Dementia is complicated. Alzheimers is the most commonly known, which we usually see as getting old, misplacing keys, forgetting which day it is. But, there's so much more to know! In just a few short years your loved one can lose the ability to communicate. They can become a ghost of who they once were. They can forget who you even are. It's painful, it's difficult and our country isn't properly prepared to care for these people.
"Early onset" has become a phrase that's quite common in our household.. My father was only 55 when he was diagnosed five years ago. Today, five years ago my family told me what his diagnoses actually was. This disease, the one that we have no way of slowing, stopping, or reversing. There are excellent studies working at this very moment, especially at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where we were regulars. But, what solutions have we reached? Why is there not more money in research, more knowledge about dementia readily available, or even just a little more support for those who are dealing with this first hand?
My family lucked out, UPenn was just across the bridge. We also had an excellent support system of friends and family. But, even in our case we still struggled financially and emotionally.
Recently, actor Seth Rogen spoke to members of congress about his own experience with Alzheimers. So much of what he says is honest with a few bits of humor thrown in. People need to speak up, things need to change.
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