Prayer sustains woman caring for her husband who has Alzheimer’s Disease

The world recognized Alzheimer’s Day on September, 21, 2025, but for the Muhammad family, of Largo Height, Alzheimer’s is an everyday reality that is not just difficult for the 72- year- old patriarch of the home, who is diagnosed with the disease, but also for his wife.

Iris Woodley-Muhammad is the principal care taker of Abdula Muhammad, and she is also battling with her own health issues, but she told SEARCHLIGHT that she is fortified by prayers.

Four years ago, Muhammad, who is diabetic, completely lost his sight and suffered a stroke, then later, started experiencing dementia-related symptoms.

“…after my husband get sick and he got a stroke…I start to encounter…some strange stuff with him that he never did before…and I was wondering. I would say, Abdula, I could manage you with your blindness, but remember, if you go out your mind, I go can’t manage that,” Woodley-Muhammad told SEARCHLIGHT.

She said that her husband is so independent, despite his limitations, he would still struggle to complete tasks on his own even when she offers to do them.

“[It’s been] very hard and challenging. Sometimes I want to cry. It’s very hectic definitely, sometimes- not telling you any lies, sometimes I want to cry,” but she has been fortified by a consistent prayer life.

Woodley-Muhammad said at one point, because of her limitations, she inquired about the possibility of getting her husband into a public care home, but the doctor advised her against it, and this was later supported by her care assistant, who is an employee within the Home Help for the Elderly Programme of the Ministry of National Mobilisation.

“…I decide…[to] take my time and work along with the helper, and I think the helper doing a lot, the helper doing very good. I really appreciate the helper, but I still ask them for more because it’s only two days I having, so I ask them if I can get two more days,” she related.

Woodley-Muhammad disclosed that she is suffering with a disc problem and has difficulty getting up whenever she sits,and walking has also become difficult.

She said the most challenging part in taking care of her husband is when he insists on doing activities on his own time.

“…I just pray a lot…I will go to him…[and] say…[the helper, Viciltia] Carter had to go because her hour is running out…so I will get him up, I say, ‘come it is time’,” she shared.

“…he always in my prayer so I believe that is why God give me the strength and the wisdom to manage what I’m doing.”

While the children are concerned about their mother neglecting herself as she takes care of their father, Woodley-Muhammad said they,and a grandson, chip in to help when needed. She is urging persons to act quickly whenever they observe changes in the behaviour of their loved ones, noting this is what she did when he was coming down with a stroke and the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease.

“…We [have] to always remember that our brain…is what control everything, and we need to take care of ourselves…you need to eat the right things…to help the brain and sometimes, when we have loved ones, and we notice we loved ones moving strange…seek out for advice of why…this person, acting strange…”,she advised.

She said sometimes people deal unkindly with those suffering with dementia surmising it is because of things they have done in the past.

“But dementia can happen to anybody…It can happen to young people, middle aged and elderly. Dementia is not only for old people,” Woodley-Muhammad said.