers it is very different, this disease affects the brain. Life doesn’t just stop the day they are diagnosed it becomes a long, gradual goodbye. It affects the persons cognitive skills and leaves them unable to function independently. They slowly forget things and people who they once knew very well. Their loved ones simply become a stranger to them.
Until recently no drugs have been used to treat Alzheimers, only prevent the progression of the disease, but this year (2021) Aducanumab was FDA approved for treatment. This drug is designed to treat the neurodegenerative disease rather than just help with the symptoms of Alzheimers. Hopefully with this new drug approval it can help lots of people affected by Alzheimers.
So what can we do to help our loved ones who are diagnosed with alzheimers? Become educated on Alzheimers, keep in touch with your loved ones, be patient with them, and most importantly love them while you still have them in your life