Having had an aunt who suffered with early onset Alzheimer’s, and hearing friends go through it with their own parents, I have a small understanding of how difficult and frightening it can be for the whole family.
My aunt used to wander from the house in her nightgown and onto the road outside her home, only for her husband to have to retrieve her and return her to safety.
A friend’s mum is fretting with paranoia that there are things happening in the house during the night while she’s asleep and so therefore, won’t sleep. Her mind is playing tricks on her.
My own mum is retiring next year and with a history of Alzheimer’s in her family, we have discussed what would happen if some how, one day, it might happen that she has it too.
“Whatever you do, don’t sent me to a home!”, she’ll joke.
But in truth, I know she really means it.
The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland have launched a new campaign, asking the government to fund extended home care to those suffering with dementia.
In support of the campaign, a 56-year-old Irish woman with early onset dementia has created a video with the help of her sons, asking that people consider signing the petition.
It is incredibly moving and greatly enforces the message that sufferers of dementia and alzheimers are human and deserve dignity in their illness.
You can watch the full video here:
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