My Experiences Navigating Early-Onset Alzheimers

          Navigating Early-Onset Alzheimers is one of the most challenging things to accomplish and deal with, especially at a young age. In this post I would like to outline the stages, processes and challenges I went through as a 16 year old boy who has been taking care of a mother with early-onset Alzheimers for over 3 years now, and hopefully many years to come.

          The first challenge and one of the most difficult things to go through is figuring out your loved one has Alzheimers. This stage is so difficult because alongside it comes confusion and anger. I remember being in 6th grade taking my mom to the neurologist to book the first appointment, being with her for her MRI, as well as being with her when she got her diagnosis. These moments were all very challenging because I did not know what was next to come. Although my entire family entered a state of sadness, it opened up an opportunity to be grateful. Since these beginning moments I have cherished every single moment I have spent with my mom, and continue to value every single memory I make.

          The following stages (roughly one year following diagnosis) were a display of the beginning moments of this disease. Things like forgetting to take her medicine, picking up and leaving small items around the house, balling up toilet paper, and slight confusion were becoming apparent. Although these small things became more noticeable, my mom never once forgot a memory or an event in her life. She remembered her childhood, the people in her childhood, all of her memories and all of the people in her life. This came as a shock to me because despite what I had read online and seen on social media, her long term memory was very much present while her short term memories seemed to fade. The moments following diagnoses are difficult but very important on setting your mindset for the continuing years. Things like making a schedule, making sure someone is always there to watch her, and being with her were so vital to the future experiences we encountered. These things also make everything much easier and more comfortable for the people with this disease.

          The last stage I have seen my mom enter has been the most impactful. Things like needing constant watch, help with her medicine, changing clothes, going to the bathroom, etc have been the most important things for me to take care of. This time period has been so difficult because my family and I picked up so many new responsibilities. From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed, the thoughts that go through my head are, "what do I do to make my moms life as easy and as comfortable as possible". When I wake up, I immediately help her to start her day. I help her throughout the rest of the day and before I go to bed. Although that may sound easy, it is quite difficult. Although it is difficult, I would consider them the most valuable experiences I have taken part of. Every challenging moment is a learning moment, there is no other person I would rather have taking on these responsibilities. The more responsibility I have, the more experiences I take part of, and the closer I get to my mom.

          Overall, with all the challenges my mother has faced, every moment has been a learning moment. Every moment has taught me to be patient, humble, and grateful. Although my life has changed and I have had to sacrifice certain parts of my life, I have learned that there is nothing I would rather do than be there for the person I love most.