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By The Grace of God - "Still Alice"

1/3/2015

32 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
I just had my 53rd birthday in November.  I am a college professor, priding myself on my ability to plan and teach a meaningful lecture.  My student evaluations, both oral and written reflect this.

When the semester is going full steam, I have little time for my leisure reading, which I consider a true luxury. I gravitate towards books that good friends recommend and several of my friends are avid readers - lucky me!

At a recent breakfast visit, my friend teared up when telling me about a book she had just read.  

"Still Alice" , written by Lisa Genova, is a memoir, fictional work about a woman, Alice Howland, and her life changing diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.

My friend and I are both nurses. We have studied about Alzheimer's Disease - the signs, symptoms, prevalence  and what strides are being made in the treatment of this heartbreaking and progressive illness that steals one's memory and overall quality of life.  We have cared for clients and loved family with dementia - most in the end stages, both of the disease and life ... in their 80s and 90s.

From my friend's reaction, it didn't take long for me to start reading ...

Alice Howland was 50-years-of-age and at the top of her game. She is a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics. She is married to a successful scientist and PhD scholar, John.  Together they raised two daughters, a son and co-wrote a book called "From Molecules to Mind ".

Alice was the glue that held her world together. When John was racing out the door looking for his glasses or keys, his rescue word was 'Ali ...'  And no matter what Alice was in the middle of doing, she could put her finger on the lost object.

That is until recently. Alice was starting to notice slip ups, and she was not a 'slip up type of gal...'

Like that BlackBerry charger.  Her BlackBerry was second only to her right hand - life was just too chaotic and this device held all the information needed to get from Point A to Point B.  And the other day, Alice spent the better part of her morning searching high and low for the charger.  Giving up, she purchased another - only to discover the original charger in the electrical socket next to her bed where it was always kept.

Alice was perplexed when she arrived three hours early to visit her daughter Lydia in New York. She thought she was right on time until her daughter corrected her.  Lydia was perplexed at her mother's distracted manner and the lapses in their dinner conversation - downright baffled when the waiter chased after them with Alice's forgotten BlackBerry.

Back home, Alice went for a run to clear her head and the stress brought on by the visit.  John wasn't home from work yet and would never miss her.  Finding herself in Harvard Square on her usual path, Alice discovered that she was completely lost and couldn't figure out where she was. She paced slowly, trying to regain her bearings and fighting the natural urge to panic.  She closed her eyes and talked herself through this, pleading with her mind to get a grip.  And suddenly, recognition surfaced and she managed to return to her residence.

Stress?  Menopause?  Hormonal changes?  The business and chaos of everyday life?  What else could this be... Alice did what any one of us would do in the same situation.  She minimized the problem... each and every time she struggled for the right word, the content of her next lecture, even what she had just had for dinner - Alice rationalized her way out of it. 

What could it hurt?  She might as well get a check up, as it had been awhile.  The results were shocking - so shocking that it took her awhile to tell John, even longer to tell the kids.  The neurologist confirmed a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease.  

A trip to the genetic counselor was even more disconcerting.  Alice was screened for the APP, PS1, and PS2 mutations.  The results were positive - Alice had a genetic diagnosis and the accompanying fear that her children had potentially inherited these genes as well.


Picture
Each family member had their own reaction.  Some were quite nurturing and protective.  Others were confused, angry, even self-centered at times.  Siblings actively disagreed with each other and John over how it should go for Alice - right in front of Alice - all the while she was 'still Alice'...

What made this book so powerful for me was Genova's style of writing in Alice's voice.  I felt her confusion.  I felt her helplessness.  I felt her anger.  I cried for her - through a great part of the book.

I learned in reading Alice's story that although Alzheimer's tends to progress more quickly in the early-onset versus late-onset form, 
people with early-onset can live many years longer.  At the end of the journey, a person is a shadow of their former self - unable to eat independently, speak or recognize their loved ones.

 You have enough of a taste of this book to decide if now is the time for you to read it.  This is not a warm and fuzzy book. There is no happy ending.  In my heart, I believe everyone should read this book at some time in their lives.

Another dear friend of mine is a retired nurse in her early 60s.  After reading 'Still Alice', I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.  The irony is that she would have loved this book - even the movie, starring Julianne Moore, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, 2014.

Instead, I will attend this movie with my friend and mentor.  Ironically her name is Alice too...!  I am packing the tissues.

The message of this awe-inspiring story was two-fold for me:

1- Our minds, our memory and our ability to think ought never be taken for granted - as this can be so easily taken from us.

2- As important as our careers are, there is nothing more important than spending time with those you love, as tomorrow is not promised.

In conclusion, 'Still Alice' is a 5-star read and rated A+++ in my book...!



Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think..


See you next Wednesday at mar's Desk,


mar

32 Comments
femmeflashpoint link
1/3/2015 03:24:51 am

Mar,

Wonderful review of sad, sad situation. I think maybe books like this might be emotionally straining, but they have their high peaks too.

Since Alzheimer's has touched the lives of so many people that touch our own lives, I think a story like this might lend strength those who are experiencing it themselves, or supporting loved ones who are.

I want to read this. ☺

femme

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 12:16:23 pm

Dear femme,

Thanks for your heartfelt remarks and being the first to visit/ as well as helping me line this post up while I was away this weekend on my Gestalt workshop.

My belief is that timing is key in the reading of this book. But absolutely, if the time is right, there is strength to be gleaned from this book.

I believe you will find this book very valuable. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Paula link
1/3/2015 03:07:51 pm

Maria.....How I wish I could be at the workshop with you. Cannot wait to hear all about it. This book sounds to me like a must read. I'll have to step out of my comfort zone and read a sad story.
I experienced this dreaded disease with my maternal Aunt. Like so many others, this is a family disease. Everyone feels the need to do their part for a loved one. It is a dreaded and frightening illness.
Thanks as always for sharing, Maria. I love you girl......Paula

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 12:23:06 pm

Dear Paula,

More than one participant commented on my 'sense of humor' so if you 'had' been at the workshop, well, I can only imagine (LOL)! And I will be sharing some of what I learned on Wednesday's post...

You are right in the dread and fear connected with Alzheimer's, especially when our loved ones are suffering.

Thank you for your visit. Love you too, Maria

Reply
Vicki
1/3/2015 03:20:17 pm

Dear Mareer,
Great review of something that hangs like a shadow over all of us as we get older. Every time I forget something I have to wonder . . .
It's so good to have books like this, but it would be a very sad read. It's so tragic, and for such a long time. I don't know what I would do if I heard this diagnosis!
I admire your strength in reading it, and great for all of us to have this powerful review after you did.
Hugs, Vickster

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 12:37:54 pm

Dear Vickster,

Like you I immediately wonder 'what's up' when I forget something.

I promptly bought puzzle books for my sister and myself after finishing 'Still Alice'. Mom was sharp as a tack at the time of her death and swore by the importance of mental activity...I am entrenched in her foot steps where this is concerned.

To me, mental activity is equal to physical activity. Actually in the book, the importance of physical activity (in this case Alice's jogging) is also stressed, even after diagnosis to slow the disease progression.

Thank you for the honesty of your comment - expressing what many of us feel. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie link
1/3/2015 07:58:56 pm

Mar, this is an extra-ordinary good review of "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova, as your empathy with people suffering Alzheimer's Disease shines between the lines.

I got quite scared while I read this heart-touching post of yours, as I could clearly recognise the symptoms in myself. Of course, I minimize and rationalize them - I simply have too much on my mind and I tend to be pre-occupied. In fact, my granddaughter of 10 came forward with a solution for my problem about a year ago: "Granny, you think too much. You should stop thinking!"

I can but only pray that the bitter cup of Alzheimer's will never become my lot.

I have read the other day somewhere that sniffing on fresh rosemary apparently prevent this disease, and I am going to get some in my garden right now.

Thanks for drawing my attention to this book.

Love you lots!

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 12:44:20 pm


"Granny, you think too much. You should stop thinking!"

Doesn't that sweet thang realize this is like asking a bird not to sing?

ATTN dear Martie, I need you and so does your family. Please keep plenty of rosemary on hand and use it... :)) Thank you for stopping by.

Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Pamela Oglesby
1/3/2015 09:47:07 pm

Mar, Thank you for the wonderful review of this book and the disease that strikes fear in us all. As a retired nurse I take care of my husband, who has had a stroke, and my 91 year old mother, who has no signs of dementia. I am so grateful.

I will be reading the book and hopefully seeing the movie.
Lots of love to you and have a blessed new year.
Pam

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 12:50:32 pm

Dear Pam,

You are a nurse from the heart with everyone you love, even in retirement. I am also grateful your dear Mom has no signs of dementia - wishing you all a peaceful and blessed new year.

Let me know what you think after you have had an opportunity to read 'Still Alice' and perhaps see the movie. Love you, Maria

Reply
Kimmie
1/3/2015 11:31:19 pm

Dear Maria,
Very touching review and I do think I would like to read this book sometime in the future. Since this devastating diagnosis is so close to home, I am not sure if I can read the ending just yet. I pray a lot and try to look at the positive, making every day count and not think too hard on what could be coming.Mom is on patches now and I do hope they will keep the worst at bay for now. I will hold this book in my heart for now and know the time will be right when I can read it.I am also like Martie, I do sometimes get worried... I may think too hard on this. I try not to focus on it as it is so very scary. I will get some Rosemary too and also Coconut Oil I have heard is good. This is a subject that must be discussed and there always be a support for those of us who are going through the beginning stages either with a loved one or seeing signs within ourselves. We must not fall into fear but find comfort in each other.
Love you Mar,
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2015 01:00:56 pm

Dear Kimmie,

You have raised so many wonderful points in your comments:

You've emphasized the importance of timing. It is understandable that now the book might hit too many nerves...and your heart will guide you to the right time for you.

Keeping your faith, remaining in the now, being positive and adding meaning to the moments...what wonderful strategies you have shared.

