Sharing the news
In 1997, George Brown (then aged 73) visited his doctor about his failing memory. The doctor showed little interest and said his condition was normal memory deterioration. Following continued deterioration, George returned to his doctor at the beginning of last year. After much reluctance, George's doctor referred him to a specialist but questioned what difference a diagnosis would make when there was no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
George and his wife Dorothy describe why having a diagnosis has been important for them.
George Brown
"I was diagnosed as having the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. While this was a terrible blow to both myself and my wife, we were glad to have been told so that we could discuss the possible effects on our lives and plan how we could adjust to the situation.
I have made an Enduring Power of Attorney and a will.
I think it is important for the partner of the person with dementia to be fully informed of the diagnosis and possible effects since the partner's life is affected quite dramatically also. Fortunately for me, my wife is an intelligent and caring person with a strong personality. We have had 54 very happy years together and she is most supportive."
Dorothy Brown
"We were together when George was given his diagnosis and we were both reduced to tears. However, life has become much more tolerable since we can understand why things are happening. It is easier to accept things because they are unavoidable. I am quite sure that if my husband had not been told we would not be able to carry on. As it is, we discuss every aspect of his illness and make as many plans as we can for the future.
We enjoy our life from day to day and we are far from miserable. We don't know what is to come, of course, but I'm pleased that at the moment we can at least share our problems and delights."
