Today, September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day. I lost my darling mother to this dreadful disease not once, but twice, as she mentally and physically slipped away long before her body finally gave up the battle.
By now, most of us probably know someone who has been, or is affected by some form of Dementia. The numbers affected, sadly, grow each passing day and many have the beginnings of it long before it is even noticed as a problem.
One thing I find everyone, without fail, says to me as they sadly have a loved one diagnosed is that they now understand what we were going through with Mum. You see, one of the biggest problems with Alzheimer's is that the person looks so well, usually up until it is Stage 3. They are far from well, and we need to raise awareness of this fact so we can all make their lives more bearable.
I once had it described to me thus:
Think of your mother's memory as a bookshelf. The bottom shelf is when she was born, and each shelf going up is a fresh decade in her life. As you reach the top, suddenly, a book falls out and too the floor, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot pick it up and put it back. Slowly, the books all begin to fall out, and with each book that falls, so do the memories fade never to return. Eventually, there will be no books left on any of the shelves, and the book case is empty.
My mother had the most beautiful smile, and it could light up a room. My cousins gave me a rose in her memory; it is called Betty's Smile. Mum's smile continued to light up her face with it's precious light, right up to the end. It is my most treasured memory.
Please, become aware of the signs of the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease. Although there is no cure, yet, there are medications and assistance available to help people cope, to maintain a good quality of life and independence for longer, and that is so important.
I miss my Mum each and every day, and I pray for those of you who have loved ones going through this dreadful journey, which at the time of a pandemic, must be unthinkably difficult.
Until next time
Stay Safe, Stay Well
Deborah
