Alzhiemer's
...imer's disease is likely caused by a variety of factors both environmental and genetic. I visit him as often as I can. I am not sure if he knows who I am. I am not sure of what he is thinking of, or if he can think at all. When I visit him I wonder and hope that he will recognize me, and he would be there with open arms. With every hug that I give him, kissing him on the forehead, or when I’m holding his hand and he smiles nothing else mattered to me, and I know the time with him is irreplaceable. I am blessed to have some time left with him. I cry without him seeing me each time I visit. To our family, it isn’t a matter of not remembering, but more importantly, it is not being able to function in any capacity as the disease advances. It is a matter of losing your bodily functions one by one in a slow moving process, its like torture for all of us who love him so much. I compare it to a parasite, it moves in, takes over, and slowly kills its prey. At times he has becomes combative, and he strikes out at his children who cared for him. He now lives with my aunt in New York. Over the course of 4 years, my grandfather’s behavior at times has been unusual and unpredictable. He has exhibited severe mood swings, verbal and physical aggression, and wandering. This can make anyone frustrated and angry, yet my aunt has never complained. Nonetheless, family members take turns visiting my grandfather and staying overnight. This gives my aunt a chance to rest and relax. I try to imagine what it is like for my grandfather. He can’t dance or cook anymore. He doesn’t know his nam...