| Cath McNab’s husband Neil was just 51 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, though he had symptoms of the condition in his late 40s.
She struggled to get the help he needed, discovering benefits and services were set up for people over 65.
“I should have been putting my strength into looking after Neil instead of having to fight for benefits and the help we needed,” said Cath.
“Everything came back to the fact Neil was too young. We were in a Catch 22.”
Neil died last November, aged 54, less than four years after being first diagnosed.
In a heartbreakingly frank revelation, Cath spoke of the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s on family life and the relief at finally knowing what was causing distressing changes in her husband.
His forgetfulness and emotional withdrawal were, with hindsight, the early warning signals.
Neil worked at a local garage and was sent out on a routine job shortly after his diagnosis.
He was missing for most of the day, getting lost on the route once well known to him.
“He never worked or drove again from that day,” said Cath. “And I never worked from that day either.”
Cath was a healthcare assistant at Ninewells Hospital for 14 years, but in 2003 she had to abandon her job to become a full-time carer to her husband, a round-the-clock, emotionally and physically draining job.
Eventually, all that devotion is lavished on a person who doesn’t even recognise those closest to them.
“It’s a devastating disease at any age, but most people are older and their children have left home,” said Cath.
“We were still putting our daughter through college when Neil was diagnosed.
“I had a younger person with an older person’s illness and the services were based on age.
“He was diagnosed the week of our silver wedding, but everything we had planned just stopped.”
The couple’s daughter Vicki is now 24 and their son Ross is 26.
“It was devastating for them,” said Cath.
“Neil didn’t know my name, didn’t know the kids’ names. He couldn’t dress himself, take a shower or feed himself.
“It was just a nightmare. That is why I am campaigning now. It’s too late for Neil but there are other Neils out there.”
A Ninewells consultant involved in the diagnosis of dementia said early onset Alzheimer’s was relatively uncommon.
“It becomes increasingly common as we get older,” said Dr Richard Roberts.
“Support in the community for people with earlier onset is not as well developed as it is for older people because it is still relatively rare.” |
