Treasuring Alzheimer’s Patients’ Memories

“You’re going to interview me?” Mother asked with a smile as she settled into her chair.

“Yes, Mother,” I replied, taking out my notebook and pen.  Then we sat for nearly an hour while Mother reminisced and I jotted down notes about her childhood, her teaching years in a one-room schoolhouse, and stories of various relatives.

I realize now that in doing this, listening to the memories of an Alzheimer’s patient, I helped preserve our family legacy.  If Mother hadn’t become afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, would she and I have taken time to escape into the past?

Don’t get annoyed with your family member because they can’t comprehend the present.  Take advantage of their memories of the past and compile them for future generations, either with pen and paper, a tape recorder, or video camera. You are preserving your family legacy.