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My father passed away 4 months ago at age 83. He had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years. He never got mean, and he passed well after he should have. When your brain isn’t working properly, I believe the reptilian brain takes over and does what it has to do to survive. If he could reason, he would have given up 2 years earlier.
My mother (80) would make the 25 minute ride to the nursing home about 4 days a week. Her mind is sharp, and her driving is still acceptable. She was a rock while he was sick, and was with him when he passed.
Four months can be a long time. Without the need to be strong, she is physically slowing down fast. I’ve seen it before. When she does not need the same strength to take care of him, her body stops fighting as hard to stay well.
At least her mind is sharp. I notice she spends time with the Jumble and other puzzles in the newspaper to keep her mind active. She also plays bridge, and keeps the financial records up to date.
After watching my Dad die not knowing where he was or who he was with, I hope her mind outlives her body.
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Charles Lamm, retired attorney and lifelong scanner, posts articles on Virtual Joe Friday. His latest project is Affiliate Marketing for Scanners.