Alzheimer's Awareness Month: One Family's Experience
By: Amy Montalvo
Updated: November 5, 2008
November is Alzheimer's Awarness Month, and we spoke with one Lubbock family who is personally affected by the disease. Pat Thurman's wife Ethel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease about 6 years ago. He says it's been a difficult road, as Ethel has changed from the vibrant, energetic woman she once was. Granddaughter Jennifer tells us that her grandfather has a tough job as caregiver, but he's by his wife's side everyday. The family hopes that someday, doctors can find a cure for this devastating disease. Says Pat, "It's kind of difficult, really, because you don't know when you're going to go in there and she doesn't recognize who you are." Granddaughter Jennifer explains, "It is a progressive disease, and the prognosis is not good, and we need more research and funding for research so that we can find a cure."
