Fighting A Disease That Steals Your Life and Your Soul

In 2006, Susan Suchan was told she had early onset Alzheimer's disease. Years later came a new diagnosis that carried a death sentence. The doctor said, “Put your affairs in order.” Oh, hell no, she thought. Suchan became a warrior and marched into a national spotlight to chronicle the cruelty of losing your life and your mind to a disease that still has no cure. A new film titled "Susan" documents her pain and her grit as she and her family stared into that abyss and dared to live.

[SanFernandoValleyRose]

This is so sad, but I am glad she got to do the things she wanted before she died. Like see the ocean. My grandmother passed away at the age of 26 after giving birth to twins in 1923 (ruptured appendix and no antibiotics in those days). She left 6 children too. Life can be happy and life can be sad. Nothing in life is guaranteed.

[amandahaskin]

I couldn’t stop crying watching Susan go through dementia watching this video it is such a horrible disease my grandad has Alzheimer’s and dementia and his personality has changed so much watching the person you love go through it I can see how much of an amazing woman you were Susan you changed so many lives

[kikimadison]

She was so young!!! My grandma died at 53 from ovarian cancer. She didnt have alzheimer’s but she did die young. Life is so very precious!!!

[charlenegriffis]

It is a very insidious disease! We watched my Mom deteriorate with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. It absolutely breaks your heart into a million pieces. To know what fun loving and vibrant woman she was and what she was reduced to was hard to comprehend. I know she is in a much better place and we will be reunited again. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with this disease. 🙏🙏

[ChesterLife]

Rest in peace to those who died from this disease.

[river]

The way that woman explained to Susan about her hair washing was so kind and empathetic.
RIP Susan. 😢

[AVeryStableGenuis]

Mine is more of a different story. My mum had a stroke while I was in college when I was 21. I began taking care of her as she would have a stroke every 2 years, sometimes twice in one year. I've been looking after mum for close to 11 years now due to my dad being very busy and bringing income to assist us as much as possible. Even though I don't have a life of my own anymore I will say that there are priceless moments with her I would have missed if I chose to go off and have kids/get married and left her to my dad's care. I also think that she would not be as happy because our time spent together is cherished. Her brain capacity worsens each day and it's amazing how one notices the differences even speaking to her on the phone. It's like the person you love is still there, somewhere deep inside but not quite. Either way if she's not giving up, I'm right here on the journey with her. This documentary made me so emotional.

[stephanierowley]

I lost my dad last month 2/17/2025 to dementia. Glad this film was completed to be shared with the world. One thing I have found is all the support that is out there, please take advantage of it if you are currently going thru this process with a loved one OR need support if a loved one has passed. You are not alone!!! Prayers to all those that have lost loved ones or currently in this situation with a loved one.

[joepaolinelli]

Thank you Susan and your family. My 69 year old mother is going through this exact scenario but I shut her out of my life because I didnt know who she was anymore. I see now...Dont make the same mistake as me we can never get back the time we lost.

[williamwaters]

The Center for Disease Control lists the following factors that put people at risk for dementia: Chronic lack of physical activity, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing loss, tobacco and alcohol use.

[dixiewinxeqandmore]

My aunt is going through dementia, and every visit breaks my heart. But as a neice, i know i don't wish to abandon her. That is my solemn duty as a family member, she didn't abandon me so I don't abandon her! 💜😭

[gabrielaarias]

My husband was 60 years old when he got the diagnosis. His major issue is the language. He can't communicate now. It hurts so much seeing him losing who he was. Looking back, I think he started having the "symptoms" much earlier, but we never thought something like this. People need to be more aware of those forgetting moments it could be more than that. 😢

[brendondaggett]

FTD is horrible. I lost my amazing mother in law in just two years to the disease. She was babysitting one month then moving into our home for me to take care of her the next. It has no timeliness of progression. Build all the memories you can when you can, and build yourself when you can to let them go.

[anthonybones]

i lost my nonna to this its good to see we are having awreness about it

[mstt]

Our lifestyles are killing us!!! Stress, lack of sleep, poor health, etc!!! It’s scary!!!

[JANaiFiltersandFX]

my mom was end stage from 99 and I kept her alive until 2016. It was heartbreaking to watch. Every once in a while she would come out and say something profound and then I'd be gone again so I know they're in there

[leonardbryant]

mMay she Rest in heaven.... beautiful soul i see 😢

[RosemaryHarris-lx]

I have a friend who has this disease. He is young and he is fading away. I am so sorry about Susan and anyone who has to deal with such a terrible illness. Thank you for sharing this story🥰

[bodaciouscuts]

I’m not afraid of death, I’m just afraid of how those who love me will feel, how it will affect them because I know just how it feels to loose someone you love. You can’t recover from it easily and you can never be prepared enough for it.

[Lamar-oksl]

I don't wish this on my worst enemy! My grandma died from this disease. To know that as time goes on that you will slowly forget yourself, the hell with everyone else. To have to face this disease knowing that everyday you will lose a piece of yourself and it is the hardest thing to have to come to grips with while being diagnosed. Watching my grandma fade away was hard but imagine looking at her and she's at that point that she doesn't even have a clue she is fading away!