Alzheimer and Friendship

Posted on 26. Feb, 2008 by Karen in Family and Friends

For those of you who read this blog, you know that I write often about my 88 year old mother who has dementia, likely a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.  What you may not realize is that behind the scenes of “Mom, Dementia and Me” is another story–one that I haven’t had the heart to write about. 

I used to think that Alzheimer’s was a condition that only affected seniors, not those of us in midlife.  That is until my best friend of 50 years was diagnosed with this disease several years ago.  She was only 54 years old at the time. 

Although I noticed signs of her declining memory, I remember thinking that ”this” must be something else.  I remember praying that my friend only had menopause “brain fog” or some thyroid condition or anything else that might explain why she couldn’t remember the little things in life.  And I remember praying for a miracle.

Well, you never know what shape a miracle might take.  Although my friend has Alzheimer’s, she is on medications that are slowing the progression of this disease.  She has a wonderful husband who loves her dearly and does everything he can to give her a supportive and beautiful lifestyle.  And she and I have a friendship that continues strong through whatever life throws at us–even Alzheimer’s.

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4 Responses to “Alzheimer and Friendship”

  1. Rod

    27. Feb, 2008

    Hey, Karen,

    Thanks for sharing this story and I hope that there might be some improvement in the treatments of these diseases soon. Many of your readers are, I’m certain, like you and me, dealing with the late life conditions our parents are experiencing.

    My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago, just as my family and I were leaving the city where she lives. Fortunately, my father left her well enough cared for that we were able to hire a wonderful woman, originally from the Bahamas, to act as her principle care giver.

    I hope that this next election cycle sees an improved health care system for all Americans and greater research spending on the science which can lead to cures for Alzheimer’s, diabetes and a host of other cronic medical conditions.

    My thoughts are with you, your mother and your friend.

    All the best,

    Rod

  2. Karen

    01. Mar, 2008

    Thanks Rod. I too am hoping for better funding for research breakthoughs in the treatment and ultimate cure of Al and other chronic diseases that especially impact those of us in midlife.

  3. rosie

    05. Mar, 2008

    Thanks for this post. It lets us know how important love and support is in weaving past the complexity of the disease. So much is a mystery but the miracle is that love can do wonders in healing.

  4. Karen

    07. Mar, 2008

    Thanks for inspirational perspective, Rosie.

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