Update on my Alzheimer’s Journal
Today I signed the papers to donate my brain and spinal cord..obviously after I am deceased!
Brains for Dementia Research wants donations of both those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and healthy brains. Without brains there is less research, and less hope for people like me with AD (Alzheimer’s Disease).
Neuroscience has move on with our knowledge of AD but not enough to prevent it, and it does not discriminate who it takes. I don’t have a history of AD in my family so it is not something that ever crossed my mind thinking about getting older. Yes, my mother has vascular dementia but it is through a serious of mini strokes not inherited.
If you are interested to find out more about it, here is the Project site for information.
http://www.brainsfordementiaresearch.org.uk/
I am one of those people who believe that when you die your self/conciousness/soul has gone and your body is the vessel that is left behind. I have always wanted my death to have meaning of some kind and the only way I can feel that is to know that others may benefit indirectly through donation of my brain to science.
Death is a difficult subject for people to talk about or think about, especially if your faith is strong in a religion, but I have always talked about it to my family to make sure that they understand how I feel.
I also understand that when you lose a family member the thought of allowing parts of them to be taken is be extremely distressing, but I try to put across to my family about how I want to help others this way and I would rather have a tree planted or a bench put somewhere. My ashes is not who I am (or was, when the time comes) who I am will remain the memory of my family and friends, and those have known me some way.
Gerry Anderson the creator of Thunderbird donated his brain to the Brains for Dementia Research Project when he felt the drugs he was taken to slow his dementia were not working.
All I need do now is have an assessment once a year to see how I am, carry my donation card with the phone number on, and forget it. That’s another thing that has been taken care of.
Maybe one day I may have had a tiny part in helping find answers to the how and why, and what of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Handbagwarrior; verbal ramblings 
Wow…I wanted to write something but really don’t know where to start! I came across your blog just after visiting a family member who is also in the early stages of Alzheimers. I am so inspired by your strength and the way you seem to be taking this practical approach to embracing life rather than crumbling…though I’m certain you would have your moments. I can’t imagine how you felt signing papers to donate your brain away…..unreal, what a strong woman! I love reading about your story:) You make my day.
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Thank you so much. When someone says to me “this is how it is accept it” I have always done my hardest to change it. (I once got circuses with live exotic animals banned in the small town I lived in!). I can’t change what is happening to me but I have to feel that as long as I can I will keep control.
I am sorry to hear of your family member with Alzheimer’s, I do hope they find their way to cope and live purposeful with it. My heart goes out to you and your family. There are some very uplifting blogs by carers which I read that helps me.
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