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'My children's faces'

Alzheimer’s sufferers reveal the memories they’re desperate to hold on to in moving video

Interviewees answer questions about their lives and struggle to remember what they did that day

A moving video in which Alzheimer sufferers reveal the precious memories they don't want to lose when their illness progresses shows the heart-wrenching reality of the disease.

asked six people between the ages of 49 and 75 who were recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's about their lives.

When each person was asked to discuss a childhood memory, they were able to detail the sounds, smells and feelings from years ago.

One woman recalled being "really excited about the puddles" as it poured with rain.

But when theywere asked to talk about one of their last memories, the effects of dementia were clear to see.

Most were unable to think of a recent event in their lives and couldn't even remember what they had done before the interview.

 The interviewees recalled their earliest childhood memories
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The interviewees recalled their earliest childhood memoriesCredit: Getty Images

The most touching scene occurs when the interviewer asks "What’s something you never want to forget?"

One woman says "I don't want to forget my children."

Another agrees and also hopes "to never forget their names and their faces."

Meanwhile, a woman chuckles as she replies to the question - "my husband."

For one of the interviewees, it's the thought of forgetting his wife that upsets him.

He said: "My wife's marriage and I, I don't ever want to forget that. I'll hold on to it as long as I can."

The video was posted on YouTube and has racked up more than 90,000 views in three days.

A stream of emotional comments were left by viewers and many told of their own stories of a family member who has or had Alzheimer's.

 Early diagnoses means people can record their memories before they are lost
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Early diagnoses means people can record their memories before they are lostCredit: Getty Images

Many also revealed that falling ill with the disease was one of their biggest health worries.

One person wrote: "I'd like to ask similar questions to my great grandma but she wouldn't know who I am or what the question was."

Another called into "absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time", with a young girl opening up about her job working with older people.

 The interviewees struggled to remember recent life events
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The interviewees struggled to remember recent life events

She said: "I'm 21 years old and I work as a caregiver for the elderly.

"I'll always cherish the moments I spent with people in the last days of their lives and how much I learned from them.

"It's given me so much perspective on where I am relatively in life and where I want to be when I reach the end. What really matters in life is who you loved and who loved you."

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