Alzheimer's is a slow, progressive, fatal disease of the brain.
At present, there is no cure and no one is immune to the disease.
Every 7 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is currently the 6th leading cause of death.
Alzheimer's has impacted two generations of my family.
Our family's journey with Alzheimer's began in the 1970's when my grandmother, Catherine Wytak Sahaydak was diagnosed with "hardening of the arteries in her brain".
My mother cared for my grandmother for many years. After my grandmother's death, my mother prayed no one she knew or loved would ever fall prey to the disease.
In 2001, my mother's biggest fear became her reality when she, too, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
My father cared for my mother ~ as he had always promised her he would. I was honored to help my father care for my mother until her death in December 2007. After her death, I began interviewing other sons, daughters and grandchildren who had cared for a loved one with Alzheimer's and, in November 2010, published "I LOVE YOU...WHO ARE YOU?: Loving & Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer's".
At present, Baby Boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day for the next 19 years. I believe ~ as do many ~ that we are completely unprepared for the impact this "Silver Tsunami" will have on our world. This one disease will impact our country: financially, emotionally, physically and psychologically. It can, unless we get a handle on it, redefine our workforce and our healthcare system.
Until we have a cure, it is my hope that by writing and talking about Alzheimer's, I can raise awareness about the disease and provide hope, support and courage to those on a journey with a loved one and Alzheimer's.
May we all, one day, know a world free of Alzheimer's.
