What People With Alzheimer’s Have Taught Me About Love

People living with Alzheimer's taught me about the never-ending and unconditional power of love. They've taught me that love matters.By Marie Marley Alzheimer's Reading RoomPeople with Alzheimer's have taught me a lot about love over the years. I learned that they may remember past love and also experience love in the present -- even if they don't talk anymore and even during the last days of their lives. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail: I learned these lessons from Ed, my beloved Romanian soul mate of 30 years, and from several ladies I volunteer to visit at a local memory care facility. People with Alzheimer's typically love art, music, children and animals.Sometimes activities involving one of these can reach people with Alzheimer's on a level we cannot. And, of course, they can love other people. Here are some stories that illustrate my points.Love for AnimalsOne day I took my new little puppy, Christina, to the memory care facility to visit Ruth, who is a great dog lover. We had that puppy racing back and forth between us for 30 solid minutes. Each time she arrived at Ruth and dive bombed her feet, Ruth flung both arms wildly in the air and shouted, "Wheee!" When I left that day Ruth put her hand on my shoulder, looked at me with an enormous smile and proclaimed, "I love her so much! This is my best day since I've lived here!"Love for ChildrenThere is another lady at the facility who carries a doll baby around with her. The doll is very real and critically...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Dementia Tags: alzheimer's stories alzheimers caregiving Alzheimers Dementia alzheimers love dementia care love for animals love music Source Type: blogs