Un oubli? No, I did not forget today's photo! I need to leave out pictures, this one time, in an attempt to solve a mystery: "The Vertical Letters Mystery"….
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TODAY'S WORD:
oublieux, oublieuse
: forgetful, oblivious
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Qui est sujet à oublier, en particulier les bienfaits reçus : Il est oublieux, mais ce n'est pas méchanceté de sa part. (Larousse.com)
One who is subject to forgetfulness, especially in regards to benefits he or she has received: he is forgetful, but it's not spitefulness.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
The other day, while scrolling down my Facebook feed, an ad jumped right off the page! Usually I skip right over all the seamless Facebook marketing, having developed an eye for ads that are formatted to look like posts, but this particular "update" struck a personal chord: forgetfulness….
Come to think of it, it wasn't a Facebook ad at all. No–it was a post by a FB group I follow. Yes, that's it, "The Alzheimer's Association." I don't recall why I opted-in for Alzheimer updates, but I could surely trace it back, given a moment to reflect.
But back to my story: I saw the update–highlighting a film about a woman with young onset Alzheimer's. The film poster showed a beautiful woman who appears to be daydreaming (up to now a favorite past-time of mine). Though extremely intrigued and tempted to see the movie trailer, a mixture of superstition and paranoia begged the question: Did a middle-aged rêveuse really want to know more about "young onset" Alzheimer's?
Having been reared by a positive force of nature (Mom), I was taught early on a powerful truth: What you think is what you get….. But if one were truly atteint with young onset Alheimer's this "what you think is what you get" axiom would be no more than a moot point. For one has to consistently remember in order for the mind to forge a new reality.
Doubts aside, I began repeating the name of the film: Still Alice… Still Alice… Still Alice. Only, seconds later, having made it over to the Google box, the second-guessing began.
Just an unlucky coincidence, I thought, returning quickly to the Facebook update in time to re-memorize the film's title. Managing this time to type in the correct name, I landed on another clip–a completely different movie. A hilarious film starring the same beautiful actress! But after watching the talented Julia Moore I began to wonder, "Wasn't this movie clip supposed to be about Alzheimer's? But there wasn't one scene that had anything to do with the subject of forgetfulness!"
And then it came back to me: having searched in vain for the film, I'd clicked on something else. That's how I ended up here in the first place.
I never did find the full trailer to "Still Alice." But I did discover the book and instantly downloaded it on my iPad. You can download Still Alice, too, or enter today's book giveaway. Bonne chance!
GIVEAWAY
To win this tender, delicately humorous and informative book, tell me something you have heard about Alzheimer's–or share something you know personally about this disease. It could be a tip, a fact, a belief–anything that would expand our awareness of Alzheimer's.
"In Lisa Genova’s extraordinary New York Times bestselling novel, an accomplished woman slowly loses her thoughts and memories to Alzheimer’s disease—only to discover that each day brings a new way of living and loving." Download the book or enter the giveaway and win a copy.
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Thanks for the article! It’s ‘un oubli’ though, pas de ‘e’.
Thanks for the article! It’s ‘un oubli’ though, pas de ‘e’.
Lost a dear brother-in-law to Alzheimer’s a decade ago. His wife, my wonderful sister, cared for him at home until he died. The hardest part was not the loss of memory but the change in personality, from a sweet, quiet-spoken hubby who worshipped his beloved wife, to a suspicious critic who badmouthed all family members. We had to constantly remind ourselves that it wasn’t really him speaking.
Lost a dear brother-in-law to Alzheimer’s a decade ago. His wife, my wonderful sister, cared for him at home until he died. The hardest part was not the loss of memory but the change in personality, from a sweet, quiet-spoken hubby who worshipped his beloved wife, to a suspicious critic who badmouthed all family members. We had to constantly remind ourselves that it wasn’t really him speaking.
Best tip for warding off Alzheimer’s- apprendre une nouvelle langue!
#2 Did you know they now make stoves that automatically turn-off after a certain time. PS- Je crois, elle est Julienne Moore.
Best tip for warding off Alzheimer’s- apprendre une nouvelle langue!
#2 Did you know they now make stoves that automatically turn-off after a certain time. PS- Je crois, elle est Julienne Moore.
