13 Things about Alzheimer'sThis is National Awareness Month for Persons With Disabilities. Our family takes care of our Grandma who has Alzheimer's and we are going to tell you about it.
- Alzheimer's is a brain disorder named for a German physician, Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.
- Over 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's and every 72 seconds someone is diagnosed with it.
- It is a progressive and fatal brain disease. It destroys brain cells, causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to effect work, lifelong hobbies and social life.
- In the United States it is the 7th leading cause of death.
- It costs more than 148 BILLION dollars annually in direct and indirect costs.
- While Alzheimer's affects most people over the age of 65 years, of the 5 million now diagnosed with it over 500,000 are in their 30's, 40's and 50's.
- There are 7 stages of Alzheimer's from 1-no impairment to 7-very severe decline.
- Our Gma came to live with us 4 years ago. At that time she was diagnosed with mild dementia. She could take care of herself and help with cooking and cleaning.
- We found in our city a Council on the Aging Support system that helped us by having a Social group for her to attend with others in her situation. They play games, sang, have lunch and talk about the events of the day. It has been very helpful to us.
- As they years have gone by, she has lost most of her memories, except those of her childhood and when she was a teenager.
- It is very hard on the family as the person they knew as Mother does not know them, except in fleeting moments of time.
- As the adult population ages in the United States, more and more Adult children will become their parents parents and give care, support and a loving place to stay as our parents gave us as we grew up.
- If you are living with someone with Alzheimer's, please make sure you find a group to support you as the caregiver. You must take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one.
We want to thank Maggy and Zoey from Zooaltry for the great picture that we we used in our header.
24 comments:
That is a great post, Samantha & Tigger. I am sorry to hear that your Grandma has Alzheimer's. It is a horrible disease. It is wonderful that your mom looks after her. My mom's Grandma had Alzheimer's before she passed away, and it was very sad. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
This is a really excellent post. I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother - I know how sad & difficult all of that can be.
I hope you have a great Thursday. :)
We understand; GreatGrandma (she will 94 tomorrow) lives with us, almost 5-years now. As caregivers we all fill an important role, one that is often heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing all this vital information.
We salute your family for taking care of your Grandma. Mommy is in health care and knows what a challenge that can be. Blessings and love to all of you!
Thanks for this very interesting post, I learned a lot. My great-grandma will be 90 in a couple of months, and she has this disease. She has to live in a nursing home though. My Mommie has been visiting her while she is on vacation. At first, my Mommie's grandma did not know who she was, but then she remembered.
It is very wonderful that you can care for your grandma at your home.
Didn't know all of this. 7th leading cause of death? Wow.
My grandmother has been diagnosed with dementia, and she's been put on some medication for Alzheimer's, but we've never precisely been told that's what she has. She lives in an assisted care facility where she does fairly well, and it's only a few short blocks away. Unfortunately, no matter how often we visit, she believes everyone's forgotten about her and hasn't visited in months.
It's difficult. Must be even more difficult when such memory loss is more advanced. Thanks for all of the factoids - and have a great Thursday!
Thanks for the info.I agree,no matter what illness a person has,it is important to have a support system.Caring can be very stressful and you need to take care of yourself.
Purrs
Thank you for sharing this! Your mom is a real hero to take care of your Grama during this time. She must be very very strong and very very loving. Purrs to her!! This is a very sad disease, especially for those around the affected person. Our great-grandpa died 3 years ago from this but it hit him so fast they actually thought it was Mad-Cow Disease. When he passed on they found that it was a super advanced Alzheimer's and he passed on within 3 months.
Kaze
Thanks for this great list!! Alzheimers is a very scary and sad disease. We is so sorry that your Grandma has it.
It is a terrible burden to live with somebody who has Alzenheimer, at some state you have to watch them 24 h and that's very hard !
Dis is a horribul disease! It's hard on da caregivers cuz sumtimes da beans dey love and are caring fur don't even amember who dey are and some of dem get kinda mad about da stranger in der howse...
That's a great post on Alzheimer's! Good job.
Our Nanny, who lives with us, has mild dementia. She has mostly good days and can still pretty much care for herself but mom is worried that the day will come when that will change. Thanks so much for this post.
Midnite & Stray Kitty
Hi Samantha and Tigger, thank you for the information on this terrible disease. It is very nice that your Grandma can live with you. Our Mom has two Aunts and a Great Aunt with Alzheimers. Her Great Aunt passed away years ago. So far the two Aunts are being taken care of at home by family members.
Your furends,
BL&T
What a thoughtful post, we will be thinking about your family this month.
~Scylla & Charybdis.
Two paws up for the care you give your Gramma....that is furry difficult and we thank you for sharing the TT with us today. We learned a lot.
Purrs
Abby
I hiss at Alzheimer's! This is a very bad and mean disease. I am sorry your grandma has it, but I am happy that she has beans to love her and take care of her.
That is very good information to share, you guys. Thanks for letting us know.
Your buddy, Jimmy Joe
This is a great post. Alzheimers is a terrible mean disease. My mommy's grandpa and the other grandma had it. Your mommy is awfully special to take care of your grandma. It is tough and I'm sure you both give her lotsa hugs and lovin when she needs it.
Thanks for all the information links. They are a big help to people.
This is a very informative list - thank you for sharing it with us.
Great idea for a post. I found it very informative. I lost my stepfather to Alzhiemers six years ago.
ise sorry for your granny :( i know things must be very tough for you all but at the same time i hope you share joyous times too...i fink that support groups are invaluable and it sounds like you have done well to find one to help you. always purring for you and your lovly family xxxx
A furry informative post. Mommakitty's grammy had old-timers.
This is a very informative post. Very scary, but it is information we all need to know.
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