Soo I reluctantly had a birthday recently and am officially a late twenty-something š At 27, Iām already a solid three years into a full blown quarter-life crisis. Iāve spent too much time thinking about who I am, where Iām going, and what I want. I have set goals and chased dreams. Iāve taken chances, saved all my money, spent all my money, and learned big lessons. Despite some questionable decisions and bumps in the road, Iām proud of and ecstatic for present and future endeavors. I still, however, canāt silence all of my twenty-something anxieties; though older, Iām still afraid.
As much as I like to argue otherwise, 27 fortunately isnāt that old. My fears are justified, perhaps, but theyāre trivial; I worry about wrinkles and paying rent. Iām afraid of Ferris wheels and spiders and being late to work. Iām scared to go to a bar and not be asked for ID. Otherwise, I am for the most part blissfully naĆÆve and pretentiously invincible.
I joke around, but not all my fears are narcissistic; after all, I work and immerse myself in a field that treats the demented. I see firsthand the impact that Alzheimerās has on both its victims and their caregivers, and itās terrifying. Itās no surprise that the disease was recently found to be the scariest disabling condition in later life. According to those 3,000+ surveyed, itās more frightening than cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes combined.
Itās not uncommon for those experiencing symptoms of dementia to attempt to deny and conceal them, and understandably so. Who the f would want to admit to people that they have the most feared disease out there?! Imagine the humiliating stigma that accompanies a brain disorder. If sharing a diagnosis resulted in being treated like an incompetent child, Iād keep quiet too. Similarly, those caring for a loved one displaying signs are often quick to conceal as well.. if I canāt bring myself to face or accept that my mom is slipping, how am I supposed to speak of her condition aloud?
What we donāt realize, however, is the damage this denial does. Alzheimerās is progressive and as of now it canāt be cured, but at least its symptoms can be kept at bay or its progression slowed. Early diagnosis allows for planning and for treatment, both of which nonnos and nonnas should be involved in themselves. With this disease, time is undoubtedly of the essence and unfortunately not on your side.
To add some perspective, those experiencing Alzheimerās symptoms who are worried about stigma remain undiagnosed for 3Ā½ years. Thatās 42 months! 42 months that could have been spent delaying advancement, deferring effects, and planning for the future. Especially frightening is the fact that when we as caregivers are concerned of stigma, the delay is even more severe: a nonno remains undiagnosed for an average of 6 years.. 72 fāing months.
These are serious and unnecessary setbacks. I understand this disease is scary; I witness it every single day. It can be not only confusing, but absolutely heartbreaking and discouraging. It requires the biggest adjustment youāll likely ever have to make in your lifetime. I beg you, though, be honest. Be open about what youāre seeing or experiencing. Be accepting and empathetic, not shameful. Show compassion and truly mean it. The disease itself is daunting enough ā seeking support shouldnāt be.
NeuroloGypsy 