Today we mark the beginning of World Alzheimer’s month.
My biggest fear in the last years has been to develop Alzheimer. Not because I am afraid of forgetting things, not because I will forget people around me, not because I will not remember what I had for lunch yesterday… But because I am afraid people will not see me as a person anymore.
I saw how society in general spoke about my grandmother like she was not in the room, like she would not have feelings anymore, like she didn’t exist.
As this was not enough already, there are people constrained to their chairs and beds all day, just because some people assume people living with dementia “are aggressive”, “will run away” and “will hurt themselves”. Honestly, I still don’t know how it is possible that constraining people is not considered a crime. Have you imagined not being able to move and get out of your chair? What kind of human beings are we?
We have so much to evolve as society and this evolution passes only by treating every person like a person. Sounds basic right? How difficult can it be then?
In a mix of feelings between sadness, frustration and anger, I am still optimistic and sure we will improve.
Alzheimer Month
