http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K52tHgJCQkc
:(
that is scary. I remember when I was a little kid, my great grandmother had AD and she caused a few scenes during holidays. Being aware of the fact that you are losing your mind has got to be terrible.
That is a scary 8 minutes.
I smiled and laughed along with them at how much he enjoyed his family, life and grand daughter.
But watched in growing horror at how this man degenerated and wasted away. This is the type of thing that scare me no end, The thought of slowly losing my mind like that is just the scariest thing I can Imagine.
Superb Doco.
I watched my Grandfather waste away from Cancer, He used to work for a large Hardware company and regularly carry 2 x 30kg bags of Concrete, 1 on each shoulder, He retired and Cancer just ate him alive, He went from this powerful gentle Giant to a wasted shell in only a few short years, less than 4 years after retiring, we was dead.
The self portraits of William Utermohlen, demonstrating the break down of his mind over time. I find them terrifying.
(http://alecsoth.com/blog/misc/William_Utermohlen_big.jpg)
:'(
my grandfather was recently diagnosed with AD...
you can barely see it now - he seems to get confused a bit during a conversation
...it's only going to get worse :-\
AD special on BBCA. I just heard th commercial. Is this a clip from that special?
I never want to live with a debilitating disease like that. I keep telling myself I'm going to continue doing things I love even if they kill me.
Wow. amazing. thanks for sharing
My Grandfather died of AD. He was a captain in the Navy from WWII-1980 and then he retired and was a city councilman and mayor. He was the strongest, most able man I ever knew and within 3 years of being diagnosed he no longer recognized me (and I lived with him growing up) and a few months later he was dead. The saddest part about the disease is how it robs the dignity of those it strikes. I really wish they could find a cure, especially since it's quite likely I could suffer the same fate.
Good find BW. I still have a huge lump in my throat as I type this.
This spring my mom's long battle with Alzheimer's ended. I am sad to say that everything in that clip looked so familiar and brought back some still raw memories. In all honesty I would say if anything it's been "sanitized" to protect the poor man's dignity. You don't really understand the disease until you experience it up close and personal. I honestly think it has to be the most cruel and undignified way to die that there is.
If I'm lucky I'll die of a heart attack or get splattered across the pavement. At least then me, my family and my friends won't have to watch as I disappear slowly over 10 years.
IMO by far one of the cruelest diseases :-\
My Grandmother has Alzheimer's and is currently in a Home.
I would prefer to go out with a big bang than wither away slowly and forget all my loved ones :'(
Quote from: PizzaMonster on July 31, 2008, 05:56:06 PM
Good find BW. I still have a huge lump in my throat as I type this.
This spring my mom's long battle with Alzheimer's ended. I am sad to say that everything in that clip looked so familiar and brought back some still raw memories. In all honesty I would say if anything it's been "sanitized" to protect the poor man's dignity. You don't really understand the disease until you experience it up close and personal. I honestly think it has to be the most cruel and undignified way to die that there is.
If I'm lucky I'll die of a heart attack or get splattered across the pavement. At least then me, my family and my friends won't have to watch as I disappear slowly over 10 years.
sorry to hear PM. :-[
My uncle walked that path. We always looked at it like he was mess'n with his family. My cousins were huge pains in the ass, and now it was his turn to repay the favor. It's hard watching a person struggle with it. In a strange turn of events.... my uncle was a bit of a sulken mean guy prior to all of it, as the disease progressed, he became quite the caring gental man.
Quote from: BWClark on July 31, 2008, 01:27:53 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K52tHgJCQkc
Oh my.
:'(
Bump. Don't want people to forget this thread. Errr, I mean....uh....
[laugh]
I came across this thread and want to keep BUMPING it up to the top....
I am an Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association in my area (MD). We need everyone's help to find a cure for this disease. Even if you think you can't do anything, you can. You can participate in research (don't need to have the disease in some cases), become an advocate (emailing, letter writing, phone calling), volunteer at your local office, or donate $$ (if you are short on time like me).
There are many upcoming medicines and studies that hopefully will find out how to stop Alzheimer's and other related dementias; I suggest you look at www.alz.org for the most current, up to date information on Alzheimer's.
If you need to talk with someone, you can always call our HELPLINE at 1-800-272-3900, read our message boards found on www.alz.org (look for message boards in right column) or you can email me directly at deborah.bauer@alz.org and i'll refer you to a local chapter or give you the help you need via the net.
Remember, you are not alone. Caregivers often need the most support, even if you live a long distance away. :)