Neridah Zlatnik

Walking towards a better outcome

Dementia is a heartbreaking disease which impacts families at all ages and in different ways.  My daughter Caitlin, was keen for our family to support Dementia Australia through Memory Walk and Jog to raise funds to support families as they navigate the impacts of this disease and to also support research into earlier detection, treatment and hopefully prevention.   Our journey started with my mother-in-law, Marlene, Caitlin's grandmother.  Marlene had Alzheimers and went from an active, social and mentally strong person, who was the hub of our family and adored by her grandchildren, to someone who slipped away from us over a relatively short period of time.  It was that incremental loss, each visit bringing a new sense of grief, that was so devastating.   And now, my dad, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia following a stroke a couple of years ago.  And it is completely different.  He still knows who we are and remembers many shared memories, but is no longer able to look after himself safely, with his decision-making ability seriously compromised.   And he is unaware of any change to his ability or comprehension; having to impose limitations, like taking away his car and licence and stopping him driving, is heartbreaking.