Sir Terry Pratchett's battle with Alzheimer's

[angieh]

I wonder whether anyone has been watching this BBC documentary and what they think so far.

I have watched it on iPlayer and have found it a real eye opener, considering that MIL has senile dementia and apart from the age of onset the similarities outweigh the differences from an "outsiders" point of view at least.

I suspect the reason for the increased publicity, like the recent government initiative has more to do with the likely cost of the huge numbers of people expected to develop Alzheimer's or other sorts of dementia in the years to come - it is a very worrying thought.

An article about the programmes is here (http://http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/4400955/Sir-Terry-Pratchett-documents-Alzheimers-battle-in-BBC-film.html).

Sorry, that link didn't work. Here it is: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/4400955/Sir-Terry-Pratchett-documents-Alzheimers-battle-in-BBC-film.html

[calismum]

I have been watching this with interest.

My loveley grandmother was reduced to a shell of herself by this dreadful disease, as were all her sisters.

I worked with a lady whose mother and grandmother had early onset and she was told it would probably affect her too. A few years later she had to be medically retired at only 55yrs old.

A dreadful, soul destroying illlness all the more scarey as after the initial stages the sufferer is unaware of dangers they put themselves in etc.

My hope is that the publicity generated will perhaps increase awareness and maybe research funding will improve.

I do feel for your MIL and hope she is not too distressed and that you are coping with it ok.

[dandysmom]

A dreadful affliction, not only for the individual but for those who love and care for her/him. The only good thing that can be said about losing your parents at an early age is that you don't have to watch the awful progression of the mind destroying disease...

[angieh]

How do Americans generally cope with care for their relatives Eileen - I know USA has trouble with health care costs etc.

I feel as you do - both my parents passed away after short illnesses. My mother was 68 and my dad was 73.

[dandysmom]

I don't know anyone who have parents with it; my understanding is that most people keep them at home as long as possible with help from social services, nurses, etc., then ultimately into a home. The costs are astronomical, not sure what Medicare covers. My mom died at 62, and dad at 68; stroke and heart respectively.