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Son’s heart-wrenching videos shine spotlight on dementia

Meet-Betty-TikTok-Joshpet

@joshpet via TikTok

Cerith Gardiner - published on 10/26/22

A viral video on TikTok shares the heartache and joy of caring for those with Alzheimer's.

Watching a loved one’s mental health diminish through dementia is extremely difficult. Witnessing the awareness of those close to you slowly fade away is extremely painful for all involved.

One TikTok user named JoshPet has created reels about his mom with Alzheimer’s that are not only heartbreaking, but also insightful. Thanks to his videos, we get to see the daily struggles of living with dementia, as well as the joys that can be had in supporting those in need. And most importantly, we witness the unbreakable bond of a son who just wants to love and care for his mother.

One video in particular of 84-year-old Betty really humanizes her, and shows the effects of Alzheimer’s.

@joshpet

Betty meets herself and is kind! #alzheimers#bekind#dementiaawareness

♬ Mirror – The Singles

The video has been watched over 6.2 million times, and has garnered many positive responses from others caring for those with Alzheimer’s, with one person sharing: “this is so sweet … and sad. I appreciate sharing, I am going through this terrible disease with my mother 😏”

One thing that many people pointed out was Betty’s sweetness and kindness. As one commenter wrote: “Her memory might be gone but her kindness and good manners are intact.”

While her son is recording Betty’s meeting with “Betty,” there is a lot of laughter and sweetness. And it is these moments we have to cling to when we see those we love slowly slip away.

Tags:
ChildrenElderlyMental Health
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