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

DarrenKeith · January 25

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://alzconnected.org/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F%2540contactdarrenkeith%2Fliving-with-alzheimers-efccf45e410b

***If for some reason that link doesn't work, copy-and-paste this one into your browser:

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!"

Russinator · January 25

I'd love to read it; however, it will not open for me.

Denise1847 · January 25

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71873/overwhelmed-it-is-the-loved-ones-of-those-with-alzheimers-who-bear-the-greatest-burden

Thank you for your essay. I am struggling right now and it helps. I thought I was getting used to my DH being in memory care but the saddness and grief are just overwhelming.

B2ingua · January 25

I thought the essay was very good. When Darren got to the point where he realized his father was gone but was physically there it reminded me of a caregiver book I read. It was written by the caregiver and named appropriately my two Eileen's the one he married and the one with Alzheimer's who was no longer the same person. I think looking or thinking of it in two different people helped somehow.

DarrenKeith · January 26

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234934#Comment_234934

I'm sorry it wouldn't open for you. It does seem to be working. If you go back to to the post, you'll see that I just added a link that you can copy-and-paste into your browser. See if that works for you.

DarrenKeith · January 26

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234940#Comment_234940

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling but really glad my essay could help you in some way. Sending you all the best…

RetiredTeacher · January 26

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71873/overwhelmed-it-is-the-loved-ones-of-those-with-alzheimers-who-bear-the-greatest-burden

Thank you so much for the heartfelt essay on what dementia does to the person who has and the loved ones who have to experience it. It is a horrible descent and to watch it is excruciating. We are so consumed with taking care of their needs, there is no time or energy to address our needs. I am several years in as a caregiver for my husband with VD and I am already grieving the man he used to be and the life we used to share. I have come to accept this reality and am realizing the importance of taking care of myself so I can care for him and that I do not become a casualty to this disease as well. Tysvm for opening your heart and our minds to the harsh reality of this disease. I appreciate you sharing this with all of us here

DarrenKeith · January 26

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234957#Comment_234957

First of all, thank you so much for your sentiments. I try to do what I can to help others facing the same journey that we had been on. I am so sorry about your loved one and situation. Wishing you all the best…

JeffANYC · 3:31AM

Thank you very much for this. It really resonates with me and it's a comfort just to know that someone else understands the depths of the demands and grief associated with this disease.

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

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