I am Mani and wanted to share my story to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society charity. I am 85 years of age and was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years ago. Before my diagnosis I was an extremely independent women, self-employed and worked until age 70 and travelled London to shop and visit family & friends regularly. Then things started to change. I would go out and sometimes not remember my way home, I became more forgetful and sometimes confused. The transition was frightening, I knew I was losing my independence and would need to rely on my family to help me with daily task’s that previously I was able to do myself.
I am now at an advanced stage of the disease which means I sometimes no longer recognise my own family members including my son who I live with and cares for me daily. I need assistance with eating my daily meals, washing and dressing.
I recently fractured my hip from a recent fall from being disorientated and was admitted to hospital for hip replacement surgery. Following the successful operation I have gained mobility, but not stability and am worried I may have another accident.
Though the disease is debilitating I am living at home with my husband and family. I am content and otherwise in good physical health. I wouldn’t have been able to recover from my recent operation without the love and support of my family.
It is an incredibly difficult disease to live with for both myself and those who look after me. My only wish whilst I am still here, is that we help to support the Alzheimer’s Society in their research into this disease. My son, daughter and all six of my grandchildren are taking part in a 7km memory walk to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and I would really appreciate any support you can afford to give to them.
Thank you
Mani
