Image: Clip Art
My attention was caught by a news report today, about Scottish scientists who claim to have stopped Alzheimer's from killing brain cells in laboratory tests. About three weeks ago, the `Herald Sun' reported, ``Melbourne scientists have discovered a drug compound that radically improves memory, and they hope to transform it into an anti-dementia and memory loss drug.''
All I could do was think back ....My life and the lives of all my blood relatives was touched by Alzheimer's, but we didn't know it at the time. When I was still in primary school, Mum would lose her keys and her glasses several times a day. They were the earliest signs that she was in the grip of a condition that would gradually erode her memory, her power of speech, her grasp of Latin and French, and her vivacious personality.
Yet, as she lived until the age of 88, it was a seemingly capricious condition. Occasionally, it seemed, the mists would clear to allow moments of clarity.
On one occasion, our eldest daughter was doing her homework and she needed to name a fruit or vegetable that began with the letter Q. I turned to Mum, who by this stage couldn't remember whether she had eaten breakfast or not. She nodded. ``Quince,'' she said, without missing a beat.
On another occasion, my brother Mike, who was based in Paris at the time, flew to Melbourne to visit Mum for a few days. That morning, he mentioned that the French were blessed with a stirring national anthem. Mum responded by singing the first verse of La Marseillaise - in French.
When she embraced my brother that day, he asked her gently if she knew who he was. Her eyes clouded over and she stumbled slightly over her agonised reply.
``I don't know your name,'' she admitted, ``but I know I love you very much.''
40 comments:
Thanks for sharing those precious memories, David. They brought up a well of tears.
Say hi to Wendy, Leanne, Matthew and Melanie.
Take care and keep well.
Written with such love. Her spirit shines through David, it is imbued within you, and I've no doubt, within your siblings also..
(Wouldn't that be something though, to finally, once and for all, to put an end to such a wretched infliction?)
Wow.
I just met my wife's grandmother this spring, and learned seven different times that the woman was one of 18 pregnancies, and known as "cupie doll" to her father, as she was the runt of the litter.
And yet, she was able to play some songs on the organ at the assisted-living center she's at now.
I'm amazed at how some things draw blanks and yet other things stay fresh and ready for recall....
It's an awful condition. I sure hope that drug is successful and is on the market soon.
I was touched by your comments and obvious love for your mother David. Our family has also experience of Alzheimers and have lost loved ones as a result. The highs and lows you describe are what makes our time with sufferers such a bittersweet emotional rollercoaster.
your post is very touching. it reminded me of my grandma....
Hello,
Thank you for your comment!
This post was sad and touching. Memory is such an important thing...as soon as the drug is on the market I am signing myself up for it, I am always paranoid about forgetting things!
my email is:
fiona_e_d@unwired.com.au
thanks
Hi David,
Thanks for your visit and comment to Blogtrotter 90s. That's one of my predigital blogs, with scanned pictures from 1990s travelling. The more often updated blog is Blogtrotter. Hope you also enjoy it!
Quite touching post, in particular when parents are now 90 and 85...
Oh damn, now you made me cry just before I go to bed...now I'll lay awake much longer praying harder for us all.
I have an aunt who turns 103 next week. She hasn't been aware of much in the last fifteen years. To her, we've all been dead that long.
Bless you and yours David.
A beautiful post indeed.
Hi Rene,
They are very precious indeed. Alzheimer's could have taken her away in her early 40s, but she lived on ...
Keep smiling
David
Hi Carol,
Thank you for those lovely words. Mum graced us with her presence and touched the lives of many, many people.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Brian,
On the spot, as always. Your last sentence has given me an idea for a follow-up post.
Thank you, as always
Keep smiling
David
Hi Hammer,
I could not agree with you more. It is difficult, watching a parent slide slowly away.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Papoosue,
Kindred souls, by the sound of it. The inescapable fact is that someone suffering with Alzheimer's never, ever gets better.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Priyank,
Thank you. The post spoke of one person, but told the story of many sufferers.
Thanks for dropping by
Keep smiling
David
Hi Fifi,
Thank you for dropping by. I'll be following the clinical trials very closely.
Will get in touch with you later today, about the link construction.
Keep smiling
David
Hi GMG,
Bless your parents and I hope they stay in good health.
Will check out your updated blog.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Mushy,
Always a pleasure when I hear from you. Glad you liked the post. Hope you sleep well.
