I hate Alzheimer's...

Laurence

Registered User
Jul 3, 2010
92
0
Cheshire
I hate Alzheimer's because, many years ago, it barged its way into my dear wife's life and began the ruthless, agonisingly slow process of squeezing the life force out of her.

I hate Alzheimer's because, not only did it take away the pen with which she could write new memories but, with cold-blooded efficiency, it also began the process of erasing the memories she had already written.

I hate Alzheimer's because, even as our two sons and I hugged each other, sobbing at Brenda's bedside after she had passed away, it brazenly stood there, hands held aloft saying "Don't blame me! It wasn't me that killed her - it was the pneumonia or heart problems or loss of swallow-reflex" and yet it was the Alzheimer's as surely as any drug-pusher or illegal gun-supplier is responsible. It may not have pulled the trigger but it certainly provided the weapon.

I hate Alzheimer's because, if I had bought a punchbag on which to take out my frustration over the many years of Brenda's decline and even if I had knocked seven bells out of it at regular intervals and even if I had kicked and clawed and battered it again and again and again, today it would still look as unscathed and unbothered as the day I bought it. Alzheimer's would have simply shrugged it off with a cocky "Is that all you've got?"

But, you know, Alzheimer's, we are going to get you. Every penny we raise, every test we do, every trial we endure, every hopeful lead we see falter and fail takes us one day nearer to making you a hideous nightmare of the past and you will no longer cast that awful shadow over mankind. I truly believe that with all my heart and we will get you.

I promise.
 

sleepless

Registered User
Feb 19, 2010
3,223
0
The Sweet North
Laurence, I am so sorry for your loss, and like many on this forum and elsewhere, I share your anger.
If strength of love, devotion, and finally loss, were enough, these diseases would have been beaten by now.
I join you in willing a cure, society must not give up.
Please look after yourself, allow the grief, but try not to hurt yourself with the anger.
 

Adcat

Registered User
Jun 15, 2014
287
0
London
Hi Laurence,

I admire your eloquent post and share your anger.

I note that David Cameron has pledged government 3 million + money today for research. I'm angry that this has taken so long and I'm cynical because of the up coming election. I'm also angry because of the toil this has on carers and the lack of support given.

Take care and please consider seeing your GP for bereavement counselling.
 

chick1962

Registered User
Apr 3, 2014
11,282
0
near Folkestone
I think what you have written touches us all as we know and understand and share your anger! I am so sorry for the passing of your lovely Brenda x


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LYN T

Registered User
Aug 30, 2012
6,958
0
Brixham Devon
Laurence-I read your post this morning but it touched me so much it's taken til now for me to respond.I really can't find the words to express how much I agree with you. Dementia is a truly hideous,unrelenting disease and, whether it forges ahead quickly or slowly,it seeps into the very being of the sufferer and carer alike.

I totally understand your anger; I'm angry. I don't like feeling anger but I sometimes think that Alzheimer's is still having a laugh at me;my dear, darling Husband was taken December just gone, he was just 68.I'm glad that Pete is no longer suffering but I scream inside 'why him'. Maybe I should think 'why not him?'. Pete was fairly young, and there are Carers on this Forum who are looking after people in their 40's/50's. I don't even want to focus on sufferer's even younger-but they exist.

So I applaud your promise. It will happen one day. It has to happen to stop the river of tears shed by brokenhearted spouses, sons, daughters and grandchildren.

I'm so sorry that Brenda has passed, and I'm sorry for the hurt you and your sons must feel-but let's hope that in our lifetime Alzheimer's gets what it deserves-a thorough thumping.

Take care of yourself

Lyn T X
 

Anongirl

Registered User
Aug 8, 2012
2,667
0
Laurence I couldn't have expressed it better x

I watch my mum being eaten away by this nightmare disease and all I can hear in my brain is "dementia I hate you, you b*st**d"

:(
 

Gigglemore

Registered User
Oct 18, 2013
526
0
British Isles
So sorry for the loss of your dear wife. Dementia may have destroyed Brenda's health and made you and your sons suffer so much watching her decline, but I am sure that a cure will be found before it can get either of your sons in it's clutches.

Hope the painful memories will gradually fade and that you can remember the happy years you shared. Take care.
 

stanleypj

Registered User
Dec 8, 2011
10,712
0
North West
A very memorable post Laurence. Thank you. I think you have expressed the anger in a very striking way. It's also great that you are still able to hang on to the hope that the disease will, one day, be beaten. I know some people who find this hope either impossible to entertain or no consolation whatsoever and I can understand that. But personally I share your belief and find that it does help me - a little.
 

Canadian Joanne

Registered User
Apr 8, 2005
17,710
0
70
Toronto, Canada
Laurence, beautifully written and expresses what I feel perfectly. I also wish to bring this to my support group, with your permission.

I am so sorry about your loss of Brenda. Please accept my condolences for you and your boys.
 

WIFE

Registered User
May 23, 2014
856
0
WEST SUSSEX
Laurence - how I echo everything you have written. Not a day goes by since my Husband died when I do not curse the dreaded dementia for stealing our last precious years together but we can't change anything so just have to try to move slowly forward without our loved ones. Thinking of you and your family WIFE
 

molly11

Registered User
Jan 24, 2011
75
0
Lancashire
Laurence,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
your words touched me, I think they echo how many of us feel.
I miss my Dad and the cruel way he was taken, everyday.
Would you mind if I also shared your words please?


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roseg

Registered User
Jan 25, 2015
26
0
I agree with you laurence. Well said. I buried my 55 year old mother last week due to this horrible disease. I watched my poor mum go without food for six whole weeks and no fluids for two weeks. I will never get my mummys last breaths from my mind it haunts me. I need my mummy still so much i have had another baby eight months ago and he will never knoe ehat a beautful person his gran was.i will never get over this but when im feeling better i will try to raise some money so this madness gets sorted. My mummy now my angel i live you more than words can say im sorry i couldnt save you i tried my best xxxx
 

Laurence

Registered User
Jul 3, 2010
92
0
Cheshire
Thank you everyone for your compassionate words. Please feel free to share it with anyone you feel it might help. I really appreciate all your comments


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