Alzheimer's is like trying to describe air. You know it is there but you cannot
feel it or see it until the storm comes and the wind blows the tired, dead leaves
to the ground to rot."
- Thomas DeBaggio
The toughest thing author Thomas DeBaggio ever had to do was to write this informative,
intensely moving but excruciatingly painful book on his early days suffering through
Alzheimer's disease.
The toughest thing you, the reader, will have to do is
read it. Not that it isn't well written. It is, largely thanks to the fact DeBaggio
was a working journalist most of his adult life, before he decided to devote his
talents to horticulture. In fact, it's an insightful book on the subject because
the author was experiencing it first hand and able to describe in detail, for
the most part, what he was feeling.
But that's also what makes it so difficult
for the reader. DeBaggio doesn't sneak up on you with it. He hits you with the
force of a mighty bludgeon, describing the progression of this horrific ailment
day after miserable day and how it turned his twilight years into a living hell. was a difficult undertaking but, ironically, admits: "After 40 years of pussyfooting
with words, I finally had a hell of a story to tell."
What is most valuable
to the reader, particularly anyone who has a loved one being ravaged by Alzheimer's,
is a clear understanding of what is going on in the person's mind. Since most
victims aren't able to express their feelings, concerns and fears, this book provides
caregivers with a fairly significant, albeit agonizing, account.
Page after
page contains DeBaggio's struggles and his coming to terms with memory loss and
ever-increasing confusion. Worst of all, for a man who used words to earn his
daily keep, is the increasing loss of his ability to tap into his vocabulary to
describe what he experiences.
"Old habits become fresh new experiences as
Alzheimer's works its way through my brain?. There is a dullness in my brain now
to allow me to stare into silence without an idea or thought breaking the stillness?.
There was crying coming from my office and I opened the door. I saw myself sitting
upright in the chair, staring at the blank computer. I was crying in the dark.
Will somebody help me?"
Losing My Mind is a painful read about a man dying in slow motion.
DeBaggio provides a crystal clear portrait of exactly what that
trip is like.
Featured Articles
