My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 8 years ago. It has not only affected her activities of daily living but also our family. As her caregiver, though it may hurt, I have formed a new relationship with my mother over the years. It is one of love, passion, care, support and respect. When the diagnosis was made, I changed my entire focus to ensure that as many people as possible from every group learned about this disease. Since I cannot cure the disease, I promote brain health, the importance of memory screenings, early detection and social engagement because these actions will allow an individual to plan for their future and the future of their families. Despite the diagnosis a person can still experience a good quality of life.
DONNA DE LEVANTE RAPHAEL
