Sunday, October 5, 2008

Dim Illumination

Today is Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® in Downtown Los Angeles. Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research – and it calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against this fatal disease. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $230 million for our cause.

My dad died recently from last stages of Alzheimer's disease. There is no known cure and the current medication only eases the symptoms - sometimes. As with any disease, it is very hard on both the person & the family. My dad's widow is my hero for taking such excellent care of him for as long as she possibly could.



10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:
1. Memory loss.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
3. Problems with language.
4. Disorientation to time and place.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.

6. Problems with abstract thinking.
7. Misplacing things.

8. Changes in mood or behavior.

9. Dramatic changes in personality.

10. Loss of initiative.

13 comments:

Tanya Breese said...

This picture is so fitting with the subject. Such a horrible illness. I'm sorry about your dad's struggle and passing with this awful disease.

Hilda said...

I am sorry to hear about your father's death and his struggle with Alzheimer's. Kudos to his widow too — I'm sure it wasn't easy taking care of him.

Very fitting images. There is only so much light that can be shared with and for people with Alzheimer's.

Pat said...

Fitting photos for this subject. Alzheimer's is indeed devastating. Thanks for posting warning signs, too.

Virginia said...

Wonderful interpretation of this horrible illness. I think about you often and hope that each day is a little easier.
V

Knoxville Girl said...

These are beautiful interpretations of this difficult passage for the afflicted person and the family. My dad has started his journey down this slippery slope too. Faith, family, and friends are helping us all deal with this journey.

Laurie Allee said...

What a striking, beautiful, haunting image. I was immediately struck with the pathos and fear it seems to represent -- and then when I read your post it really punctuated it.

I'm so sorry you lost your dad. My father had brain damage due to hypoxia after a cardiac arrest. At the end of his life he was in a critical care facility that specialized in brain damage and Altzheimers. It was so hard to see the effects of that disease not just on the patients but on their families.

I'm glad you alerted me to this event in LA. I'd love to participate in it next year.

Unknown said...

These are the most well chosen photos one could get to go with the post subject. Just brilliant!
Hope they find the cure for such an awful illness who affects everyone one way or the other.
So sorry to hear about your father...

Thank you for the nice comments on my blog.
Greetings

Hope said...

Thanks your for your very powerful words and photos. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and his struggle with Alzheimer's. My husband's dad passed away after suffering with Alzheimer's. A very difficult time to watch his deterioration from his former brilliant mind. Thanks you for your post and your photos.

Copenhagen said...

I'm sorry about your father's passing. My condolesence to you and your family.

Oman said...

really sorry for the loss. rest in the consolation that another angel is looking after you now.

Petrea Burchard said...

A mournfully beautiful post, Tash. The photos are perfect as well as excellent. I hope your father's widow will see this and know how you feel. You're a good daughter. I hope you know it.

Keith said...

I was a caregiver for mom for 3 years. I really wanted to go to the walk today but had to work instead. Next year! Thanks for posting this.

Anonymous said...

My mother runs a grief group for widows. 1/2 the women in her group lost their husbands to Alzheimer's. Your photo illustrates your post well. The warm and cool head lamps on the cars are interesting.