Ex Prez Reagan is 91, think he realizes it ?

[Siren]

 

[alexandraaah]

ugh, this is one of the worst, most relentless illnesses around. my grandmother is in the late stages and i doubt she could tell you her age. sorry to hear about your father, it's a horrible, mean trick played on humans, isn't it?

alex

 

[patient1]

Nancy is always trying to protect his image & place in history...

That's why she brought an astrologer in to the White House, to optimize matters, or so she said in an interview I recall...

This would be funny if it weren't true.

 

[Siren]

Yes it is a horrible trick played on humans....but that is not my point of the thread

 

[freakygirl]

There was something on tv the other day about President and Mrs. Reagan.

I watched it in passing.. but I remember them saying they were going to celebrate his birthday. The daughter said something about it not being a happy birthday... because they knew he wouldn't even realize it was his birthday. But they were going to celebrate it.

It truely is a sad thing to see.. He looks so old and so fragile.

I don't think everyone should just forget that it's someones birthday just because they are suffering from Alzheimers. It's an important day regardless if they aware of it or not. (JMO)

 

[Jellybeangirl]

Our local paper quoted his daughter as saying that they stopped celebrating his birthday years ago, that there was no purpose due to the fact it seemed to confuse him even more.

Alzheimer disease is horrible, you forget what a fork is for, what food is, how to chew, the purpose of swallowing...

It is so very sad to see this happen to a loved one.

 

[bored1]

My Grandfather died of alzheimers as did my uncle.The stress on the family was incredible and to see two strong men deteriorate away to nothing is something that I would wish on no one. My Grandmother took care of her husband until the day he died and I often wonder if that sort of dedication to ones spouse/life partner still exists.

 

[HotXBunz]

USA Today had an interview by his daughter and like Freakygurl said she stated it would not be happy. In the interview she gave a pretty graphic description of him in his bedridden state and was very candid about his mental state. She also shared how it was effecting her and the family.

He has the distinction of being the oldest living president.

I worked in a personal care home and it tore my heart out to see the effects of AD on the residents and their families. I can't imagine having to watch someone I love defeated by it. ((HUGS)) to those of you who have had to experience this or who are experiencing it now. I highly recommend a support group to help you sort through all of the emotions. It takes such a toll on the family.

Siren, you are right that they could do more to educate people about this tragic disease but it is my guess that right now they are pretty wrapped up in the day to day emotions of watching their loved one waste away not knowing which day he will not be with them any longer.

 

[Lost Cause]

When the President was diagnosed, they did go public. It resulted in a renewed awareness of the disease. I feel for all who have loved ones that have suffered in this way. I can only hope that the promising breakthroughs in genetics can soon make this condition extinct!

 

[missbehavin_badly]

After taking care of multitudes of Alzheimers patients, I can honestly say it is one of the most devastating diseases for a family to deal with.

I can see your point Siren, but in the same fully understand why the Reagan family has kept out of the public eye. They are dealing with the stresses and pressures of this disease like most any family.

It's an awful thing to watch a person you love deteriorate mentally and physically from such a disease. To be honest it awful to watch someone else loved one go through this.

Alzheimers...not only robs a person of their mind and body, but it seems to steal their very soul.