Hat’s story: living with Alzheimer’s disease

In memory of Hat's mum, Laura.

When Hat’s mum Laura started behaving differently, her family put it down to depression. But as her symptoms got worse, Laura was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy – a rare form of Alzheimer’s. Hat explains how the disease has impacted the whole family.

[sunkcostfallacy]

It sucks to think that people with Alzheimer's die twice: once when they forget who they are and who they've loved their entire life and twice when they meet the bitter end that awaits us all. It's so heartbreaking.

[sadhooman]

"The brain may Forget but the Heart Will remember"

[vanessasimmons]

I’ve worked in high dependency dementia units and it’s a living death. I nursed my wonderful mum in law who begged me in the early stages to help her die…..and I didn’t or should I say I couldn’t. I watched her waste away and literally starve to death. It’s an horrific end. Made all the more worse that we have no assisted dying law. There is no godly reason to allow ppl to end their days in this state. None.

[pishquet]

You are a wonderful daughter. Yr love and compassion shows .

[nushkyn]

I admire you for your strong personality, your understanding and compassion towards the whole ordeal. Thank you. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's many years ago, and believe me when I say this: it will change you, no matter what. For the better or worse, keep loving them behind blue eyes and let them enjoy their life to the fullest as nothing had ever changed.

Thank you, Hat.

[sehrawatsa-rese]

igrotum has been a game-changer in our Alzheimers journey. Witnessing improved cognition and clarity.

[KTF..EVER]

This is PURE LOVE from the HEART.... Once upon a time this is how we treated family...we all should again
💜✝️

[wednesdayaddams]

My great grandmother had alzheimer, my grandmother had alzheimer, now i'm afraid the same thing will happen to my mother ..or even me in the future since alzheimer were very much linked to genetic . The thought of my mother forgetting about me or even me my self forgetting some memories that i treasured most, it's unimaginable. I hope we can find the cure soon.

[susiethomson]

unless you have taken care of a loved one with this horrible disease you have no idea how hard it is. There are times they seem normal, and other times they can be very mean and turn on you. It takes a lot out of you mentally and physically.

[ATWDigital]

Thank you for sharing this, dementia/altzheimers is awful. But the fight carries on.

[sharonspears]

Thank you very much for sharing. I am 48 years old and just failed two Alzheimer’s tests. I hope you all listen to yourselves. You know your bodies and your thoughts. I pray for healing for all off us.

[mariasoaressimpson]

Iam going through that now with my mom! It is the worst feeling ever! She was just full of life and happy person! Now depending on somebody to take care of her! She was my best friend now I can’t have her to talk anymore but she has my love till she needs!

[misspancakes]

My great-aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about ten years ago, and it is a miracle she is still alive, a fact that I am so grateful for. I remember forlornly that once she took a photo with my cousin Lucinda, who was similar in age with me, and she glued it onto the fridge door. I remember Lucinda, who was gazing up to the camera with wide eyes, and my great-aunt who was smiling softly, slight wrinkles on her face. Now, she can only remember the name of her son (Shi Zi) who died from a car accident a few years before. I remember my mother who was her niece asking her 'What's your name?' and she replied 'I want my son back, I want my little lion back.' Shi Zi means lion in Chinese.

I think Alzheimer's has affected countless families, and it is really a heartbreaking thing to deal with. I can say this by experience and I can think that many other people can relate painfully too. I hope that this video will bring it into the limelight and we will put more money into finding a cure.

[ML-oorp]

No words can express how amazing daughter you are👍👍👍Big Respect

[miscellaneousme]

I'm 24 and I have terrible memory. My paternal grandma had Alzheimer's. It was horrifying to watch her walk aimlessly for 10 years. She was in that state for 10 years . I am afraid for myself. I really don't want to live that life. If I get a diagnosis I'm offing myself. I'm sorry but I can't deal with it .

[Mrevans]

My gran worked with dementia and Alzheimer patients then ironically was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which has hurt me badly as I loved her dearly and sometimes she'll have them moments of recognition which doesnt happen often. We are just trying to keep her happy for the days she has left.

[louiserpk]

Thank you for this video you are helping me to understand this mental illness more for my coursework. Very heartbreaking to watch ❤

[olajidewilliamolatunji]

My grandad dies 5-6 months ago I personally never knew him as from the time I was 3 he had altzhimers I’m not sure where to carry on but as o had head he would of helped me in my times of nee apparently he was a good man but I never knew

[lunaaksoy]

Mild Confusions can be first symptoms, followed by depression depends on enviromental factors.

[RobbieBaldphotography]

The confusion is what happened first to my grandad then the severe dementia set in I lost him in 2012