My husband has Alzheimer. One thing that has helped almost stop it is the carnivore diet. It has also cured his COPD which I didn’t know was possible. Coconut oil in the mornings jump start the brain.
We sign a pledge on our driver's license to become an organ donor. Why can't we sign a pledge that would allow our death with dignity and less suffering? If we name a trusted person who could attest our feelings if we are unable to or if that person is absent, the word of doctor and legal representative. We grant our pets a speedy end to their suffering, I wish we could offer the same to our loved ones. You are a good person Will and I admire your kindness and strength.
Agsain, THANK YOU Will! I lost my aunt, my step mother and my dear friend to this disease. Your experiences are so well documented...you are sharing the "bench-marks" that every Alzheimers' patient and family caregivers experience...this is invaluable!
...tragedy / sadness / madness / anger / frustration / (confusion) / fright: abated, as much as is humanly possible, by patience and kindness...devotion [love]...
The dilemma of Netherlands doctors and patients haunts me. I am a proponent of medical aid in dying, but it seems very difficult for a mentally deteriorating person to use it. And yet, we understand that our loved ones might have chosen it at some point if they had the mental capacity to do so.
And if we allowed people with a mental illness like depression to utilize medical aid in dying, it could end the lives of those who might have been able to live for many more years. These are not easy questions.
https://compassionandchoices.org/ Compassion and Choices also allows for this type of response. They have a form that can be filled out so early in the diagnosis you can choose when you feel it has been enough and dignity is lost. They have been fighting to be approved in NY for many years. They are in Vermont and a number of other states. I've contributed and followed them for many years.
Eight years the two of you have been working your way through this horrific tragedy you have been dealt....Alzheimer's. What amazes me is the continuing patience and kindness you have, Will. What is in your background to have made you into this truly compassionate soul? We could all use whatever is making you who you seem to be....we need what you have, no matter where we are in our own lives and with those around us. Be kind are words to live by and you just seem to be a completely kind person....of course you may be yelling at yourself in your brain at times but I don't think it ever comes out in your words and behavior. What a terrific example you are for the rest of us.
thank you, Will, always for your honest, deep, and loving words about what is so difficult.
The Dalai Lama said:" My religion is very simple; my religion is kindness." What's interesting to me now--so angry and heartsick at greed, violence, lies, power--is how deeply kindness takes me to my heart. I am thankful for your kindness...and the kindness of so many. That lifts my spirit and inspires my actions for justice, freedom, love, peace, and what is good....
And thank you for this too--the rage at the ignorance of so many, the complicity of the Republican party, the quest for power, the greed, the betrayal of what is good. Your kindness and patience and care when you speak of your life with Bella, and your anger at the use of power to harm, the cruelty which is the opposing principle to kindness.
My husband has Alzheimer. One thing that has helped almost stop it is the carnivore diet. It has also cured his COPD which I didn’t know was possible. Coconut oil in the mornings jump start the brain.
That's the tragedy of Alzheimer's. The Netherlands approach is humane and dignified.
Thanks, Will, for the sensitive, existential, caring reminder of the fragility of life. Our hearts continue to go out to you and Bella.
We sign a pledge on our driver's license to become an organ donor. Why can't we sign a pledge that would allow our death with dignity and less suffering? If we name a trusted person who could attest our feelings if we are unable to or if that person is absent, the word of doctor and legal representative. We grant our pets a speedy end to their suffering, I wish we could offer the same to our loved ones. You are a good person Will and I admire your kindness and strength.
Heartbreaking…all of it. 😔
Agsain, THANK YOU Will! I lost my aunt, my step mother and my dear friend to this disease. Your experiences are so well documented...you are sharing the "bench-marks" that every Alzheimers' patient and family caregivers experience...this is invaluable!
...tragedy / sadness / madness / anger / frustration / (confusion) / fright: abated, as much as is humanly possible, by patience and kindness...devotion [love]...
The dilemma of Netherlands doctors and patients haunts me. I am a proponent of medical aid in dying, but it seems very difficult for a mentally deteriorating person to use it. And yet, we understand that our loved ones might have chosen it at some point if they had the mental capacity to do so.
And if we allowed people with a mental illness like depression to utilize medical aid in dying, it could end the lives of those who might have been able to live for many more years. These are not easy questions.
Great column. My heart goes out to you.
https://compassionandchoices.org/ Compassion and Choices also allows for this type of response. They have a form that can be filled out so early in the diagnosis you can choose when you feel it has been enough and dignity is lost. They have been fighting to be approved in NY for many years. They are in Vermont and a number of other states. I've contributed and followed them for many years.
Words escape me.
Thank you for sharing.
Eight years the two of you have been working your way through this horrific tragedy you have been dealt....Alzheimer's. What amazes me is the continuing patience and kindness you have, Will. What is in your background to have made you into this truly compassionate soul? We could all use whatever is making you who you seem to be....we need what you have, no matter where we are in our own lives and with those around us. Be kind are words to live by and you just seem to be a completely kind person....of course you may be yelling at yourself in your brain at times but I don't think it ever comes out in your words and behavior. What a terrific example you are for the rest of us.
Will, my heart goes out to you both.
thank you, Will, always for your honest, deep, and loving words about what is so difficult.
The Dalai Lama said:" My religion is very simple; my religion is kindness." What's interesting to me now--so angry and heartsick at greed, violence, lies, power--is how deeply kindness takes me to my heart. I am thankful for your kindness...and the kindness of so many. That lifts my spirit and inspires my actions for justice, freedom, love, peace, and what is good....
And thank you for this too--the rage at the ignorance of so many, the complicity of the Republican party, the quest for power, the greed, the betrayal of what is good. Your kindness and patience and care when you speak of your life with Bella, and your anger at the use of power to harm, the cruelty which is the opposing principle to kindness.
You got them both, here, Will. Thank you
Will…you are a good man. I admire you! ✌🏻