My Alzheimer's Journey
I have been a caregiver all my life. I spent 4 years working exclusively with Alzheimer's and Dementia residents. I am now 55, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's myself.
A surprise diagnosis
I thought my doctor was nuts. It started with him telling me something before I ended my visit with him. The next time I saw him, he asked me if I remembered the last thing he told me. Of course I couldn't, but I thought that was because it was a couple of weeks ago. He assessed me. Told me that I had problems remembering things and suspected Alzheimer's.
My grandma had Alzheimer's. She surely hid that from me, and me being a professional, I was mad at myself for not catching on. Then to be told that I had Alzheimer's, I couldn't and still can't believe it. But, oh wait! I just remembered the time I got lost on a simple trip I had taken a million times. Couldn't remember "who" or where I was. I remember thinking who were my "People" and where do I belong? It was frightening.
Worried about the future
Most days now, I struggle with tasks, especially at work, and I am afraid to drive alone. I am scared about getting older and the Alzheimer's progressing. My kids try to help but it devastates my son when I don't recognize him. This has only happened once so far and he looked so sad. I asked his name and who he was to me.
This is my story.
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