Alzheimers: hurt and heartache

PAT Brosnan, in his column entitled ‘Coalition of Chancers Evading Responsibilities’ (Irish Examiner, Nov. 22), says: “The PDs could possibly get off on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Alzheimers presumably is a condition which can reduce or void culpability.”

With over 33,000 Alzheimers patients in the country, does he realise how much hurt he has caused a lot of readers?

Alzheimers is a degenerative disease of the brain cells which leads on irrevocably to the destruction of all mental and physical functions. It destroys the personality and identity of its victims. It may render them immobile, unable to recognise even their closest family members. This is why it is called the ‘Living Death.’

In many ways the relatives suffer more from the effects of Alzheimers Disease than the victims. Having to watch someone you love disintegrate little by little is agonising. Adjustment to the role reversal of parent/child is especially difficult for adults and teenagers to accept. All social life is completely disrupted.

With virtually no treatment at present, in spite of enormous sums of money spent on research worldwide, it is inevitably a terminal disease.

Dan O’Connor,

41, Holy Cross,

Charleville,

Co Cork.