This study at UCLA may offer hope for reversing Alzheimer’s:
http://abc7news.com/health/non-drug-treatment-may-reverse-alzheimers/336963/
This study at UCLA may offer hope for reversing Alzheimer’s:
http://abc7news.com/health/non-drug-treatment-may-reverse-alzheimers/336963/
Hi Kristin,
What a coincidence that you should mention Still Alice! Someone just recommended it to me as well.
I recently published my first mystery novel, Going Home (Sunbury Press) which was inspired by my mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Since writing the book, I have spoken to so many people whose lives have been touched by this terrible disease.
I will have to check out Still Alice!
Merci!
Hi Kristin,
What a coincidence that you should mention Still Alice! Someone just recommended it to me as well.
I recently published my first mystery novel, Going Home (Sunbury Press) which was inspired by my mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Since writing the book, I have spoken to so many people whose lives have been touched by this terrible disease.
I will have to check out Still Alice!
Merci!
One of the things I have learned about Alzheimer’s is that there can be so much fear. The sufferer can be so terrified and sometimes violent because he or she is so afraid-afraid of the family or of the surroundings no longer recognizable. And the fear of the caregiver: “How will I cope?”
One of the things I have learned about Alzheimer’s is that there can be so much fear. The sufferer can be so terrified and sometimes violent because he or she is so afraid-afraid of the family or of the surroundings no longer recognizable. And the fear of the caregiver: “How will I cope?”
Format fine here.
Format fine here.
Thank you for this timely post, Kristin. Alzheimer’s Disease is topic of many conversations amongst our friends in the over-sixty age group, as many of us are dealing with family members just like Alice. I first read Lisa Genova’s excellent novel when I was researching the ending of my novel, The Bridge Club, which touches on the same subject. Just this week my husband and I were checking to see when the movie will open near us. Thanks also for today’s word! Your posts are priceless in helping expand our French vocabulary and I hope you discover the tech glitch soon … your photos are missed. À la prochaine!
Thank you for this timely post, Kristin. Alzheimer’s Disease is topic of many conversations amongst our friends in the over-sixty age group, as many of us are dealing with family members just like Alice. I first read Lisa Genova’s excellent novel when I was researching the ending of my novel, The Bridge Club, which touches on the same subject. Just this week my husband and I were checking to see when the movie will open near us. Thanks also for today’s word! Your posts are priceless in helping expand our French vocabulary and I hope you discover the tech glitch soon … your photos are missed. À la prochaine!
I know full well that Alzheimer’s is a tragic illness with no virtues. That being said, I have one memory of my uncle–an Alzheimer’s victim–that warms my heart. I came to visit him after his illness had progressed to a point where I was told by family members that he had great difficulty recognizing even family members. And so I took a deep breath and resolved not to show any evident sadness as I stepped out to greet him on the porch of his home. There he was, enjoying the Autumn sunshine, smiling to himself. I said, “Hi, Uncle Al! Remember me?” His response is engraved in memory. With a huge smile on his face he said, “No, I don’t remember you.” He then patted the chair next to him and said, ” But sit down over here and talk to me. You look like a really nice guy.”
I know full well that Alzheimer’s is a tragic illness with no virtues. That being said, I have one memory of my uncle–an Alzheimer’s victim–that warms my heart. I came to visit him after his illness had progressed to a point where I was told by family members that he had great difficulty recognizing even family members. And so I took a deep breath and resolved not to show any evident sadness as I stepped out to greet him on the porch of his home. There he was, enjoying the Autumn sunshine, smiling to himself. I said, “Hi, Uncle Al! Remember me?” His response is engraved in memory. With a huge smile on his face he said, “No, I don’t remember you.” He then patted the chair next to him and said, ” But sit down over here and talk to me. You look like a really nice guy.”
In the past 20 years, I’ve lost my grandfather, two aunts, an uncle, ad my mother to Alzheimer’s. This disease steals your loved one slowly. We watched our mother disappear in a slow slide to the bottom. The fiery opinionated, tough little woman who raised six kids, worked full time, and was successfully married for 55 years just wasn’t anymore. In her place was a confused, scared, silent person that pretended to recognize us, but didn’t really. My siblings and I are just a little freaked out knowing it is probably a genetic “weakness” that we are going to have to face eventually. That being said, we are working on keeping our brains as active and engaged as possible, in the hopes of staving off this terrible disease.
