A reconnection had been made between the husband and wife of 59 years. Now he paints. We were high school sweethearts and we had a wonderful marriage. The painting is now framed and hanging in my family room. Alzheimer's disease steadily steals a person's mind.
Familiar tasks become overlooked or forgotten.
As this degenerative brain disease progresses, a person loses the abilities to learn, reason and speak clearly. It is as if a stranger has taken over the mind but leaves the familiar face. As medical science continues its efforts to unlock the mysteries behind this disease, an art program aptly titled Memories in the Making is offering a glimpse into the souls of these individuals. Today, steps are under way to expand Memories in the Making into a national program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. They meet weekly in residential care facilities throughout the country.