Like a thief in the night It comes to our home To destroy and to steal All that's precious to own. Alzheimer is its name This horrible disease; There's nothing we could do To get it to leave. Alzheimer's a form of dementia That is non-reversible; There are other forms of dementia With symptoms that are treatable. Alzheimer's messes the brain by Putting tangled plaques and fiber; This keeps the nerve cells From talking to each other. Chemical level is lowered Nerve cells are in severe jeopardy This causes the person to lose mental abilities and memory. The disease starts out mild, Take heart - that's comforting, Then ends in severe brain damage. How horribly disconcerting! The symptoms include: Repeatedly asking questions, Getting lost in familiar places, And unable to follow directions. Other symptoms include: Neglect of personal safety, Hygiene, nutrition, and the loss of his and his family's identity. Getting disoriented about time, Objects, people, and places; And last but not least Letting go of social graces. Alzheimer is an unwelcomed guest. It fills us with fright, It robs us of our sunset years, Alzheimer is a thief in the night. There's good news beyond Alzheimers In the Land of the Blest we're told We will not get sick or suffer pain It's a place where we never grow old. Invigorated by the boon of immortal health Our mental faculties are sharp and noble; Alzheimer, the thief, is gone forever No more to steal, frighten, and disable. Copyrighted © Lydia Haga 2004 Never Grow Old Midi