With Alzheimer's, everything can be lost so fast
To the editor:
Everything. You can quickly have everything and just as quickly lose your memory. Trust me, I know first-hand what it is like to feel you're losing it all. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at 77 this past year. I did not think much about it. I always thought that he would be the same and it would not affect him.
I used to get snippy with him for not remembering anything because I really had no clue. After awhile, I started to realize my obstinance were taking a toll on the feelings of my grandfather. He was losing his memory and he was changing on the inside. I remember realizing, "he is not the young and funny grandfather I can remember as a child, he is affected by this disease."
I am 16 years old. With my grandfather having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, I have had to change my outlook on him and his life. My patience and understanding has been tested. When I realized this disease was really happening to him, I started to take notice of how he really cannot remember day-to-day and often minute-to-minute activities anymore. I now realize it is not his fault, but at first it was hard to remain the patient granddaughter. I now repeat all of my answers to my grandfather, even if it is the third or fourth time doing so. I try to stay positive around him and I let him talk about what comes to his mind. I have now decided, for my grandfather's sake, not to be ignorant to this disease and its effects. I have decided to support Alzheimer's stem-cell research. I feel that it is my duty to learn what I can to help my grandfather and to make him more secure in his everyday surroundings.