Merci, Kristen! Vos messages aident à garder mes compétences linguistiques à la hauteur. De plus, j’aime attraper un aperçu peu dans le quotidien Français !
In the past 20 years, I’ve lost my grandfather, two aunts, an uncle, ad my mother to Alzheimer’s. This disease steals your loved one slowly. We watched our mother disappear in a slow slide to the bottom. The fiery opinionated, tough little woman who raised six kids, worked full time, and was successfully married for 55 years just wasn’t anymore. In her place was a confused, scared, silent person that pretended to recognize us, but didn’t really. My siblings and I are just a little freaked out knowing it is probably a genetic “weakness” that we are going to have to face eventually. That being said, we are working on keeping our brains as active and engaged as possible, in the hopes of staving off this terrible disease.
Merci, Kristen! Vos messages aident à garder mes compétences linguistiques à la hauteur. De plus, j’aime attraper un aperçu peu dans le quotidien Français !
Glen Campbell, the musician, has Alzheimer’s and had allowed a documentary to be made of his last tour. It’s called “I’ll Be Me”.
They started filming it in 2011. The tour lasted for 151 shows with other filming made at home with him by his wife. It was made to highlight what happens to victims.
Go to Facebook to check it out as it was just released on Oct. 24th.
Glen Campbell, the musician, has Alzheimer’s and had allowed a documentary to be made of his last tour. It’s called “I’ll Be Me”.
They started filming it in 2011. The tour lasted for 151 shows with other filming made at home with him by his wife. It was made to highlight what happens to victims.
Go to Facebook to check it out as it was just released on Oct. 24th.
My dad probably had beginning alzheimer’s when he broke his hip. He experienced a lot of confusion in the modern hospital. Attempting to understand his reality and relating to it was helpful. One time he asked why we were on a train (there was a large picture window in his room and nice country scenery outside). I thought his point of view was understandable, but the question chilled my spine and I didn’t know what to say. Later when he asked similar questions, I could relax and explain.
Another day while in the hospital he wanted to watch the tv channel with the dancing, naked ladies. We obliged by checking all the channels to see if we could find that program. This worked better than telling him it didn’t exist. We settled that evening instead for Obama’s first address to Congress, which was about as exciting for a lifetime, committed democrat.
Taking a day at a time, slowly, with compassion, realizing that some days would be better than others, and relating when possible seemed to work the best for me, and, I hope, for him.
My dad probably had beginning alzheimer’s when he broke his hip. He experienced a lot of confusion in the modern hospital. Attempting to understand his reality and relating to it was helpful. One time he asked why we were on a train (there was a large picture window in his room and nice country scenery outside). I thought his point of view was understandable, but the question chilled my spine and I didn’t know what to say. Later when he asked similar questions, I could relax and explain.
Another day while in the hospital he wanted to watch the tv channel with the dancing, naked ladies. We obliged by checking all the channels to see if we could find that program. This worked better than telling him it didn’t exist. We settled that evening instead for Obama’s first address to Congress, which was about as exciting for a lifetime, committed democrat.
Taking a day at a time, slowly, with compassion, realizing that some days would be better than others, and relating when possible seemed to work the best for me, and, I hope, for him.
When my father began his journey into the mist of Alzheimer’s disease at 82, he also faced the knowlege that he needed another heart bypass — but was not really strong enough to be a candidate. Lucid enough at times to be frightened, he tried to pray the Lord’s Prayer: “our Father who…. Our father..” then looked at me for help. He had forgotten how to pray. I wrote the words to the prayer and handed it to him. “Just put this in your pocket. Now you can pray anytime.” He patted his pocket and seemed reassured.
Dad’s been gone 10 years.
Kind regards,
Gail in NH
When my father began his journey into the mist of Alzheimer’s disease at 82, he also faced the knowlege that he needed another heart bypass — but was not really strong enough to be a candidate. Lucid enough at times to be frightened, he tried to pray the Lord’s Prayer: “our Father who…. Our father..” then looked at me for help. He had forgotten how to pray. I wrote the words to the prayer and handed it to him. “Just put this in your pocket. Now you can pray anytime.” He patted his pocket and seemed reassured.
Dad’s been gone 10 years.
Kind regards,
Gail in NH
My family has been deeply impacted by Alzheimer’s. Both stepfather’s parents died from it, his oldest brother died from his, his younger brother has it now, and we lost our beloved Grandbear in 2007 (what all the grandchildren called my stepfather). My aunt and uncle (mother’s siblings) have both been diagnosed, and my own mother has dementia. My sister works for the Lou Revo Center as a volunteer in Las Vegas, a Cleveland Clinic research and clinical support center waging a daily battle against Alzheimers by using her knowledge as a pharmacist. Thank you so much for shining a light on forgetfullness. I wrote a short story called ‘More Memory Please’ that highlighted my own moment of deep awareness and sadness when I ran out of camera memory taking pictures one day…if only we could plug in a memory card to both save all their memrories of their lives much like we capture images.
My family has been deeply impacted by Alzheimer’s. Both stepfather’s parents died from it, his oldest brother died from his, his younger brother has it now, and we lost our beloved Grandbear in 2007 (what all the grandchildren called my stepfather). My aunt and uncle (mother’s siblings) have both been diagnosed, and my own mother has dementia. My sister works for the Lou Revo Center as a volunteer in Las Vegas, a Cleveland Clinic research and clinical support center waging a daily battle against Alzheimers by using her knowledge as a pharmacist. Thank you so much for shining a light on forgetfullness. I wrote a short story called ‘More Memory Please’ that highlighted my own moment of deep awareness and sadness when I ran out of camera memory taking pictures one day…if only we could plug in a memory card to both save all their memrories of their lives much like we capture images.
I just downloaded Still Alice from Amazon. When I tapped “download book” on your blog, it immediately transferred me to my personal Kindle account so that I could buy the book!!! What great technology we have at our fingertips. We all know Alzheimer’s victims and all fear it could happen to us. The book will be a good read for all. Happy Halloween! 🎃
I just downloaded Still Alice from Amazon. When I tapped “download book” on your blog, it immediately transferred me to my personal Kindle account so that I could buy the book!!! What great technology we have at our fingertips. We all know Alzheimer’s victims and all fear it could happen to us. The book will be a good read for all. Happy Halloween! 🎃
Thanks, Kristin for making me remember that my cousin is still Alice. She developed young onset at age 54 and for the last two years we have watched her slowly drift away. Alice and I are the two youngest of our extended family and we were running buddies in the mid 19170s. I can never hear “Rock the Boat” without thinking of her. Although she’s slipping away, she’s still beautiful and her heart is still the same as when we were young. She’s still Alice.
Thanks, Kristin for making me remember that my cousin is still Alice. She developed young onset at age 54 and for the last two years we have watched her slowly drift away. Alice and I are the two youngest of our extended family and we were running buddies in the mid 19170s. I can never hear “Rock the Boat” without thinking of her. Although she’s slipping away, she’s still beautiful and her heart is still the same as when we were young. She’s still Alice.
Hi Kristin,
I wonder sometimes about my own mind whenever I forget things. I remember reading “Still Alice” several years ago. Great book and I love Julianne Moore, so will have to see the movie! My husband’s grandfather had Alzheimer’s. It’s a very sad disease. I remember watching the movie, “The Notebook” and how heartbreaking when the person no longer recognizes family.
Hi Kristin,
I wonder sometimes about my own mind whenever I forget things. I remember reading “Still Alice” several years ago. Great book and I love Julianne Moore, so will have to see the movie! My husband’s grandfather had Alzheimer’s. It’s a very sad disease. I remember watching the movie, “The Notebook” and how heartbreaking when the person no longer recognizes family.
Always enjoy your articles. Too bad about format problems. Today, no audio on Jackie’s reading of the French-Word-a-Day. Hope that all will be worked out soon. Courage!!
Always enjoy your articles. Too bad about format problems. Today, no audio on Jackie’s reading of the French-Word-a-Day. Hope that all will be worked out soon. Courage!!
Everyone’s comments are so moving today. There is another good film available on Netflix with Julie Christie, “Away From Her”, that shows a couple dealing with this disease.
Everyone’s comments are so moving today. There is another good film available on Netflix with Julie Christie, “Away From Her”, that shows a couple dealing with this disease.
