Some more views on Alzheimer's disease

Bob Choi & Others

10 April 2013

Bob Choi:	It's an irony that people who suffer most from Alzheimer are not the patients but the families of the patients. The Alzheimer patients don't realize what's bothering them and they don't feel much pain, either physical or mental. But their families have to cope with the fact that their loved ones (the Alzheimer patients) look upon them as total strangers and that's got to hurt!
Dr. Hon:	Very true. Unless you've experienced the agony of looking after a loved one inflicted with Alzheimer's disease, you can't imagine the helplessness and pain felt. It was the hardest 8 years I had, looking after my mother-in-law and witnessing her dramatic deterioration. There's no cure, no hope, all you see is a life gradually wasted before your eyes.
Bob Choi:	I have come to realize that for most diseases (except for some minor ailments like a running nose or an upset stomach, ha!) there is no cure, but only temporary remission. Can I prove it? Well, the moment we were born, we all caught a progressive, chronic, deadly disease called "death" - it's generally incurable. All we can do is to slow it down enough so we may live for awhile. Motto of the day, you asked? Each day you live is a remission, so enjoy it while it lasts.