Imagine how it would feel to look at a toaster and not know what it is used for; to look at a child and not know that they are a part of your family; or to wonder why the person looking back is not recognizable-this is just a taste of the frustration and sadness known by people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Some may feel that this is just an inevitable and normal sign of aging; on the contrary, it is not. In some high functioning older adults, the physiological effects of normal aging show little to no ill effect on the brain function, as Halpren (2008) indicates. In others, however, the diminishing brain, slowing prefrontal cortex and shrinking hippocampus shows, unfortunately, quick progression. The hippocampus, in the brain, is known as the circuit, as Dr. Small points out. He also states, "It is not unlike other electrical circuits that bring power to a house. When there is a break in the circuit, all of the lights go out." (Halprin, 2008, p84). This clearly points out the ravaging of time and the ultimate signs of the horrible reality of Alzheimer's disease. Nancy Reagan, former President Ronald Reagan's wife, stated in Brill (2005), that: "Alzheimer's disease is a cruel disease that steals lives;.
The life of the person who has it and the lives of the family.
Members who have to watch it take over. It's hard to have.
To watch it take over. It's hard to know what expect. The.
Years of exchanging memories of old age are gone. It is a very.
Hard long good-bye." (Brill, 2005, p10).
The over-whelming condition of Alzheimer's disease is still a mystery to all. Why do some get this horrible disease and others do not? Is it genetic or is it not? How can we overcome this disease and is it really curable? All of these questions are asked by many families on a daily basis; with more questions coming each and every day. Many may feel helpless and see no end in sight.