Dementia/Alzheimer's--which word preference would you prefer?

Which word is used to describe the disease isn't really significant unless you understand the disease itself and its outcome. Whether I choose to use the word Alzheimer's over dementia does not change the end result. But events leading up to the end result can be changed if one takes a little time to educate himself about the disease and the effects it can have on the person with the disease.

Noun: Dementia - Mental deterioration of organic or functional origin.
Adjective: Demented - Affected with madness or insanity.

Noun: Alzheimer's disease - a neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common cause of dementia and characterised clinically by progressive intellectual deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and/or behavioral changes.

The paragraphs below are quoted from the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Disease Education website. My heartfelt expression of thanks for the information this organization provides for patients, families, and caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a group of conditions that all gradually destroy brain cells and lead to progressive decline in mental function. If the individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.

Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now they still do not know what causes AD, and there is no cure.

Today, the only definite way to diagnose AD is to find out whether there are plaques and tangles in brain tissue. To look at brain tissue, however, doctors usually must wait until they do an autopsy, which is an examination of the body done after a person dies. Therefore, doctors can only make a diagnosis of “possible” or “probable” AD while the person is still alive.”

Now back to my question at the beginning of my post. Dementia/Alzheimer’s—which word preference would you prefer?

I prefer to use the word Alzheimer’s because it sounds less demeaning. My word preference, doesn't change the disease or the ending result. Nor does it change what is in the best interest of the person afflicted by the disease.

And, once again, Words Do Matter, as do actions, feelings, and promises.

“I don’t ever want to be put in a nursing home. If I ever get sick like your dad did, will you keep me home and take care of me?” Mom asked.

“Yes, I will, Mom. That’s a promise,” I answered without hesitation.

Those words were spoken more than six years ago, during one of many conversations Mom and I have had over the the years, and long before diabetes and dementia took a hold on Mom’s health. It’s a promise I made and plan to keep, as long as I’m able, despite outside difficulties, because that’s the way I am—true to my word and my heart.

I’ve been taking care of Mom for sixteen months and have been living with Mom for nearly a year now. Though it’s heartbreaking to watch her mind fade away more each day, I wouldn’t trade this time I am spending with her for anything in the world. I’ve said before that I have always been a constant in my mom’s life. Her illnesses haven’t changed our relationship and it won’t change my love and admiration for her, or my loyalty to her.

She and my father gave me more than life—they passed to me their values, taught me responsibility, and showed me loyalty. They stood by me regardless of what I may have dealt with throughout my life, and they constantly encouraged me when times were tough. They loved me unconditionally regardless of the mistakes I may have made in life. They taught me that one does not always get what one wants, and no matter what trials and tribulations were placed in my path, I was to continue to reach for goals, fight for what I believe in, be the best person I can be, and let nothing and no one stand in my way. I believe I’ve learned well the very valuable lessons my parents taught me. My parents instilled kindness and generosity into me. Those lessons filled my brain and my heart. Fortunate or unfortunate, I’m not sure, but I have my mother’s let-it-go heart and my dad’s ready-to-kick-ass temper, and both kick in when I see things happen that shouldn’t. Which basically means—I take a lot, let things boil inside me, and when I decide I’ve had enough, I come back fighting with perseverance and fortitude.

Mom and I have enjoyed years and years of a wonderful relationship; it is a relationship that was never supposed to happen. She was told she could not have any more children. Ten years later, I was born.

What if I’d never been born? Better yet, “why” was I born? That IS a question I have asked throughout my entire life. What purpose do I have on this earth? The answer has only become clear to me recently. I have been a caregiver my entire adult life. I believe that is my purpose, and when my purpose is fulfilled, my time will expire.

Mom’s told me time and time again she doesn’t know where she’d be if I wasn’t in her life. My hope is that I will live long enough that Mom will never need to worry about that.
Alzheimers, Dementia, Caregiver, jdkiggins