"The person you once knew is no longer that person..."
These poignant words reflect a tragedy engulfing millions of American families.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is now the sixth leading cause of death in America.
Three year's ago, 80-year-old Shirley Jandreau was diagnosed with the incurable disease, leaving her family in shock.
"I don't think any family really thinks about Alzheimer's affecting them," explained Jim LaJoie, Jandreau's son. "There were situations where she was repeating herself, she started becoming forgetful, forgetting where certain things were."
The loss of short-term memory is commonly the first phase in this crippling disease, and because of its nature, Alzheimer's will progressively worsen.
"Between my sister and I, we had to make the painful decision to move her out of her apartment and into the Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Center. It's very, very difficult. It's one of the most painful decisions I've ever had to make. My advice to other people would be to get educated, learn what you can about the disease."
LaJoie and his family turned to the Greater Michigan's Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
"It's so crucial for families to be involved with the person's care, but they need support," said Ruth Almen of the Greater Michigan's Alzheimer's Association.
Based in Marquette, the U.P. Region of the Alzheimer's Association provides a support network for those seeking assistance. They can be reached by calling (906) 229-3910 or (800) 272-3900.
"We just take one day at a time. I know that may be a bit of a trite statement, but that's what we do. We take it one day at a time and continue to invest in her, love her and do whatever we can to make her experience the best we possibly can," LaJoie said.
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