September, World Alzheimer’s Month, also marks the World’s Alzheimer’s Day, celebrated on September 21st. The day itself was created by Alzheimer’s Disease International to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Scott Eastwood, son of director and actor, the infamous Clint Eastwood, witnessed his grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, as his mother took part as her caregiver. Scott often opens up watching his grandmother’s battle, where caregivers can find support, and how he is taking care of his mind.
It Affects Everyone
When Eastwood was ten years old, his grandmother lost her battle to Alzheimer’s. He watched the struggle and witnesses as his mom took care of her for several years. It was terrifying for him to see how his grandmother forgot who her spouse, her kids, her friends. He explained how frightening it was on both sides, not only for the people going through it but also for those watching their loved ones living with the disease.
His Mother, the Caregiver
Eastwood also opened up about how it was hard on his mother as a caregiver. She had to overcome the notion that she couldn’t just tell her mother it was her daughter speaking to her, no matter how many times she said it, she wasn’t going to remember her in the morning. He said that knowing you’re not alone in the process is comforting, and he urges families that are going through these challenges to use the recourses available to them to help the process along.
Mindfulness
To exercise his mind, Eastwood has many mindful methods he practices. He does a lot of meditation, yoga, read, and tries to learn something new every day. He claims that the moment we stop learning and growing is the moment we start dying.