Alzheimer's Informative Speech

Have you or anyone in your family come across the disease known as the Alzheimer’s disease? Luckily, I never met anyone in person with that disease… at least that’s what I think. The Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that is commonly found in the elderly population. Being diagnosed with the disease ultimately means death since there are no known cure. Although the disease is not contagious, the emotional aspect of it spreads as if it is. Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only affects the patients emotionally, but those who love and care for them.
To start off, I would like to give some background information about the Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s disease is a disease commonly, but not always, found, in the elder’s population. It is not

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s disease at the age 62. “It took me a long time to come to terms with the diagnosis, but I found solace and support in the Alzheimer’s Association. I decided that while I was still able, I had to “Get real” with the details of my diagnosis and start planning for the future” (Alzheimers Association, 1). Even after surviving two breast cancers, it was hard for her to come to terms with the diagnosis. She had to “get real” in order to start planning for her future. The quote “get real” suggests that she had to do more than just face the fact that she got the disease… it also suggests that she struggled to do so and after facing the fact, she decided to move on with her life rather than letting the disease dictate who she will be. “I write down everything in a notebook I carry with me: what I did, who I saw, what I said, the names of doctors and books I want to read I’m grateful for the opportunity I have to plan for the future. I know there will come a day when I can no longer care for myself or manage my own finances” (Alzheimers Association, 1). Her attitude towards the disease is quite refreshing. The fact that she stated there will be a day where she can no longer care for herself, suggests that she knows there is no cure. However, even knowing

Karen, the wife of an Alzheimer’s patient, spoke to us about her experience with the disease. Karen’s husband, Jim, was the one diagnosed with the disease. Jim and Karen was married for many years. After Jim was diagnosed with the disease, he moved to the hospital whereas Karen lived at home with their children and grand-children. Jim is a caring husband who even at his worst time with the disease, still want to protect Karen. In one of her blogs, she wrote:
“My heart is heavy. My mind is scrambled. My energy wanes day to day. My world is spinning out of control with a speed and slowness that are confusing and indecipherable… Jim is still progressing. Of course he is. He has a disease with no survivors. This day and this hurt was promised to us years ago. But to be a front row spectator to his absence while being present is perfect torture” (Karen