Pam's Memory Challenge

Movie Watching

I can watch a movie but I can't follow the storyline. It now takes DVD's because I need to see a movie over and over to understand just what's going on.

David and I recently rented "Away From Her", a story of a woman slipping deeper and deeper into Alzheimer's.  I can't get this movie out of my mind.  It was slow moving, and held my attention enough to repeat it.  By watching movies over and over I see things I missed the first or second time around.  My mind stumbles over many words and I find myself focusing on details that have nothing to do with the story.  I can tell you what the color of a dress is but not remember what was said.

The first part of this movie was so very real to me.  The scene where Fiona puts the frying pan into the freezer reminded me of the time I found my shoes in the fridge.  We laughed about it but that was because it was easier than talking about it.  Often we laugh when we don't know what else to do.

I now know why I love the classic movie channel.  Only movies that I remember from my youth give me pleasure.  Thank you Mr. Turner for the gift you give so many in this same boat!  I know I am not alone.  This is a subject I have not heard about from others, but I know enough now to recognize that much of what is happening to me is just part of life with dementia.

I am so thankful for all the people I have met and talked with these past two years who understand Alzheimer's and are willing to talk about it.  Let's pull together and get rid of the stigma.

Comments

Linda Temple said:

Pam, thank you so much for sharing your life and feelings with us. I have not watched this movie yet, but will plan on doing that this weekend.

Take care!

# February 15, 2008 4:20 PM

Janet Swofford said:

Dear Aunt Pam,

Thank you for sharing this brave glimpse into your reality. I am so PROUD of you for giving hope and a sense of inclusion to others facing Alzheimer's. You are taking it out of the dark and shining a light on a subject that is taboo for many. You have a way of putting the experience into words that everyone can understand and somehow that makes it less scary and more open for dialog. And for that I applaud you! You are my hero and I love you very much. Give my love to Uncle David! And keep up the wonderful work,God's Work!

Love and prayers,

Janet

Janet

# February 16, 2008 7:21 PM

Paul J. Hamilton said:

Bless you both!

Paul Hamilton

A Place for Mom

866-355-9427

# February 17, 2008 6:55 PM

JohnT said:

Pam,

Reading each of your posts helps me better understand the experience of Alzheimer's.

About a year ago I had a knee operation. The doctors told me that after waking up in recovery, some people have trouble with short term memory for a little while as the anesthesia wears off.

I woke up and felt just fine. I asked the nurse how it went and when I could start walking around and when I would be discharged. She smiled, answered my questions and told my wife I was having trouble with my short term memory but that would improve soon.  I was shocked and asked why she thought I was having trouble with my memory and she told me because I had just asked her the same set of questions for the 4th time in a row.

I was stunned. It was such an odd concept - I was right there. I know I was awake. I knew I had talked to the nurse previously but I was sure I hadn't asked her those questions.

It's one experience I've had that helps me understand what watching movies is like for you.

Thanks again for sharing this and helping me understand.

# February 19, 2008 2:19 PM

Linda Knutson said:

Pam,

Thank you for sharing your experience.  It gives us insight as to what people with Alzheimer's may be going through.

Linda Knutson

# February 20, 2008 10:39 AM