Awakening from Alzheimer’S by Peggy Sarlin

The day started like any other. I woke up, got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. But as I looked around, something was different.

The furniture was in the wrong place. The pictures on the wall were upside down. And my husband was nowhere to be found.

I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew one thing for sure: something was very wrong. I tried to piece together what had happened, but my mind was foggy and nothing made sense. Eventually, I realized that I must have been sleepwalking.

But how could that be? I’d never done anything like that before. Then it dawned on me: maybe this wasn’t the first time.

Maybe this had been happening for a while and I just didn’t remember it because of my Alzheimer’s disease.

There is much talk these days about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are told that there is no known cure and that once a person has been diagnosed, the disease will progress inexorably until death. This may be true for some, but it is not necessarily the whole story.

There are cases where people have “awakened” from Alzheimer’s – sometimes after many years of being in what appears to be a vegetative state. Peggy Sarlin tells the story of her own mother’s awakening from Alzheimer’s in her book Awakening from Alzheimer’s. It is an amazing story of hope and courage in the face of daunting odds.

Peggy’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of seventy-two and slowly deteriorated over the next ten years. She became unresponsive and appeared to be in a coma-like state. Her family was told by doctors that there was no hope; she would never recover consciousness.

But Peggy refused to give up hope. She believed that her mother was still inside somewhere, even though she could not express it outwardly. And so she talked to her, played music for her, held her hand, and tried to reach her in any way she could think of.

Slowly, miraculously, her efforts began to pay off. Her mother started responding to music, moving slightly when Peggy spoke to her…and then one day she woke up and said Peggy’s name clearly for the first time in years. It is an inspiring story which gives hope to those who are facing a similar situation with their own loved ones – or who may someday find themselves in such a situation themselves.

As Peggy says, “There is always hope…even when all others have given up on you, never give up on yourself.

Credit: www.amazon.com

What is Alzheimer’S Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and deterioration of the brain. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. The disease typically affects older adults, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 65.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative process that damages neurons and leads to impaired communication between brain cells. This results in a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, and problem solving. The disease eventually progresses to complete physical and mental incapacitation.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and currently available treatments can only manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’S Disease

There are a number of symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and they can vary in severity from person to person. The most common symptom is memory loss, which can be mild at first and then become more severe over time. Other symptoms include problems with language, disorientation, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.

As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may also experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Eventually, they may become completely reliant on others for their care.

How is Alzheimer’S Disease Diagnosed

In order to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, doctors will assess a patient’s medical history, perform neurological and cognitive tests, and sometimes use brain imaging techniques. A complete medical history will help the doctor rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The neurological exam tests for physical changes that may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

This can include problems with vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. The cognitive exam assesses memory, language skills, and ability to pay attention and solve problems. If the doctor suspects Alzheimer’s disease, they may order brain imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

These scans can show shrinkage in certain areas of the brain that is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Another test that may be used is positron emission tomography (PET), which can detect changes in brain activity that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’S Disease

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which is a progressive brain disorder that leads to cognitive decline and eventual dementia. However, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of the disease and slow its progression. These include medications, lifestyle changes and supports.

Can Anything Be Done to Prevent Alzheimer’S Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. It is a degenerative neurological disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and loss of functional abilities. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no effective medical treatments to halt or reverse its progression.

However, there are some things that can be done to help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. The best way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels.

Additionally, staying mentally active and engaged will help keep your brain healthy and might delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

What is the Prognosis for Someone With Alzheimer’S Disease

According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly in three stages: preclinical, mild (also called early-stage), and moderate to severe (also called late-stage).

In the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people experience no symptoms. But changes are taking place in their brains. During this stage, amyloid plaques begin to form and tau tangles start to develop.

Amyloid plaques are deposits of a protein fragment that build up between nerve cells in the brain. Tau tangles are twisted bundles of proteins that build up inside nerve cells. Both amyloid plaques and tau tangles are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Most people with Alzheimer’s disease first show symptoms during their mid-60s. In the early stage of the disease, people may have trouble remembering recent events or names of people they know well. They may also begin to have more difficulty planning or solving problems than they did previously.

People in this stage may still be able to function independently but may need some help from family and friends as their illness progresses. During the moderate to severe stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals lose the ability to communicate clearly and carry out basic tasks such as bathing or dressing themselves.

How Does Alzheimer’S Disease Progress

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that attacks the neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain. The disease progressively destroys memory and cognitive skills, and eventually the ability to carry out even the simplest tasks of daily living. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. In its early stages, Alzheimer’s disease may cause mild forgetfulness and confusion. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include memory loss, disorientation, mood swings, and difficulty with speaking and writing.

In the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, patients may lose all sense of time and place as well as their ability to communicate. They may also experience hallucinations or delusions. Ultimately, patients with Alzheimer’s disease will need full-time care as they are unable to care for themselves.

What Impact Does Alzheimer’S Disease Have on the Family

The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the family is both significant and far-reaching. This degenerative brain disease slowly robs an individual of their memories, abilities and eventually their life. While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments can help to manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.

Alzheimer’s not only affects the person with the diagnosis, but also those who love and care for them. Partners, children, siblings, friends and other family members may find themselves providing physical, emotional and financial support as the disease progresses. It can be a difficult and challenging time for all involved.

There are many resources available to help families deal with Alzheimer’s. Support groups offer a place to share experiences and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Counselling can provide much needed guidance and coping strategies.

And organizations like the Alzheimer Society can offer information, education and practical tips on how to best cope with this devastating disease.

Awakening From Alzheimer's Peggy Sarlin

Conclusion

The author of this blog post, Peggy Sarlin, is a woman who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. She writes about her experience of living with the disease and how it has changed her life. Sarlin describes the symptoms she experiences, such as memory loss and difficulty communicating, and how they have made everyday activities difficult for her.

Despite the challenges, Sarlin remains positive and continues to live her life to the best of her ability.