Three of my grandparents have Alzheimer's. I state this first not to bring pity, but rather to drive a point home. It is a horrible, horrible disease of not just the mind, but of the body. Unfortunately, my chances of not getting it are not good.
My grandfather was diagnosed in my early childhood- I don't quite remember when. I also don't remember him ever not having the disease. Not remembering, not knowing a
"good" Grandpa, has been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because I don't have memories that would be painful now. A curse, because of the same- I don't have memories to look back on.
My grandmothers, however, are a different story. These strong women may not always get along, but they have so much in common when it comes to their mind. My grandmothers are strong-willed, which can be, again, a blessing and a curse. They're forgetful, which is expected of a person with Alzheimer's, but they do a fairly good job of lying to cover it up. Thankfully, the two of them were not diagnosed until recently, so I have plenty of great memories.
Alzheimer's, while painful, has taught me many things- the first of these being to live, and love, in the moment. Enjoy the memories you make today, because the person you make them with might not remember tomorrow. Secondly, Alzheimer's has taught me to be gracefully kind. My grandmother will ask the same simple question at least four times in a 10-minute span. I answer the same each time, as if the tenth time is the first.
Thirdly, Alzheimer's has taught me to cherish my time with my family, especially my elders. It has made me realize that every moment with an active mind is precious, and should be stimulated as such. It goes without saying that I love my family, and that I worry about them. I know my grandparents' days are numbered, so I visit when I can and treat them as they are- human.
