Parent in the process of getting diagnosed
My only surviving parent is likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease soon, based on behaviors, cognitive tests, and bloodwork. My other parent passed away less than a decade ago.
I feel very devastated. They were already having memory problems when my first parent passed, related to a non-dementia diagnosis. However, I understood when my parent passed away I was losing the only parent who knew me well and remembered my childhood.
My surviving parent doesn’t remember my toddler’s name, my husband’s name, and I know at some point they will not remember me. I’m surprised by the depth of grief I am feeling, and the sense of losing a tether and a grounding in this world by losing my second parent.
I haven’t talked to anyone about this yet, since the news I just haven’t even wanted to say it out loud. I’m an RN and see many late stage patients with dementia. I’m just so sad.