Alzheimer’s is a dreadful disease. It destroys a person’s mind slowly. It is extremely difficult on families. Caretakers, regardless if they are family or professionals it is challenging and often painful. It is strenuous to watch a family member deteriorate. It is even worse for the patient. Our memories matter. The very first time I learned about Alzheimer’s was one day at work. A woman who was extremely upset that her husband was in a home with the disease took her frustrations out on me. I learned quite quickly just how much this woman was suffering. It truly has to be difficult to see a person everyday and they have no idea who you are. Years ago the disease was misunderstood. The medical profession claimed it was just people getting old. However, I know a man who appears to have early onset Alzheimer’s who is in his fifties. I guess anyone’s biggest fear is losing their brain capacity. Treatments have come a long way and there are continual articles about eating certain foods that could either cause or prevent it. We all have memory problems from time to time particularly if we are under too much stress. Our brains contain a great deal of data. I have discovered years ago that over the years we tend to utilize daily data and information from the past is not always readily accessible. Our brains store our data in order of necessity. For example, you might see a former celebrity and cannot remember their names. Then a few hours later it comes to the forefront of your brain. I am a memorizer. I have to learn routes because even before GPS which still does not always work well for me, I would end up getting lost. I find it much easier. No one in my family has had Alzheimer’s but I do know people who have parents who have had it. Do you know anyone with the disease or do you have a family member? The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Now available audio and videos for the Good Gus series on YouTube! Digitizing for all the books are available now on YouTube! “Misplaced Trust” is now available on Amazon in e-book form. It is also available digitally at www.misplacedtrustbook.com. If you are thinking of a Will or a Living Trust, “Misplaced Trust” will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Alzheimer’s
13
Aug