Basetball coach Pat Summitt, age 59, has lead the Tennessee women’s basketball team to 8 national titles and has won more games than any major-college basketball coach. She paved the way for women’s basketball at the college level, starting her coaching career before the women’s game was played in a national championship and before scholarships were given to women players. She announces she has early-onset Alzheimer’s diseae at age 59, bringing visibility to the challenges the disease presents as she also announced she will continue to coach as long as she is able.
“Obviously, I realize I may have some limitations with this condition since there will be some good days and some bad days, she said in a video statement. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Summitt began showing symptoms last season, when she would forget when meetings were scheduled and blanked out during games. Now she has answers and by managing the disease’s progression can also better manage the symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses at different rates with each person. More than 35 million people worldwide suffer from the disease. Early detention definitely helps the senior as well as their family members better prepare for the emotional aspects of the disease which is often called “the long goodbye”.
Find resources for Alzheimer’s disease to be able to identify early signs. You may also review caregiver training to assist with caring for those with memory loss, as these skills greatly benefit both the caregiver and the senior.
