Tragic outcome with dementia patients that’s so common but can put them at risk – expert

An expert on Alzheimer’s disease tells the Mirror that dementia patients frequently put themselves in danger without thinking about it.

Hollywood star Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were tragically found dead on February 27 at his Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. The Oscar winner’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which contributed to his death, has since been revealed. One week after Betsy passed away from a rare infectious disease, he passed away.

Following Gene’s retirement from acting in 2008, the beloved couple, who had been married for 24 years, led a quiet, low-key life together in the mountains. In his final years, the father-of-three’s wife became his devoted full-time caregiver and author, and his wife, a classical pianist, became a full-time carer.

This is typical in relationships where one person has Alzheimer’s, according to Dr. Tim Beanland, head of knowledge and learning at Alzheimer’s Society. He told the Mirror, “Many people view it as a duty or something they signed up for in a spousal relationship or similar relationship, and it’s very common for one person to take on the majority of the caring.”

If the caregiver themselves becomes ill, or worse, as in this case, it could “place a huge strain on the caregiver” and put the person with dementia in danger. Leslie, Gene’s daughter, thanked Betsy for “keeping him alive” and said their “wonderful marriage” after his passing.

She praised his wife Betsy for keeping him alive, she said to Mail Online. She was constantly looking out for his well-being and took care of him. She deserves our respect, but her passing saddens me greatly.

Leslie claimed Gene was in “good health” and enjoyed doing Pilates and yoga several times per week, but that there was “no indication” there was anything wrong with him prior to his death. She continued, adding that even though she lives in California, her father had been “close” at the time he had lapsed into reclusiveness in his later years of life.

Tom Allin, a long-time friend of the couple, added that Gene would have passed away much earlier if it hadn’t been for Betsy because she was “very protective of him.” Betsy was in charge of keeping Gene healthy and scheduling his medical appointments, Tom said, “She just really looked after him.”

Dr. Beanland advised those who are the only caregivers to look for other sources of support to avoid being completely tasked with caring for them. A shared support network, which includes both their primary carer and their friends/family, and professionals, is what he said.

The dementia expert also noted that, for some, having Alzheimer’s can frequently cause families to fall apart. He stated that “every family is unique.” Some people believe that having a dementia parent brings the family closer, but many others describe the strain it places on relationships, whether they are fought over long-distance or in person.

Many adult carers may still be raising their children and feeling pressured to give up their own time to care for their parents who have dementia. This frequently causes guilt feelings, which are only worsened when the person is moved into a care facility. More than genetic evidence suggests they should, dementia patients may worry about whether they will inherit the condition.

Call the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers for more information and advice. org. uk.

Source: Mirror