Page 7 - June2017Newsletter

Seattle Alumnae Chapter Newsletter June 2017

DUO HEALTH TIPS

Alzheimer’s Disease – A Family’s Perspective

This is not your typical health tip. As we approach
our next Community Impact Day – The Longest Day,

the Summer Solstice, raising awareness of
Alzheimer’s Disease, I can’t help but reflect on how
this disease has affected my family. My cousin has
Alzheimer’s Disease. He is a West Point graduate, a

well-decorated retired Army career officer, computer
genius, and smartest man I know. I look up to him.
Now, he barely remembers who I am. His sister

Carole (who is also our soror) has power of attorney
for him and his affairs. I asked her about her reflections and any suggestions she may have for
anyone dealing with the disease. One of the first things she reported was wondering and
replaying when and how the disease progressed. Though my cousin is sixty-five years old, he

has been visibly affected by Alzheimer’s for seven years. He was a master of disguise. Before
he was unable to read and say key words, write his name or perform his activities of daily
living (ADL’s); he had begun getting lost while driving to familiar places. He was always happy

to greet us but would never call our names. Carole emphasized that you should write down
and share your wishes for your future health and legal care with your family members. Her
brother never discussed his wishes; however, he
kept excellent health, insurance and legal files. She

expressed should have used more of the resources
available from the Alzheimer’s Association, the
state health department and the VA to find long

term care for her brother. Her best advice offered:
Trust in God! Listen to his voice and follow your
heart. You will make the right choices to keep your
affected family member safe and healthy.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease visit:

Www.ALZwa.org

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