Here's an article from the Washington Post, written about a doctor who is struggling with Alzheimer's and has blogged about his experiences. A link to his blog is in the article. Very worthwhile reading, and gives an understanding of what the patient goes through as understanding slips away. So sad from any perspective.
Interesting article. Read some of the comments. Got irate at the lady that said Lily has a drug that will slow it down. We all know there is none. Also, the guy who said Alzheimer's does not kill. And the one who said they do not need to end up in a nursing home. And, those that know the cause.
What's even more interesting to read is this guy's blog, starting last September when he first decided something was seriously wrong. His own reactions to what will happen to him are almost disinterested at this point. Like an onlooker. He is obviously a very intelligent man and is virtually doing research on himself. I'll be curious to follow this.
Thanks for posting that Linda! His blog will be interesting. My DH is in total denial, so it’s very interesting to hear someone speak so openly and honestly about their disease.
Mary22033, He's almost Pollyanna-ish about it, isn't he? Happier than he's been in years? Well, if he is, God bless him. Bad things will come soon enough.
There’s no doubt he really doesn’t “get it” in terms of understanding what lies ahead for he and his wife. Nobody really can though. One can read books and articles, or watch movies, and gain an intellectual understanding of the disease. But you have to experience it to understand it.
On the other hand, after reading his whole blog, I do understand him feeling that his days since diagnosis have been the happiest. He is giving up one responsibility after another, and turning his focus on visiting his kids and siblings. I can imagine that is a big relief for him. We had a few years in our household before my DH’s diagnosis, and even for a year after, that were brutal with him blowing up constantly at even the slightest problem. If this man experienced even a fraction of the stress levels my DH did, to be able to let all that go and no longer care if you screw something up – that’s got to be a happier existence! And if this man can really live in the present as he’s trying, HE may remain happy for some time.
The article was good, but the comments really pissed me off!!! Who knew there was such ignorance regarding Alzheimer's. Good Lord, and to quote my friend...pfftt!!!
Maybe five or six years ago one of our spouse members would frequently post humorous pieces that her published author husband had written about his failing memory. I saved lots of those pieces together in a word file entitled "A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE", and understood that they were possibly going to be published later in book form. Can anyone tell me whether such a book ever made it to publication, or maybe provide an email address for the spouse or whatever? Dr. David Hilfiker, who is writing the "WATCHING THE LIGHTS GO OUT" blog has asked to hear from other people who have actually experienced AD themselves, and I believe he would be interested in reading this sort of material.
Comments on most sites are pretty ignorant, no matter what the topic. People often push their agendas, even if they have nothing to do with the subject at hand. Some of my favorite blogs do not allow comments at all.
Gourdchipper*, I missed your message until just now. It was my husband who wrote the short pieces you refer to. It was tentatively called "View From the Other Side". It is available under its new title, "Script Tease" by Eric Nicol, Dundurn Publishing, Toronto. I think it was published in 2010. It is illustrated. The cover is Eric's idea.