As Man Slides Into Dementia, Surviving Family Celebrate His Life, Share Story
Handsome and successful, Kenny Sparks was at the top of his game when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of only 49.
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December 15, 2009
Handsome and successful, Kenny Sparks was at the top of his game when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of only 49. Over the ensuing years, the condition has robbed him of his personality and speech, but his family is determined to make the best of his remaining years.
Sparks' history was recently profiled on CNN, where his wife and two college-age children talked about the daily heartbreak of seeing their loved one slip away. Yet, they have refused to give in to desperation.
"Our doctor says if we don't take this on with a sense of humor our family will be destroyed," said Sparks' wife, Cheryl, who quit her job to provide 24/7 care, quoted by the news provider.
She adds, "In so many ways we've been blessed. So we've got to keep going with a good heart."
According to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFD) - which works to raise awareness and funds for research, offer resources for physicians and information on support groups for families and other co-survivors - the disease affects approximately 250,000 Americans, which accounts for about 10 percent to 20 percent of all dementia cases.
Doctors do not know what causes the condition and there is no way to prevent it. However, studies suggest that eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking supplements such as ginkgo biloba may help boost memory and delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions.
Some forms of meditation have also been shown to help individuals remain mentally sharp and thrive into old age.
Handsome and successful, Kenny Sparks was at the top of his game when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of only 49. Over the ensuing years, the condition has robbed him of his personality and speech, but his family is determined to make the best of his remaining years.
Sparks' history was recently profiled on CNN, where his wife and two college-age children talked about the daily heartbreak of seeing their loved one slip away. Yet, they have refused to give in to desperation.
"Our doctor says if we don't take this on with a sense of humor our family will be destroyed," said Sparks' wife, Cheryl, who quit her job to provide 24/7 care, quoted by the news provider.
She adds, "In so many ways we've been blessed. So we've got to keep going with a good heart."
According to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFD) - which works to raise awareness and funds for research, offer resources for physicians and information on support groups for families and other co-survivors - the disease affects approximately 250,000 Americans, which accounts for about 10 percent to 20 percent of all dementia cases.
Doctors do not know what causes the condition and there is no way to prevent it. However, studies suggest that eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking supplements such as ginkgo biloba may help boost memory and delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions.
Some forms of meditation have also been shown to help individuals remain mentally sharp and thrive into old age.
