February 6: It Is Scary

During long hospital stays, my dad coped by reading the NYTimes and watching Jeopardy. We laughed that while his body was failing, his mind was intact. As I learn of dementia diagnoses of people I know, I realize why my dad said he was one of the lucky ones.

"I just don't remember this road," she said as we drove a familiar road. 

"It will be our last," he noted without elaboration.

"He does not know me," she sighed.

Neurons are damaged or destroyed

Alzheimer's is the most common (60-80%)

Vascular, frontotemporal, 

Hippocamp sclerosis, Lewy body, and more.

More than 7 million Americans have it.

Risk for women, 1 in 5

Risk for men, 1 in 10

42% may develop it in their lifetime!

More than 12 million family members are caregivers

Between 2020 and 2022 deaths increased by 142%

Why aren't we talking about it?

Are we afraid talking about it will be scary?