I know exactly what you mean about your aunt. My Mum went through a very long decline.
Keep smiling
David
I, too, hope some sort of drug is developed, so as to save the victims at least SOME dignity while in the clutches of this disease.
I lost my Dad to Alzheimers, and my Mom to complications of diabetes, combined with the onset of Alzheimers. And I, too, found that, although Dad was alive, he had already "died" six years before his death. The mood swings, and his strength, when he would lash out, were unbelievable. It was almost impossible to love someone who could hate and love, with such equal force given to both feelings. But we all did the best we could, given the situation.
And as unfeeling, cruel and harsh as it might sound, a heart-attack would've been so much more painless for him, and all involved. I don't mean it in a cruel way. But it was, and still would be, true, I feel.
But then again, that's just MY opinion, no fact behind it, other than personal experience....
Oh David..
This is such a beautiful post, and brought tears to my eyes. Looking at you, your mum must have been a very special woman!
cheers,
Cecilia
Hi Bruno,
Thanks for dropping by. You hit the nail on the head with your observation about the dignity of those who suffer the condition.
The father of a close friend was a gentle, humorous soul, but when he was hit with Alzheimer's, he turned full circle and his aggression became a real problem.
Oh, how the illness steals our loved ones away from us, even before they depart this earth.
Wonderful to hear from you.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Cecilia,
She was - is - very special. Not just to us, her blood family, but to scores of children who called her ``Aunty Mac'' because she gave them her life as well.
Keep smiling
David
David,
Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience with my grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia in her later years.
I took care of her a lot and was one of the last ones she remembered.
Hi David,
Am only about the 30th person telling you.. but this post is really..touching. the picture accompanying it says a million words...
Thanks for stopping by my blog that day and also for the comment! yes, the picture was taken by me.. shall put up more as and when i feel satisfied with the outcome!
Keep smiling!
-Serendipity
Hi Luke,
I know exactly how you feel. I was not my mother's primary carer while she was going downhill, but it was heartbreaking to see that great mind slowly disintegrate.
I am very touched (but not surprised) that your grandmother continued to remember you.
You've been blessed, richly.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Serendipity,
Thank you for dropping by. That's great to hear the picture on your post was one of yours.
I'm glad this post touched you. It wasjust a simple story that I felt compelled to share ...
Do keep in touch.
Keep smiling
David
Moving post, moving writing, David.
Beautifully written, David. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story.
The post left a lump in my throat. Its so terrible, isn't it to have a loved one inflicted by this agonising disease.
Really hope that they are successful in developing the cure.
(btw, David this is the first time I have been through your blog. Its brilliant)
I saw Ozladys post which was touching but this one even more so. That last line is really sweet
Hi Nirmal,
Thank you. Value your opinion - as always.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Deborah,
Thank you. I guess these stories are meant to be shared.
My Mum would be tickled pink to see this feedback.
Keep smiling
David
Thanks, Lady T,
OzLady did a great job. I'm glad you enjoyed this post.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Sahil,
Thank you for dropping by and taking the trouble to leave a comment.
You;re right, it is a condition that gradually strips life away.
Glad you enjoyed the blog. Hope to see you back here.
Will visit your site. Do keep in touch.
Keep smiling
David
I think one can only understand this condition if you have been touched by it personally.
Your closing paragraph was gripping...
I am 42, and a mother of four. My lapses in forgetting obvious things like the birthdates of my children gives me pause quite often these days.
I can remember very strange things from long ago though.
It's rather strange...
Ah, I see you've discovered Fifi too. A good addition to the group you've got going here!
Hi itsthe littlethings,
I don't think you have cause to worry. I'm deadly serious here (yes, there is a serious side to me sometimes) because a momentary lapse is understandable.
Since you do remember the vital details you don't need to lose any sleep over it.
Yes, Fifi visited here a couple of times this week and I answered her query about how to construct embedded links.
Keep smiling
David
We had a similar experience in our family, we lost Mum before she was 76 because of Parkinson's, though she died when she was 80. The doctor said she soon would not know who her children were, but she knew and recognized us to the end, despite much confusion. We were her life and her influence continues.
Oh dear, this is hearbreaking.
My own grandmother lost herself to Alzheimers.
I worry that my son will watch it happen with me.
I hope for a cure.
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