Given all the success Glen Campbell has had, you’d never guess the rhinestone cowboy and Grammy winner is battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Soon after being diagnosed, Campbell and his family embarked on a farewell tour, documenting his new journey with the disease in the CNN Film “Glen Campbell: I’ll be me.” In it, you see how the disease impacted him, his family and friends.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that lead to destruction of memory and a loss of important mental functions.
Receiving a diagnosis of the disease is life-changing. So, getting educated about the disease is important. Here are some resources for people who want to find out more or donate to help find a cure:
What is Alzheimer’s?
An estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is more than just forgetfulness and every case is different. Alzheimer’s has frequently been labeled an “Old-Person’s Disease” but although it is less common, it can happen when people are relatively young. Currently, there is no cure for the disease, but medical management with FDA approved drugs can improve quality of life.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a great resource for more information. It is very important to recognize the signs and symptoms including:
• Memory loss
• Confusion about time and place
• Struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
• Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions
• Poor judgment when making decisions
• Changes in mood and personality
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease
As the Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a patient’s ability to handle daily task dwindles. This is why it is so important to try and slow down the loss of brain cells by participating in familiar activities to stimulate the brain. For Campbell, music played a supporting role in helping to extend his memory.
Steve Ozark, a friend of Campbell added, “He’s maintaining mental capacity by doing what he loves.”
“When he commits to something that he’s been doing for so long, it brings him so much joy, then he actually becomes himself again,” said Glen’s son, Cal Campbell.
Along with exercising your brain, finding the right treatment, and maintaining the health of your body are spirit are required to maintain your lifestyle.
For patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center offers help with diagnosis, medical management including resources, programs and support groups for patients and families.
Alzheimer’s Caregivers & Family Members
As hard as Alzheimer’s can be on its patients, it can be just as difficult for caregivers and family members.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can require around the clock monitoring and a lot of patience. People with Alzheimer’s are prone to spells of frustration, anger and paranoia as they can be quick to think that people are stealing from them.
As Glen’s wife, Kim, explains in the film, “This is a really challenging illness for people to deal with every moment of their life. He can’t find the bathroom in his own house… He clings to me like I’m his anchor for ‘Who am I?’ ‘What am I?’ I’m his safety blanket that he wants around all the time.”
For family members, caring for a loved one that can’t remember who you are is heartbreaking. Glen’s youngest daughter, Ashley, tearfully addressed Congress in 2011 in an effort to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s research, “It’s hard to come to realization that someday my dad might look at me and I will be absolutely nothing to him.”
The Alzheimer’s Association has set-up a Caregiver Center that provides help and information for every stage of the disease. Here you can find messages boards, blogs, information on support groups and a 24/7 helpline.
Kim Campbell’s goal as caregiver and wife of someone living with Alzheimer’s should resonate with the millions of others caring for those with the disease, “It’s really hard but I just have to maintain as long as I can and try to keep him healthy and happy.”
It’s a battle you shouldn’t and don’t have to fight alone.
“Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” airs at 9 p.m. ET Sunday, June 28, on CNN.
Again, if you’d like to find out more information on Alzheimer’s or donate to the cause:
