It’s dementia… the quiet thief of unknown origins sneaking into people’s homes and slowly taking away their identities and memories and eroding their very essence. As it progresses, it can make it impossible for them to remember loved ones, recognize familiar places, or even understand simple conversations.
Far from the Hollywood-esque tales romanticizing dementia and Alzheimer, like The Notebook, the reality is darker. Dementia extends far beyond the diagnosed person. It shatters the lives of families and friends, leaving them feeling helpless and heartbroken. Dementia is a cruel thief that robs us of our beloved ones piece by piece with no hope of healing or cure. It only gets worse.
Homes that were once comfortable now feel strange and confusing, leaving caregivers and family members torn between the memories of their loved one’s past and the harsh reality of their present marked by a growing sense of numbness and emptiness.
The selfless care given by caregivers to those loved ones with dementia embodies the purest form of giving and defines the true meaning of giving without any return. Their unconditional care and support are offered even as the person they care for became a stranger and can be aggressive often. It is a hearbreaking journey, a story that doesn’t end with hope, marking the continuous mourning of a fading person.
Dementia makes us think deeply about who we really are. It challenges our traditional understanding of self and the purpose of our days. It makes us wonder if there’s something more to us than our memories, experiences and cognitive abilities. It makes us think deeply about the meaning of life and forces us to confront the fragility of human existence. Perhaps our true selves are not so much defined by our own memories, accomplishments, and experiences. It makes us think about the little things and moments that could make a difference. It makes us rethink our priorities. Spending a lifetime in building knowledge and a career can, in a glimpse of moment, be obscured by the fog of dementia.
For now, cherish the connections you have with people who uplift and inspire you. Enjoy the little moments and the beauty of being present. Don’t get caught up in the pursuit of creating memories or ignoring your truest priorities because in the grand scheme of things, all we are might really be dust in the wind…
Dina Hajjar 