I think it is wonderful that those flying memories are recalled. My husband recalls flying a Huey helicopter during Vietnam. And he can name off types of airplanes, especially those flown during the war times. But the Alzheimer disease is simply awful. He is going to be in a research study using coconut oil and palm oil. He didn't qualify for the RX study.........marymember
(1)
Report

Glad Charlie has some good memories to keep him company! Great article!!
(1)
Report

Marlis, I am go glad you are writing here as it is helping me understand more about my Dad who is just starting to show signs of dementia.

I had an "ah ha" moment when you wrote how your hubby would pick up his favorite magazines to read and it was like reading it for the first.... now that makes sense with what my Dad has been doing. My Mom has been after Dad to sort through all his paperwork in file cabinets and notebooks... it's a paper mess around his desk and his recliner as he is sorting through everything. Now I understand why so very little isn't reaching the recycling container, every time Dad reads something is probably is new to him.... [sigh].

But he can rattle off memories of his college days like it happened yesterday... when I hear his tales it reminds me of the fellows on the TV show the "Big Bang Theory" as his buddies were physicist and engineers, and they had labs at the college, etc.
(1)
Report

Hi Marlis - great writing as usual. I think Charlie's memory is pretty typical of dementia patients. But of course it is new to you, as you live with it for the first time in your life. I wonder if any of Charlie's 'musings' ever seem comical or humorous to you? If so, that would most likely relieve some of the frustration you may feel at times. Best wishes, Marlis. It is great that he has some family who come to visit occasionally............
(1)
Report

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter