Visiting my grandfather is always a struggle for me. Five years ago my family had no choice, but to find him residence in a nursing home because his Alzheimer’s disease had progressed so rapidly. What was worse was that he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to shower and visit the washroom by

Visiting my grandfather is always a struggle for me.

Five years ago my family had no choice, but to find him residence in a nursing home because his Alzheimer’s disease had progressed so rapidly. What was worse was that he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to shower and visit the washroom by himself. As a fairly large man, it was impossible for my mother nor I to quit our full time jobs to care for him 24 hours a day. It was a difficult choice, but we had visited Exeter Villa and knew that he would be cared for there.

 

It’s very difficult to see someone you love slowly succumb to a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer’s. This neurodegenerative disease, which is similar in many ways to dementia, occurs when brain tissue begins to deteriorate. The loss of simple mental functions is a common side affect of Alzheimer’s.

 

Five years later my mother is approaching 65 years of age. I worry constantly about her developing the same disease that her father has. Studies show that individuals with a biological parent or sibling with Alzheimer's disease are at greater risk of developing the disease; compared to people with no family history. That’s why I am on the constant look out for the following signs:

  1. Memory loss – Forgetfulness is a common and early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Short term memory loss is the most common.  
  2. Difficulty remembering or performing routine tasks – Everyday tasks such as bathing, shutting off the stove, how to cook meals, how to take care of a pet or remembering regular appointments can all be signs of Alzheimer’s.  
  3. Speech problems – This can manifest itself in the sudden difficulty pronouncing certain words, or slurred speech.  
  4. Disorientation – We first recognized that my Grandfather might have Alzheimer’s on a trip to Quebec to see his brother Robert. My uncle lives in the home my grandfather grew up in and visited 5 to 6 times per year.  
  5. Abnormal behavior – This can manifest itself in the refusal to put on clothes or even stealing.
  6. Moodiness – Rapid and unpredictable mood swings are common to patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
  7. Inactivity/Depression - Alzheimer’s disease may transform a very social individual into a social hermit who refuses to bathe, leave the house or even refuses to get out of bed.  

If you recognize these symptoms in a loved one, please contact their doctor immediately.