Patients and caretakers shed light on Alzheimer’s

JACKSON, Tenn. — The passing of legendary Tennessee Lady Vols head basketball Coach Pat Summitt Tuesday morning, comes five years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Both people suffering with the disease and their caretakers shed some light on this debilitating illness.

“Now I can remember way back when I was young and growing up, I can remember that real well like it was yesterday,” Alzheimer’s patient Dr. A.J. Mueller said. “But if something happened yesterday I probably wouldn’t remember it.”

Dr. Mueller is a resident of the Elmcoft Senior Living, where they specialize in the care for people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia in Jackson. One of the early signs of Alzheimer’s is forgetfulness and confusion when doing regular tasks.

“So it’s very small signs I think all of us might relate to on one of our busy crazy days,” Executive Director of Elmcroft Senior Living Rosy Roberts said. “But if you see it continue and it to be a pattern progressing with it then that’s when you need to go to your doctor.”

Although there is medication to help treat Alzheimer’s and more doctors devoted to research, unfortunately there is still no cure. Through West Tennessee Healthcare, patients and family can join the Alzheimer’s support group that meets every first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Medical Founders Room B at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. 731-541-6751 .

Residents at Elmcoft say they were shocked to hear Coach Pat Summitt passed away.

“She sure is a good coach, does she have the same thing I got,” Mueller questioned. “Bless her heart.”

“It is very sad but she had a very fulfilled life; very accomplished life,” Roberts said. “It just goes to show you unfortunately, Alzheimer’s, there’s no target, it can affect anyone.”

Before Summitt’s passing, locally, the Jackson Generals already planned to Paint the Park Purple for Alzheimer’s Thursday night. The ball game starts at 7 pm and fans will get in for free if they wear purple.