Griffin Speaks

THE LONG LONG GOODBYE

A few years ago I lost a very dear friend, Mrs. Fannie Bingham.  She was 101 years young when she passed.  The amazing thing was that at the time of her passing her mind was still very sharp.  I often asked Mrs. Bingham what her secret was for fighting Alzheimer’s disease. She would quickly say, “I use peanut oil inside and out!”  There has been no scientific proof that Mrs. Bingham’s remedy actually worked other than the fact that at 101 she could recite the alphabet backwards quicker than I could recite it forward. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities.  It is the most common form of dementia among older people.  It involves that part of the brain that controls thought, language and memory.  Scientists are learning more about the disease every day, but at this time they still do not know what causes Alzheimer’s Disease and there is still no cure.  I have often wondered if I should contact them and tell them to look into Mrs. Bingham’s theory. After all when she passed she was 101 years young and I believe she could have entered law school and made law review even at that age.  Perhaps Mrs. Bingham was right. 

Scientists estimate that 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. The disease ordinarily occurs after age 60 and goes up with age.

However one must understand that Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part of growing old.  The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor.  In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer discovered changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had passed from an unusual mental illness. 

Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly. Initially the only symptom is forgetfulness. At this stage, people have trouble remembering recent activities or events or the names of people they should know.  They have difficulty with simple math problems. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticed.  Family members will usually seek medical help at this point.  Eventually people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will need total care. 

Ronald Wilson Reagan the man who forever changed the world suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.  On November 5, 1994, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he wrote the American people a letter, comforted us, and told us of his fate and appointment with destiny.  He said, "In closing let me say thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve you as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for the future. I now begin the journey that will lead me to the sunset of my life. I know for America there will always be a brighter dawn ahead.” 

(Note) The writer sends his condolences to Mrs. Nancy Reagan and her family. President Reagan passed before this article was published in the Montgomery-Tuskegee Times.

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com