Author and advocate Greg O’Brien shares his journey as a caregiver for his parents, who both had Alzheimer’s disease, as well as someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s himself (he is also the author of a book, On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s). In this video (which also includes a transcript), he provides a detailed account of his personal experience with the condition, starting with the fear and anxiety he felt upon noticing the symptoms he initially saw in his parents and the relief experienced upon receiving a formal diagnosis, which allowed him to put a name to the enemy he was facing. As the story progresses, Greg opens up about the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, where he experiences more frequent withdrawal, anger, and hallucinations. He emphasizes the need to live in the present moment because, with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, there is no clear future. He discusses his strategies for fighting the disease, which include journaling daily, maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, and staying physically active.
This story can serve as a case study to understand the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It also addresses questions about agency and coping, and challenges the stereotype that people with dementia are just passive victims.
Access
- Link: https://www.otsukapatiented.com/alzheimers-disease/community-stories/my-journey-alzheimers-disease
Details
Language: English
Type of Story: Webpage and Brief story
Medium: written and video
Contributed by: Willow Irving
Citation:
My Journey with Alzheimer’s Disease | Otsuka Patient Education Network (OPEN). (n.d.). https://www.otsukapatiented.com/alzheimers-disease/community-stories/my-journey-alzheimers-disease