My father got the late onset version a little after he turned 85 and died at 93 1/2 of congestive heart failure. The Alzheimer’s destroyed his relationship with my mother, who lived to 88. Pat and her family are going to go through pure Hell.
My mother also suffered from late on-set dementia. She and my father were always somewhat hot spoken with each other but their love lasted through the troubles of the dementia and his stroke that made him bed ridden his last year.
She went first and six months later he followed. His last day was Valentine’s day a few years ago. His stroke had left him very little ability to speak. On that morning he was showing his nearness to the end and his discomfort. His favorite nurse asked him what was wrong and what he needed. He struggled out the words, ‘my wife” which was the last understandable words of his last day.
Their last years, of their 90 years, were very tough ending with that final year of nursing home confinement for them both. But they sure taught me how to live by their firm example. I know they were blessed with path that your folks didn’t get from these afflictions and my heart goes out to you.
I hope the Summeralls are blessed, and indeed, they may be.