Witnessing the onset and ultimate progression of dementia, associated with Alzheimer’s Disease or not, took my grandmothers away from me, from my memories of growing up.
That is perhaps the most cruel nature of dementia and Alzheimer’s, the reversal of memory loss. Once sharp, witty, wholly cognizant loved ones fade toward unrecognized behavior and personalities, at times blurring out our own memories of who they used to be—who they always were, maybe still are, beyond the conditions.
On Monday morning, the University of Colorado—via the McCartney family—issued an update on the health of former head coach and College Football Hall of Fame member Bill McCartney, announcing his diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.