We are accustomed to throwing away the "old." The old is someone's mom, dad, sister, friend, etc. They are someone's Memory! It is not ok to be dismissive about Alzheimer's because well "they're going to die soon anyway." People around them that love them die a little too. Kids and grandkids go to visit their loved ones only to be unrecognized by the hands that used to rock them to sleep. That could be any one of us. The following is from the http://www.alzfdn.org/ website:
This has been something that has been on my heart. Worth a share...worth awareness. Let's not forget about Alzheimer's.
I'm reminded of a Joe Cocker song:
What Would You Do If I Sang Out Of Tune
Would You Stand Up And Walk Out On Me
Lend Me Your Ears And I'll Sing You A Song
I Will Try Not To Sing Out Of Key
Said I'm gonna make it with my friends, I will
(try with a little help from my friends)
Pray for a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer's today...pamper them with a little something, a gift card to a restaurant, a pedicure...a nice card, even flowers. Better yet, take them to lunch and just listen even if it's not about what they are going through. Sometimes, a breath of fresh air just to get out and feel normal and not guilty for taking care of themselves is enough. Caregivers are often the silent victims of this disease. Loyalty and duty come with the territory but a caregiver needs recharges also and support.