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Lost friends since telling them about small vessel disease
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases | Last Active: Jun 6, 2024 | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
Oh yes. Just 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
It is mild, I don’t look, speak, or act much different than before. However, my neighbors who were always so friendly, seem to be avoiding me now.
Why? I’m not asking them to do anything for me that is out of the ordinary, so I don’t have a clue.
I feel rather hurt…
Replies to "Oh yes. Just 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia. It is mild, I..."
I found , with my cancer, that it was one of their greatest fears ... Alzheimer’s could be for some. I said cancer and you could literally see fear go across their face. Especially older individuals, as they have had family experiences from before... before the advances in cancer treatment.
That makes them unable to face your diagnosis...not you per se. It's their weakness, not you.
I think as you go about living your life and appreciating each day , you will teach them something.
Praying others step up for you !
@red79, @SusanEllen66 - anyone who avoids you when you are at your lowest in sickness never was a true friend/neighbour in the first place. So don’t consider fallen away “friends” a loss but just a true gauge of friendship. It hurts, I am sure, but when you think of them as fair weather friends … the loss really is theirs, not yours.
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That is a tough diagnosis. I'd suggest that you hook up with a Zoom or in-person Alzheimer's Support Group meeting, which can be life-saving. The Alzheimers Association, based in Chicago with many local chapters has some great resource materials.