Shereé Whitfield has shared the sad news that her mom Thelma Ferguson is battling dementia.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star posted details about her mom’s illness to Instagram on Tuesday, March 12.
“I know I have not been as active on social media like I usually do. I have been dealing with a lot and I wish I had better news to share at this time, but I just wanted to come on here to update y’all and bring awareness to a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” Whitfield began.
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She said the situation is especially difficult because her dad died last year.
“As many of you know, my father passed away last March due to Alzheimer’s. It saddens me that on the one year anniversary of my father’s death, this disease is also affecting another very close family member, my mom,” she continued.
Friends and fans filled Whitfield’s post with comments, saying they are sending prayers and love to the family.
Ferguson disappeared in 2020, after leaving her home in Sandy Springs, Georgia to go to the bank. Local police launched a search and she was found “safe and healthy” two weeks later, Whitfield previously shared on social media.
Whitfield said she is now “feeling helpless” because there isn’t much she can do to help her mom, except to make her comfortable.
The reality star and entrepreneur asked her followers who’ve cared for loved ones with the disease for helpful tips on how to move forward.
“I know there are a lot of people out there that are caregivers for loved ones with dementia, my hat goes off to u! I have tons of questions & I am open to learning more about this disease and would love to know how u guys are managing it,” she wrote. “I appreciate all the support, kind words, and prayers. Please remember to tell your loved ones that you love them while you still can!”
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. The illness currently affects about 6 million Americans, and the number of cases is rising across the nation as the population ages.
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