Alzheimer’s is often called the “family disease” because it’s a disease that affects the entire family. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys mental memory and functions, and it only gets worse with time. Families go through an emotional rollercoaster when their loved one begins to forget simple everyday things. Liz Hernandez from Access Hollywood is sharing her experience with Alzheimer’s since her mother was diagnosed with the disease.
Hernandez is working with the Alzheimer’s Association to not only share her personal experience, but also to bring awareness about the disease which is often misunderstood.
“I became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association because I made the decision to not sit on the sidelines and let this disease devastate our whole family,” explains Hernandez. Many times people feel ashamed and want to protect their family member from what others might say or think.
“We have to use this pain to build awareness and inform people about what they need to look out for,” she adds. Her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when she was 68 years old, but she and her family started seeing signs years in advance.