Rita’s Journey: Caring for a Husband with Alzheimer’s
LANA – Rita’s world was turned upside down when her husband, Günter, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 53 years old. Despite leading a healthy and active lifestyle, Günter’s cognitive decline became increasingly noticeable to Rita and their daughters. Initially attributing his symptoms to depression or burnout, Rita eventually faced the harsh reality of her husband’s diagnosis.
As Günter’s condition worsened, Rita made the difficult decision to leave her job as a geriatric assistant to care for him full-time. With the support of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, geriatricians, and psychologists, Rita and Günter navigated the challenges of Alzheimer’s together.
Their daily routine involved memory exercises, leisure activities, and regular visits to a Memory Clinic for specialized care. Despite the hardships they faced, Rita and Günter found joy in their moments of laughter and connection.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges for the couple. Isolated from their social circle, Günter’s symptoms accelerated, leading Rita to make the heart-wrenching decision to admit him to a care facility in Lana.
Today, Rita visits her husband daily, finding solace in the knowledge that he still feels her love and care, even if he no longer recognizes her in the traditional sense. Rita’s unwavering commitment to Günter serves as a reminder that “the heart does not become demented,” and that love transcends the boundaries of cognitive decline.