Soon it will be possible to do eye tests to check for evidence of damage to vessels – plaques – which can be evident in the eyes. The same damage as occurs to the blood vessels in the brain are evident in the eyes.
Soon it will be possible to do eye tests to check for evidence of damage to vessels – plaques – which can be evident in the eyes. The same damage as occurs to the blood vessels in the brain are evident in the eyes.
Some years ago — about ten or twelve — I lost the ability to write poetry. Eventually, I lost the ability to write prose. My mind seemed to have slowed down. I no longer used, or thought in, “big” words and was beginning to have difficulty with concepts and explaining things. I read about Mary Newport, MD and her success with helping her husband with medium-chain triglycerides and started a regimen for myself. I get them in unrefined coconut oil (although you can buy them in a bottle called MCT oil by several manufacturers.) I have been doing this for over three years and not only does my brain work much better, my visual migraines are gone, my fingernails are strong, my hair grows very fast and my skin is very healthy. I also take a lot of vitamins, but they alone were not showing the benefit of the coconut oil. It’s not an old wives’ tale. Google Mary Newport MD and read her continuing story. Here’s a TED Talk:
It’s an inspiration!
Some years ago — about ten or twelve — I lost the ability to write poetry. Eventually, I lost the ability to write prose. My mind seemed to have slowed down. I no longer used, or thought in, “big” words and was beginning to have difficulty with concepts and explaining things. I read about Mary Newport, MD and her success with helping her husband with medium-chain triglycerides and started a regimen for myself. I get them in unrefined coconut oil (although you can buy them in a bottle called MCT oil by several manufacturers.) I have been doing this for over three years and not only does my brain work much better, my visual migraines are gone, my fingernails are strong, my hair grows very fast and my skin is very healthy. I also take a lot of vitamins, but they alone were not showing the benefit of the coconut oil. It’s not an old wives’ tale. Google Mary Newport MD and read her continuing story. Here’s a TED Talk:
It’s an inspiration!
It is so very important to be open about this disease and talk with all family members and make a plan as soon as it is diagnosed. The plan needs to include handing over financial power, health care directives to a loved one so that they can help a the person as they go on the journey of forgetting to the end.
It is so very important to be open about this disease and talk with all family members and make a plan as soon as it is diagnosed. The plan needs to include handing over financial power, health care directives to a loved one so that they can help a the person as they go on the journey of forgetting to the end.
the book is a beautiful story of a sad and often frightening disease for both those who suffer with it and their caregivers…. thanks for sharing, and do enjoy the book!
the book is a beautiful story of a sad and often frightening disease for both those who suffer with it and their caregivers…. thanks for sharing, and do enjoy the book!
My husband helped raise money for a Memory Care Home at a retirement community. It’s amazing how much better Alzheimer’s patients do in a setting where they are able to have more freedom than in a traditional nursing home community.
To discover more visit http://wvillage.org/ We need to keep loving these people whether they remember us or not.
Thanks for sharing!
My husband helped raise money for a Memory Care Home at a retirement community. It’s amazing how much better Alzheimer’s patients do in a setting where they are able to have more freedom than in a traditional nursing home community.
To discover more visit http://wvillage.org/ We need to keep loving these people whether they remember us or not.
Thanks for sharing!
I remember going to an art show with my mom where all the artists had Alzheimer’s. They could tell you exactly what they painted and if it was from a part of their life. I also had a grandfather who became afflicted of the disease. As my dad’s family lives in Ireland, it was hard to go see him. But we would hear stories about how he would have a glimmer of recognition and then it would fade away.
What if Alzheimer’s isn’t a forgetfullness but a locking away? Similar to the Locked-in Syndrome explored in the French movie, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” This would mean the memories never went any where – they just can’t be accessed.
I remember going to an art show with my mom where all the artists had Alzheimer’s. They could tell you exactly what they painted and if it was from a part of their life. I also had a grandfather who became afflicted of the disease. As my dad’s family lives in Ireland, it was hard to go see him. But we would hear stories about how he would have a glimmer of recognition and then it would fade away.
What if Alzheimer’s isn’t a forgetfullness but a locking away? Similar to the Locked-in Syndrome explored in the French movie, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” This would mean the memories never went any where – they just can’t be accessed.