Anonymous, Other

Bethesda, MD

Seeing a friend who was an accomplished, published writer struggle as cognitive decline increases and she is more unable to manage.. I know her through our Buddhist meditation group, so the emphasis on the teachings of compassion particularly come to mind.

Anonymous, Friend

Falmouth, ME

It is so sad to watch an independent, vibrant person become dependent on others for basic needs. It is also upsetting to witness the loss of communication and ability to interact with me.

Anonymous, Family member

Philadelphia, PA

Alzheimer’s. Just the word makes me anxious these days. As I advance through my seventh decade on Earth, it’s become more common for friends, former colleagues or neighborhood acquaintances to share that they or a spouse have or are affected by Alzheimer’s. I used to have an irrational fear of dying from cancer. Then I got cancer, and beat it. I no longer worry about that. I do worry about Alzheimer’s -- for me, for my family. Even though I know ongoing research and new treatments offer hope to slow the progression, there is yet no cure. Am I irrational?

Anonymous, Friend

Takoma Park, MD

I work with people experiencing different forms of dementia. I see them losing abilities - memory, language, physical. .It can be so sad, but I try to support them and draw out any positive aspects and opportunities to help them enjoy their lives.

Anonymous, Professional treating people with Alzheimer’s

Bethesda, MD

That was the last word my sister said to me, after being at our family Christmas singalong. It had been many months since she'd been able to speak, but her enjoyment shone in her eyes and while leaving she did turn to me and say "fun." We can all be encouraged when fun is possible for those with Alzheimer's.

Anonymous, Family member

Bethesda, MD

Dr. Taryn Fortune, Professional treating people with Alzheimer’s

Silver Spring, MD

Anonymous, Friend

Bethesda, MD

Dementia changes the life and the relationships of the person suffering with the disease as well as their caregivers and family members.

Anonymous, Family member

Baltimore, MD

My older brother recently was diagnosed--he's in the early stages, in his mid-70s. I'm anticipating slowly losing him. I hope the sadness turns to acceptance. I also volunteer with hospice patients with dementia. I hope to show my brother the same tolerance I give my patients--sometimes that grace and patience is harder to give for family members who witness their loved-one's decline.

Anonymous, Family member, Volunteer helping people living with Alzheimer's

Silver Spring, MD

Alzheimer's is tragic for not only the patient, but all of the family and friends that support the patient. It is all encompassing and heartbreaking for those involved.

Lindy Paris, Family member

Marlborough, NH

Mom thoroughly enjoyed her life as a mother, grandmother, friend, educator, and world traveler. She understood how to live in the moment before mindfulness became popular. Now she can’t retrieve any of her lifetime collection of moments. Having a disease that forces one to live only in the present seems entirely different from choosing that state, especially at a time when memories are a huge part of appreciating a life well lived.

Amy G., Family member

Bethesda, MD