This one still warms my heart. Grandmom and Mom both had signs of Alzheimers, but it was when they were old that they got it. About 80 years old. Diseases other than Alzheimers took their earthly life. Their Alzheimers was a slow developing thing, I thank my God for that. 

Your friend's poem brought tears to my eyes.  It is so true..the most important thing is to give them a big big hug when they are 'scared' (just like you would a child),loving someone dearly, helps being patient, sweet and kind, even though it can be very 'trying' on a bad day.  Another thing if YOU can remember all the good times..then that helps too.  That poem should be an inspiration to anyone coping with Alzhiemers.  JOYCE

   Nothing hurts worse than having a beloved Family member or friend look at you with a  blank look and not know you. I worked with them back in the 80's at a Nursing home and it is heartbreaking.  Like Barb I saw some of them get very hostile with their loved ones and saw the look of pure horror on their faces because they knew this was not their loved one at all.  But on the other hand my Aunt Georgia had been a hateful  person all her life and when she got Alzheimers she was a gentle loving person to everyone even if she didn't know who we were.

One of the sad aspects of this disease is when the sufferer turns on their loved ones who have cared for them. To be physically abused by someone you have loved and cared for, and to realise that they don't know what they're doing, is the saddest thing imaginable.

Very true. I have an uncle who is in the last stage. I have better than 50% chance of developing it myself; it's on both sides of my family. WT

I worked with Alzheimer's residents in a nursing home. Of course I only provided activities, but I saw the various stages of this horrid disease. Your poem hits the nail on the head. How frightened a person can be when they suddenly realize they don't recognize anyone around them. A smile and a gentle voice does wonders.

Beautiful poem, Jackie!  You can tell your friend has experienced this debilitating disease with a loved one...as it is all so true.  Anyone who has gone through this...or is currently going through this...will appreciate the poem!

Sue