The Long Decline of Alzheimer's

• 💔 Yannis Pappas shares the profound impact of his mother's 20-year battle with advanced Alzheimer's disease, which began in her 70s and concluded with her passing at age 90.
• 🧠 The disease's progression was marked by a slow decline, starting with minor memory lapses like post-it notes, escalating to dangerous situations such as leaving the stove on, and eventually leading to her not recognizing family.
• 😔 Pappas describes the immense emotional toll, including feelings of helplessness, overwhelming guilt, and anger, especially as his mother fought to deny her condition due to her pride.

Navigating Care and Difficult Decisions

• 🏠 Initially, care was managed at home with family, but the situation became dangerous, necessitating a move to a specialized facility, a decision that was met with significant resistance.
• 💰 The financial burden of long-term care is highlighted, with discussions around the complexities of Medicaid eligibility and the necessity of elder care lawyers.
• 🤝 The process of moving his mother into a facility involved deception, a difficult but often necessary tactic to ensure her safety and professional care.

Personal and Familial Impact

• 🎭 The strain of caregiving significantly impacted Pappas's career and relationships, particularly with his brother, leading to conflict but ultimately a cathartic reconciliation.
• 😥 He recounts experiencing a severe panic attack during a stand-up set, a physical manifestation of the immense stress and unaddressed emotional burden he carried.
• 🕊️ The recent passing of his mother has brought a sense of relief, albeit mixed with guilt, allowing for a newfound freedom and focus in his life and career.

A Mother's Legacy and Resilience

• 🇬🇷 Pappas's mother, Anna, was a remarkable woman, born in Crete during WWII, who survived Nazi occupation and became a human rights lawyer advocating for children's international rights.
• ⚖️ Her resilience was shaped by her early experiences with injustice, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to advocacy and international law, even arguing a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• ✨ Despite the tragic decline due to Alzheimer's, her legacy is one of strength, intelligence, and a profound impact on international law for children.