Week #15 - Alzheimer's Disease - Amratha Rao

Amratha Rao - Week #15

Alzheimer's Disease

My friend's grandfather recently passed away after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Without any cure, light medication was his only hope. Her grandfather spent his last few weeks surrounded by his grandchildren, despite not having recognized any of them. His dementia by the time of his death had gotten so severe that he couldn’t even recognize his children or his wife. 



Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, accounting for up to “75% of all dementia cases in the world” (Heerema). While it may seem like Alzheimer’s Disease affects only the elderly, it is, in fact, a genetically inherited disease with an underestimated mortality rate. Being currently the “sixth leading cause of death” in the United States, Alzheimer’s is a common genetic disorder with almost 44 million cases worldwide. However, the biggest concern around the disease is its diagnosis (Heerema). It almost takes 2.8 years on average to diagnose, and in many cases diagnosed after death during a thorough examination of the patient’s eroded brain (Heerema). Learning and educating ourselves about our family history can allow us to be aware of our personal risk and potential diagnosis. 


When it comes to memory, Alzheimer's can be ruthless. Confusion and behavioral issues are common side effects. Patients often find themselves completely unfamiliar with daily tasks and have trouble communicating, leading to social isolation and much more. Memory is a very valuable thing. We may never know how much control we have over it or for how long. All we can do today is embrace what we have, because we never know what’s in store for us.


Image Credits: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/health/eli-lillys-experimental-alzheimers-drug-failed-in-large-trial.html

Comments

  1. Pranav SreejayanMay 1, 2022 at 9:57 PM

    Hey Amratha! Alzheimers seems like an especially bad way to go since you can’t even die knowing you were loved. I am extremely sorry for your friend. I didn’t realize it was so prevalent either and it is terrifying to think so. I also find your final message beautiful; to realize our own mortality in the face of an unforgiving genetic and chronological enemy.

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  2. Tiffany ChenMay 2, 2022 at 7:36 PM

    Hi Amratha, Alzheimer's sounds really sad, especially to the person's loved ones. For people diagnosed with it, all of their memories are wiped from their brains, all of the good and bad events that shaped their lives. Memory is such a huge part of our life, and I can't imagine just waking up one day as an old person not knowing anything or anyone around me.

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  3. Kirti KandeMay 3, 2022 at 4:17 PM

    Amratha, this was a nice, educational post. Right when you said the word Alzheimers it reminded me of the show Grey's Anatomy, where the main character's mother also suffers from Alzheimers. In the show, we see how the main character deals with the “loss” of her mother. Though her mother is there, physically, with her, she has no recollection of her and sees her daughter as just another human being. It is definitely a heartbreaking disease which sadly has no cure for it. Hopefully, there is a cure for this disease or at least a way to alleviate the symptoms of it.

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  4. Yunshan LiMay 4, 2022 at 6:39 PM

    Hi Amratha! I can not imagine how hard it is to have Alzheimer’s disease or have a loved one that does. My memories are some of my most prized possessions as it recounts things I have done in my life and contain many segments that only I remember and I would never want them to be taken away from me. I sincerely hope that in the near future, a cure could be found for this terrifying disease so fewer people would have to suffer this horrific loss. I also appreciate your advice to live life to the fullest and not take our memories for granted. Thank you for sharing!

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  5. Katrina ChangMay 4, 2022 at 6:53 PM

    Hey Amratha, it’s hard to fathom the loneliness that people with Alzheimer's feel from not being able to remember loved ones and precious memories. Knowing people have to suffer through Alzheimer’s and that there is no cure for it is heartbreaking. This makes me come to appreciate and value the memories I have even more. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Shrinithi SathiyaseelanMay 4, 2022 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Amratha, it must be very hard for people and families when they or their loved ones have Alzheimer's. It is very heartbreaking to lose one's memories over their lifetime and forget those near and dear to them. I did not know how common Alzheimer's actually was, and it is very sad to think about. Our memories have shaped who we are, and I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose them.

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  7. Kristine DangMay 4, 2022 at 9:41 PM

    Hi Amratha, it’s really scary imagining what might happen to my grandparents in the future. I worry about not being able to spend any more time with them or them suddenly getting sick or injured. Because of this, I try to spend as much of my free time with them as possible. Hopefully in the near future, there will be better treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

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  8. HanyiMay 5, 2022 at 8:27 PM

    Hey Amratha, the topic of Alzheimer's Disease is a really disturbing issue to address. I cannot fathom how painful it must be, for both the diagnosed and their loved ones, to have to communicate with one another with one side having no recollection of who they are. Even with their communication directly face-to-face, it must feel like there is a brick wall between them. It must be painful to have to talk to someone you knew your entire life, all for them to respond with confusion at what your own name even is. I cannot wish this upon my worst enemy.

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