Faith, Trust, Acceptance, Attitude
I've been attending Alzheimer Support group meetings with my mom once a month since my step-dad was diagnosed with the disease. Last week a remarkable gentleman, Phil, spoke to the group about his diagnosis at an early age (Phil is now 60). Phil has a positive attitude, keeps stress out of his life as much as possible and is doing all the right things to manage Alzheimer's - or as he refers to it, "Flops." He also said something that I think everyone needs to be aware of. People with "Flops," do not dumb down once they are diagnosed. They are still able to think-it might take them a little extra time to get those thoughts out. Phil still drives, with the aid of his GPS and still makes trips to the store, which sometimes can be challenging for him. If he cannot find an item he will ask a sales clerk or associate where the item is and that they lead him to it. If he gets a strange look, he will explain that he has Alzheimer's and that by the ti...