The only people I’ve spoken to who really understand what a family goes through are ones who have experienced it as well. We knew it was a possibility with our mom, because our great aunt had dementia. My mom made arrangements, yet I’ll be damned she fought implementing those arrangements tooth and nail. She knew something was happening to her, and she became stubborn; wouldn’t go see a doctor because more than likely she was afraid to hear what she already knew.

Ulitmately she went into the hospital for an unrelated matter, and was finally diagnosed. Yet by that time the disease was well underway. There wasn’t much to do except setup care and eventually hospice about four years after her diagnosis. She passed away late last year.