Alzheimer’s South Africa (ASA) argues that the risk of developing dementia increases dramatically with age, but most older people do not develop the condition.
According to ASA, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the causes of dementia, an incurable brain disease which causes one’s brain to shrink over time.
Northriding resident Heila Hunt (63) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when she was 56 years old. After diagnosis,she and her husband Frank Hunt, decided to make the most of their lives and went on a holiday in South America.
Heila’s condition deteriorated rapidly and Frank could no longer care for her. “She became aggressive and stood outside the house shouting at people that I was trying to kill her,” he explained.
“I told myself it was not her but the disease. Then, there were hallucinations. She would say people were trying to kill her, and I could not argue because that was her reality, so I boarded up the windows.”
Heila was taken to Abbey Cross Lodge in North Riding for professional care. In the past few years her memory loss became a minor concern compared to her physical deterioration.
Frank met Randburg Sun at the lodge, pushing his wife in a wheelchair. He said Heila used to weigh about 75kg but now she weighs under 40kg.
“She has also lost control of her limbs and the ability to speak, and developed fits,” he added.
Everyday Frank visits his wife and takes her to see birds, marmoset monkeys and horses at the lodge. He is also writing a book about special moments he has had with people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Frank organised the Run to End Alzheimer’s, a race from Johannesburg to Durban from 26 April until 01 May. He is raising funds to train families on how to care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Details: Alzheimer’s South Africa 011 792 8387/2511; www.alzheimers.org.za; Frank Hunt 082 330 2750.
