***Beyond that we were always close and she did so much for me for so many years I could only consider it my privilege to care for her. The hardest part was not what I might have considered my sacrifices to do it but helplessly watching that *@#$ disease steal her memories and mental abilities in an ultra-slow motion fashion. And she was aware that that was happening and it upset her. That tore my heart out.***
The only thing I can think of to say is “ditto”. Cruel, cruel, insidious disease. I think every caregiver, especially children of a parent with dementia, could write a book about their experiences with their loved one.
I am extremely thankful that all of the necessary circumstances existed so that I could be there for her and do what had to be done to take care of her properly. But I would never ever be critical of someone who decided that they just couldn’t take it. It is that hard as you, unfortunately, know.