One of the hardest things about people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, a condition marked by progressive mental deterioration and memory loss, is that they tend to forget who their loved ones and family members are.
Patients with Alzheimer's disease may be conversing with their children, grandchildren and friends without knowing who they are. For Kelly Gunderson, a Georgia resident whose 87-year old mother suffers from Alzheimer's, having her mother remember her and even tell her "I love you" in a rare lucid moment is something to remember. Lucky, Kelly also happened to capture the special moment on video.
In the video that has so far received more than 2 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube on Aug. 29, Kelly is seen lying in bed with her mother who appears to be grateful for having somebody beside her but confused who her companion is. Kelly, however, was surprised by her mother's answer when she asked her if she knows who she is.
"Kelly," her mother answered her. "Didn't I name you Kelly? ... Well, I love you, Kelly."
The older Gunderson also told her daughter that she is currently thinking about her. In a comment she posted on YouTube, Kelly said that she shared the video to bless others who also have loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
"This was put on YouTube to bless others who have family members going through this," Kelly wrote.
Kelly also explained that what made it extra special that her mother recognized her is that she is an identical twin and that her mother more often thinks of her as a cousin.
"God gave me a moment with my mother remembering who I was," Kelly said. "Plus I am an identical twin which makes it even more special."
The video entitled "God's Gift" has also received hundreds of comments many from those whose family members also suffer from Alzheimer's.
"I'm heading down this road with my mother. She's still quite good in the mind currently but beginning to show signs of slipping," one commenter wrote. "I will be as thankful as you during moments like this."
Alzheimer's disease affects parts of the brain involved in thought, memory and language and can pose serious implications on a patient's ability to carry out regular tasks. As of 2013, the condition affects up to 5 million people in the U.S.
