[WATCH]: Everyday These Kids Greet This Man With Alzheimer’s

A video of a group of kids getting off the school bus and rushing to meet and greet a man with Alzheimer’s has gone viral on various social media platforms. It is wonderful to be reminded of the kindness that humanity is capable of.

For some reason, unknown even to the elderly gentleman with Alzheimer’s, he goes outside onto his lawn everyday at the same time and sits in his chair. His timing always coincides with the school bus dropping off children on their way home. So every single school day, for the last two years, the kids climbing off the bus have run to greet the gentleman. Following which he reintroduces himself to them each time. It is beautiful to see how kind and patient the kids are with him. Simply accepting the repeated introduction each time and listening to what he has to say.

What is Alzheimers?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys memory and other important cognitive abilities. By causing the degeneration and death of cells and their connections. Typically it develops with age. If someone under the age of 65 developed the disease it would be considered early-onset or younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

It is a progressive disease, during which dementia symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, gradually worsen over a number of years. Early symptoms could be anything from minor memory loss to a general state of disorientation. However, within a few years it could develop to a point where individuals lose the ability to maintain a conversation and respond to their environment. 

No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. All we can do is try to prevent the disease through healthy diet and lifestyle. The disease is notorious for being particularly hard on the loved ones of the patient. As well as being a difficult disease to manage.

According to the video that has gone viral the elderly man who the kids greet everyday can only hold memory for around 15 minutes, indicating that he most likely has late-stage Alzheimer’s.

Dominique Myburgh

I search for happiness and health in all aspects of my life and my inspiration is fueled by any adventures into nature, be it a journey through mountains or through a wholesome plate of food. I crave the outdoors, come rain or shine. But when I am forced to be inside you are most likely to find me with my nose in a book and one of my gorgeous dogs cuddling on either side of me.

See Full Bio