Two days before my 18th birthday, we went to visit my grandma. It was her 80th birthday. She had been battling Alzheimer’s around 15 years and was very obviously struggling at this point. She struggled to get words out and complete sentences were all but gone. It was our last day in town and I was heartbroken that she hadn’t recognized me throughout our whole trip.
I was in her room to say goodbye. I was a senior in high school, living over 600 miles away and wasn’t sure when I’d be able to visit her next. Every time we came back her progression was more pronounced. In an act of desperation, I found a picture of me that she had in her room. I was around 8 years old in the picture. I handed it to her and asked if she knew who it was. She still couldn’t place the name, but smiled and said, “I like this one”. As calmly as I could, I told her it was me. In a fleeting moment of lucidity, she locked eyes with me and told me she loved me. It was the last time I ever heard her speak.
Alzheimer’s tormented her for another 7 years before claiming her life.
My grandma is one of seven family members that have passed away of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
There are currently more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease. Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
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