Source from npr
Writed by Laura Kwerel
This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else.
When Paul Cotter's father, Richard, was 52, he was fired from his job at a large printing company.
"He was very unceremoniously let go," Cotter recalled. "It was basically, 'Hand in your keys, you're done.' "
Richard Cotter had been at the company for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks from entry-level to management.
But it had become clear to everyone that he was having difficulty making decisions. Before, Richard Cotter was known for his sharp mind. Now, he became overwhelmed by the slightest bit of pressure.
No one suspected the underlying reason: cognitive decline due to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This was 1975, before the current awareness of Alzheimer's, and even his doctor didn't suspect the disorder. Everyone assumed it was a crisis of confidence.
"He was told that he needed to pull himself together," the younger Cotter recalled. "My father, as you can imagine, felt totally humiliated."
