There is a thief in our midst.  No one really knows how the thief gained access.  It crept in without notice and slowly over the years has been stealing from my mum; Ellen; Grandma.  What has it been stealing?  I hear you say.  My mum’s memory, my mum’s personality, my mum’s dignity.  It has left her in a state of confusion, is rendering her speechless and unable to think coherently; a progressive trail of destruction.  

I can’t go for a mooch about the shops, stopping for a cup of tea and a chat; my mum no longer knows who I am and her mobility is restricted.  Grandchildren can’t proudly show their artwork or stories to Grandma; she is no longer able to read or appreciate their excitement.  Dad can no longer chat about what has happened during the day or what they need to buy for dinner; she has no concept of time.

What’s the name of this thief? Alzheimer’s, and it needs to be investigated and eradicated. 

The cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. Research indicates that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain.  Currently used treatments offer a small symptomatic benefit; treatments to delay or halt the progression of the disease are, as of yet, unavailable.

Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, management of patients is essential. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative.  

Alzheimer's Society is dedicated to defeating dementia through research.  Their unique research programme funds research into the cause, cure, care and prevention of dementia to improve treatment for people today and to search for a cure for tomorrow.

The main areas of research at the moment include: 

·         trying to find the cause of different types of dementias;

·         how Alzheimer's disease causes damage to the brain;

·         trying to find simple tests;

·         how the progression of dementia can be slowed down by drugs;

·         how the behavioural changes can be treated;

·         how carers can be helped.

Much has already been discovered about the changes that take place in the brains of people with various types of dementia.  Much less is known about why these changes occur.  Until researchers can find why these illnesses start, there is little hope of finding a cure.

Each person will experience dementia in his or her own individual way, but there will usually be:

·         a decline in memory, reasoning and communication skills

·         a gradual loss of the skills needed to carry out daily activities

·         confusion.

The one person who has been there at Mum’s side all the way through this unwilling journey is Dad, Ron, Grandpa. 

I am celebrating my 50th Birthday, Mum won’t be able to join in and I miss her company daily. 

Thank you for reading this, if you would like to help further research and catch this thief, your donation would be most welcome.  

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