Reply To: Alzheimers disease: the last days

#35782

E. Parker
Participant

In the final years of his life, my grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease. But he did not die of it. Even as a young child, it hurt me so much to see him in such a state because I loved him, and still love him, so much. In the final stages, he wandered off from time to time. There were times when he would sit in his chair and stare across the room, as if in oblivion, or just remain quiet for a long time. What was so heartbreaking was that sometimes we would be sitting at the dinner table when visiting him and my grandmother for the holidays, and he would look at us as if he did not know us. Of course this happens to a person stricken with Alzheimer’s – they lose much of their memory. Often times they can forget the simplest things, like forgetting how to tie their shoes, where they put their Bible, or their favorite recipes. At the same time, most people who suffer from the disease are like a very small child; they can go to the bathroom on themselves – you have to literally be there for them every step of the way.

I know this breaks your heart so much because it broke my heart about my grandfather. Even as I respond, I am emotional just thinking about you essentially losing the person you knew to be active, fun-loving and always happy. But I will pray that you and your loved ones stay strong through your ordeal. Just keep in mind that God will see you through this all the way.

User Detail :  

Name : E. Parker, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Christian, Age : 23, City : Atlanta, State : GA, Country : United States, Occupation : Student,