Comments about ‘In our opinion: A tragic ending brings sorrow for community, lessons for all’

I don't know the specifics of this instance, but the Deseret News is perpetuating a myth in this article that medical science is increasingly refuting. Losing short term memory is not "typical" of the aging process but is rather one of the hallmarks of dementia, whether it be Alzheimer's or one of several other kinds. This is an extremely difficult diagnosis to accept as a patient or as a loved one. It is extremely difficult to treat and to take care of the affected person. Many times dementia goes unrecognized for years and family members blame all sorts of other things, not wanting to think about dementia. It is certainly more common as we age, which is perhaps why this article is perpetuating the myth that it is a normal part of aging. Stroke, heart attack, and cancer are also more common as we age but we still classify those as diseases and we would not ignore the warning symptoms of any of those and simply say that it is the normal effect of aging. Physicians can assist with diagnosis and treatment of dementia so seek consultation with any warning signs, short-term memory loss being very typical.