What is love for someone with Alzheimer’s? In 2002, our father was abducted. We had no idea where to. Well, what I mean is his mind was snatched, and it was only after months of exams that the doctors diagnosed him with this dementia. Physically he was fine, at least in 2002. Since then, he’s become incapacitated, slumping over in his wheelchair, head usually down. At times, out of nowhere, he’s alert, head up, and he mumbles a few words—some clear, others not so intelligible.
I visit the nursing home and see other patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. I know one day, some sooner than others, will reach the state of our father. A sad reality. But I also observe a hint of joy, a sense of curiosity in these people who still have some mobility and speech, though a bit inarticulate, to smile, dance, and greet strangers. This inspires me to wonder if a poem or song were written by someone whose mind had also been kidnapped, just what would they say to a lover?
You are beautiful as round color on that square thing
My box of this yearns to share its in those books
Can we jump, jump under that dirt
Hold me, touch my here, spoons
Water tips of hair around carpet
Sit there, moves from air from that hole
Sing to me, that she with sounds
Stay til clock moves tomorrow
who love, you?
Reading this made me wonder if anyone has written an novel from the POV of someone with alzheimer’s, I think if it was done correctly it would make a very compelling (and enlightening) tale.
Sorry to hear about your father. It’s not an easy thing to have to watch from the outside. I can’t imagine it is easy from the inside either. I imagine there is so much they wish they could say, if only they could get the words out.
– Just asked The Google, there is a book called STILL ALICE that claims to tell this story. It might be worth a read.
Thanks for the thoughtful post.