Alzheimer's: Our Legacy

An Alzheimer's legacy is not received with joy and anticipation. Yet we all have a choice as to how we view life - either optimistically or pessimistically - despite whatever challenges we must confront. No one can predict what will happen tomorrow but we can predict what our life would be like if we choose to face tomorrow optimistically.

Why Alzheimer's is Our Legacy 
By one degree or another, Alzheimer's touches us all. In my family's case our risk factor is high because both parents have been diagnosed with this brutal disease without a cure. Currently, we are witnessing both parents progress through the seven stages with both teetering between the sixth and seventh stage. Consequently, we can look at our situation and feel doomed, while waiting for a perceived eventuality OR we can take a positive action approach and make every day matter by doing something positive.

Dad is in a nursing home here in California, while Mom is in a nursing home in San Antonio, Texas. They separated in 1964 and divorced several years later. They always maintained a good relationship, doing things as a family (see photos below).

Whether I or anyone else in my family becomes afflicted with Alzheimer's remains to be seen. Knowing the risk factors motives me to live my life to the fullest and optimistically. To all my friends and family, I encourage you to take positive steps in your life to live it to the fullest and leave a legacy of optimism.

Steps to Take a Positive Approach:

1. Resolve to improve oneself though increased learning and self-development. Increase your brain power. Strive to learn a new language, understand calculus, or read a book-a-week on topics you normally would not be interested in pursuing. It is never too late to educate oneself! FACT: 19% of Alzheimer's cases are attributed to low educational attainment.
2. Stop smoking! Make the effort, seek support. FACT: Smoking contributes to 14% of Alzheimer's cases.
3. Get moving! Exercise, walk, bike, swim, garden, do whatever it takes to lead an active life. FACT: Physical inactivity is the greatest contributor to Alzheimer's by 21%! 

My source and link to more information: click here

Understanding Alzheimer's Impact
I highly recommend viewing the HBO documentary: The Alzheimer's Project - Clicking on the link will take to were you can view the documentary on-line. You will need a box of tissue, I have never cried so much through a video as I did with this heart-wrenching account on Alzheimer's impact.

Mom & Dad on their Wedding Day - December 1952

When Mom was Younger

This photo was taken April 2005 - Mom was already showing signs of dementia -  We hadn't noticed that Dad too was showing signs. My sister Joyce and my niece Taylor are also pictured.

Your thoughts are welcomed!