Sandy Halperin is a dentist and assistant professor at Harvard University, who received the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease when he was just 60 years old. Though it began with having difficulty recalling case details at his job, he and his family have noticed a persistent decline in his memory. In the article "Sandy's story", we are given an "unprecedented look at the cruel journey of a vibrant, once healthy man as he gradually loses his memory". While Sandy and his loved ones describe the difficulties and emotional turmoil that of course accompanies a progressive dementia, Halperin demonstrates inner strength and positivity as we learn about his work as an advocate for Alzheimer's, and how he's coping including spending time with family and living in the moment. "At times, the memory loss is painful, Halperin says. "All we really are is our thoughts," he says. "So this is a different kind of pain. The pain is emotional." According to research published in March by the Alzheimer's Association, among people 60 and older, an Alzheimer's diagnosis stirs more fear than any other disease — even cancer or stroke ... Losing the ability to think and recall — what could be defined as the very essence of being human — is almost universally terrifying. So terrifying that many people dwell for years in a state of denial." Written during a time of immense struggle and despair, this poet reflects on feeling lost and hopeless amidst the overwhelming waves of addiction, in her poignant poem "Heroin and Heaven". "Look into the mirror and I hate to see this face Surrounded by the silence , please darkness take it's place. It's the needle that I'm craving and the heaven held within Even dull the twist and turns i welcome in my skin Now the "scars" on my hands "track" the passing of time the darker the struggle the longer the lie Just one more time and that it's i'd swear it I promise it's the honest truth But somewhere deep down Inside you know you're only fooling you ..." You can read the complete poem here: http://allpoetry.com/poem/12188964-Heroin-and-Heaven--by-Mick-luck |
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Supporting and enhancing students' and health professionals' knowledge and understanding of mental health and psychiatry
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