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Rita, Alzheimer's, and Me - A Family Caregiver's Story of Alzheimer's Disease

From , former About.com Guide

Updated November 11, 2008

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Rita's Early Years
Photo © Don Franklin

Rita in the 1950s.

Photo © Don Franklin
Note: In this article, family caregiver Don Franklin describes his journey as a caregiver for his wife, Rita, who died of Alzheimer's disease on August 2, 2008.

Rita and I first met in the early summer of 1955. She was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and had lived there the first 21 years of her life, attending the local schools and working as a hairdresser. In 1950, Rita immigrated to Australia, where she resided until 1955. At that time, her father became ill and Rita decided to return to Scotland to be near him during his time of crisis. It was shortly after her return to Scotland that Rita and I met.

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