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A Woman of Many Talents

Louise Katzeff was an independent and very lively woman. Mom to Paul, Carl and Anne Katzeff, and Grandmother to Michael Katzeff. Later, she added the additional roles of "Mom" and friend to Janet, Susan and Peggy.

Like many other victims, Louise's dementia developed over a period of years. At first she was forgetful about details or maybe how to get somewhere. It was the type of thing many of us ignore and attribute to aging. She began to rely on her spouse, family or other care takers more and more over the past three years.

It was hard to witness her frustration when she knew the answer or word she was searching for, but just couldn't find it.

The progression began to accelerate this past year. More rapidly than you might imagine, affecting motor functions. Maybe her walking would become more fragile. You know, harder to get out of a chair, or walk up stairs. It continued to accelerate, making her unable to feed herself, brush her teeth or walk to a garden or a dining area. These last several months she was unable to perform any daily living tasks on her own. Even sitting up was hard for her.

For us, watching our mom change so rapidly was difficult. We knew this one-time piano playing fun-loving person was disappearing before our eyes. There is no cure, no slowing it down or knowing what will happen next.

We had each other and reached out to resources we knew too. Please think about giving to the Alzheimer's Association so other families can get the support they need. Help support professionals who work to find effective treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's and Dementia.