Alzheimer’s: I Forgot to Remember

 Alzheimer’s: I Forgot to Remember

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness, erasing the lives of its victims while those who love them bear witness to a slow and often agonizing loss. It affects millions worldwide, and its reach extends beyond those directly diagnosed. Families, friends, and communities all feel the impact of this relentless disease.

The following true story offers a glimpse into the reality of living with the effects of this form of dementia. While difficult to read, it's essential to understand the raw effects of the disease.

A Daughter's Story

She sat alone now. Visions moved in and out of her mind like a video stuck on fast-forward. Sometimes, her chest lifted as she inhaled, and she released the breath in measured intervals, like a conductor leading an orchestra, making time.

Her lips moved, not trembling, and above a whisper, I heard her words clear; she said, “I forgot to remember.”

I stopped arranging the flowers on her bedside stand and sat on the bed near her. She was sitting in her recliner, rocking gently now.

“The sunset faded beyond the clouds this morning.”

Before I could respond, she said, “A lone coyote calls for its mate in the meadow east of the barn.”

Understanding the Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease

In the US, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, this number is projected to reach nearly 13 million. (Source: Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/)

Worldwide: Over 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. This number is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050. (Source: Alzheimer's Disease International: https://www.alzint.org/)

Are There Solutions?

Unfortunately, there's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but research is ongoing. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing Alzheimer’s disease. There are a few things that may help:

Medications: Some medications can temporarily improve symptoms or slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Cognitive Stimulation: Activities that engage the brain, such as puzzles, learning new things, and social interaction, might protect against cognitive decline.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, and good sleep are all linked to better brain health and may play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Does Medication Play a Role in Memory Loss?

Some medications are suspected to have a potential link to memory loss or increase the risk of dementia. These include:

Statins: While statins are essential for lowering cholesterol, there's some concern they might deplete CoQ10 in the brain, which is important for cognitive function. Some medical providers encourage patients on Statins to add a supplement of COQ10 to the supplements they may take daily. However, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed.

Other Medications: Antihistamines, some sleep aids, and medications for anxiety or depression might have side effects that include memory problems.

Important Note: It is crucial to never stop or adjust medications without consulting a doctor.

Alzheimer’s is a Thief

Alzheimer's steals precious moments and identities. If you or a loved one face this disease, know you're not alone. Here are resources to find support and information about Alzheimer’s disease and caring for those with dementia through the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Disease International:

Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

Alzheimer's Disease International: https://www.alzint.org/

Helpful links: Where to Find CDC Information on Alzheimer's:

Main Alzheimer's Page: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging (General Page): https://www.cdc.gov/aging/index.html

By raising awareness and advocating for research, we can work towards a future where stories like this are no longer a reality.