Overwhelmed? It is the loved ones of those with Alzheimer's who bear the greatest burden.

DarrenKeith

It is the loved ones of those with Alzheimer's who bear the greatest burden, and often care for them at the expense of their own well-being.

It is common for family members and loved ones to find themselves thrust into this nightmare completely unprepared and ill-equipped for it. Sadly, much will be damaged or completely lost in the process of being a caregiver to someone with dementia, from one's independence to relationships and financial security. Unsurprisingly, family and caregivers often end up completely overwhelmed, depleted, and desperate.

After losing my father to a long battle with Alzheimer's and experiencing this firsthand, I wrote an essay (link below) to help guide others through this overwhelming and devastating journey.

I hope you will read it and that it helps…and that you will also share it with others in need.

All the best,

Darren Keith

THE ESSAY: https://medium.com/%40contactdarrenkeith/living-with-alzheimers-efccf45e410b

QUOTES:

"Excellent piece, Darren. Excellent! Hoping as many people as possible will read your words. Keep writing; you have great insight, a gift the world needs to hear." - Greg O'Brien, Author: "On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's"

"Without a doubt the best article I've read about caregivers and Alzheimer's. Can't praise it highly enough."

"Your essay is such a strong validation of what we experience as caregivers. It captures the love along with the loss. Thank you for putting words to such powerful emotions."

"Your essay should be required reading for healthcare providers everywhere and for the loved ones of the newly diagnosed. I wish I had known all that you wrote 15 years ago. Thank you for sharing your journey."

"Thanks for writing this and sharing it. It made me see certain things more clearly & it made me feel less alone!"

BfloSis

Thank you for this.

DarrenKeith

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234845#Comment_234845

It's my pleasure. Anything I can do to help.

Lilydaisy

This essay was well written and helpful. I experienced much of this with my mother and now again with my wife. The realization was a stark message to accept the reality of a loved one's changes. The door closes so slowly but steadily that we hardly notice when it has actually closed.

DarrenKeith

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/235109#Comment_235109

Thank you so much…and most importantly, I am so glad that you found it helpful. I am incredibly sorry about both your mother and now your wife. All my best…