The harsh realities of Alzheimer’s disease have been highlighted by the experiences of two daughters dealing with their mother’s diagnosis.
Approximately 7.2 million individuals in the United States are affected by Alzheimer’s, with alarming statistics indicating that one out of every nine people aged 65 and older suffer from the condition.
Although forgetfulness is a well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s, the disease can also manifest through hallucinations, physical rigidity, and increased anxiety.
Given its prevalence in the elderly population, countless families nationwide face the challenges of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s, confronting the difficult realities that come with this debilitating illness.
Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, shares the narrative of Margaret’s journey with the disease.
Margaret, referred to as ‘the superhero parent, handling everything’, has a family history of Alzheimer’s, as her father succumbed to the illness.
Although her diagnosis was heartbreaking, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, and she was somewhat prepared for the progression of her condition and its effects on her family.
Contrary to what some might do, Margaret and her children proactively sought medical advice when they noticed early warning signs.
Lisa, Margaret’s daughter, shared: “It’s kind of weird, my mom has always been a superhero kind of mom. She always organised everything and knew where everything was. For her to have that little lapse in her memory was very different and I knew something was wrong.”
Margaret also expressed her frequent confusion, saying she would often get ‘confused about where we were’, which she found to be ‘not being like me’.
Lisa recounted a particularly troubling incident at Costco when Margaret returned home with groceries.
When Lisa asked her mother about her whereabouts, Margaret couldn’t recall her trip.
Upon noticing the pizza her mother had brought back, Lisa asked again about the Costco visit. ‘I guess I must have’, Margaret eventually said.
Lisa’s sibling, who had recently become a parent, observed Margaret forgetting details, such as the last diaper change, intensifying the family’s worries.
Despite the absence of a cure, Margaret and her family are committed to enjoying life and recently took a sentimental journey back to their home in Okinawa, Japan.
If Alzheimer’s has impacted your life and you need support, reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900, available 24/7.