For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time of happiness and joy – a time where families get together, and we celebrate abundance, health and all of the things that we are thankful for.
However, for some, Thanksgiving is a time to face a family member who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Imagine not having seen a loved one for over a year – perhaps a grandmother, or even mom or dad, and realizing that the memories are slipping, if not gone.
Or, try to imagine seeing your loved one at Thanksgiving, only to become aware for the first time that things are just not quite right. You might notice that the house is in disarray, or clothes are disheveled, or there is an overwhelming sense of confusion in your loved one’s home.
These are scenarios that have happened at every Thanksgiving, and will most certainly happen for some people this year as well.
For those who are going to visit an elderly loved one this year – a loved one not having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – take a moment to look for some of the signs of Alzheimer’s – forgetfulness, mismatched clothing, or just about anything else out of the ordinary. We suggest this for the sole reason that early detection can make such a huge difference in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
Keep in mind too that memory loss is not always Alzheimer’s disease – it could also be issues related to stress or vitamin deficiency.
For those visiting someone who is already diagnosed, we only suggest that you not forget to talk to them, and to show them the love you have always had for them.
To everyone – we wish you the very happiest Thanksgiving.