Giving us yet another reason to use coconut oil.... along with the rosemary

Emphasizing the role that support plays in helping allay our fears and reminding us we are not alone.

Thank you for such insights. Love you too, dear Kimmie

Reply
Peg Cole link
1/3/2015 11:46:50 pm

What a powerful review of this touching story. As we grow older, these things that used to be stuff that happened to others becomes more real and worrisome. You've captured the emotion and realization of this woman's mental struggle within your excellent review of the book.

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:12:50 pm

Dear Peg,

Thanks for your wise insights, which I totally agree with. I always appreciate when you take the time to stop by. Love, Maria

Reply
Mary (Tillsontitan) link
1/4/2015 01:53:31 am

This terrible disease has touched each of us in some way and seeing how another goes through it touches us directly. As we age we become more aware of the dangers we face day by day.
Thanks for the great review. This is a must read and a must see!

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:16:48 pm

Dear Mary,

Your remarks are astute, wise and much appreciated. Please let me know how you find the book and the movie as you have a chance to check them out.

Love, Maria

Reply
Shauna L Bowling link
1/4/2015 02:14:52 am

Maria, this sounds like a book that goes into great detail about how Alzheimer's affects the patient and family. The fact that it's written from the viewpoint of the one suffering from the disease, gives much needed insight into how traumatic it is. It must be very frustrating to be trapped and have no control over one's mind. It reminds me of the movie, The Notebook.

You've done a wonderful job of reviewing this book, Mar. Thanx for sharing.

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:19:17 pm

Dear Sha,

I immediately thought of "The Notebook" when I started "Still Alice"... Alice's age hit me closer to home obviously with the early onset at age 50.

Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Ruby link
1/4/2015 02:30:03 am

Dear Mar, I live with this fear, I'm becomming more forgetful and it seems like I worry much too much. I've taken care of patients with AD and it's heartbreaking to watch them decline before your eye's. I started using coconut oil after reading Shauna's hub on the benefits. I was unaware about Rosemary' I will get that too. There's not been any AD in my family. I can imagine the fear Alice must feel. I want to see the movie. I thing I might have told you about a nurse friend who has this disease, she contracted it when she was fifty, today she knows nothing. She was like you, she taught student nurses, plus working on the weekends in a nursing home as a charge nurse. I have always felt she took on way too much. Your review is beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you. Slow down! lol.
Love,
Ruby

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:22:43 pm

Dear Ruby,

Thank you for the kindness and honesty in your comment...so natural for us to fear this disease. I am sorry about your friend - you can certainly understand this from a personal and professional point of view.

Thank you, sweetheart...I will try to 'slow down'. Love ya, mar

Reply
Bill
1/4/2015 03:14:40 am

My best friend was diagnosed with this at 45...he is now 54 and fading very quickly. This is a hideous disease. What have I learned from this journey with my friend? Life is precious...and, as my friend says, life is good.

love,
bill

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:24:44 pm

Your friend taught you a valuable lesson, Bill.

I am ever so sorry - 45 years of age is so very young to be diagnosed with AD.

Reply
Mike
1/4/2015 05:58:47 am

Hello mar, You have produced a heartwarming review of Still Alice. By adding your insight and unique perspective you have brought the subject 'close to home' I guess there are no kind diseases but this one is cruel.

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:43:56 pm

Yes, Mike, I agree that AD is a cruel disease. Thank you for your supportive visits and kind words.

Reply
Linda Rogers link
1/4/2015 08:04:14 am

Wow Maria-what a powerful review you've written. I hadn't heard about this book but plan to read it now. A very good family friend of mine was recently diagnosed with alzheimer's. This disease is hard on everyone. Thanks so much for this review. Happy New Year.

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:51:11 pm

Dear Linda,

Happy 2015 to you as well...lovely to see you here.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend - amazing how many we know and love are effected by Alzheimer's.

Reply
Suzette
1/4/2015 10:09:08 am

Maria: I so enjoyed reading this review. I want to see the movie and read the book. Alzheimer's is an insidious disease and you handle it so well in this review, This is heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time. Thanks for taking the time to review this book as the subject is so important to everyone'd lives. Yes, we can never take good health, neurotically or otherwise, for granted. This is such an important post!

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:54:08 pm

Dear Suzette,

Your comments are supportive and meaningful. It's such a joy to see you here on my website - welcome!

Please let me know how you find the book and the movie when you have a chance.

Reply
Sannel Larson link
1/4/2015 09:04:13 pm

Hi Maria,
I'm intrigued to hear about this workshop seminar you're attending. Sounds interesting.
Thank you for this beautifully written a wonderful review here, and I'll definitely read the book myself one day. My closest and dearest aunt passed away from this horrible and cruel disease about a year ago . I saw her deteriorate in front of my eyes from the day she was diagnosed. It did not take very long before she did not recognize my uncle, her children or anyone of her family anymore. It's heartbreaking and so traumatic for everyone involved.
Take care, dear friend!
Love you lots,
hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 01:57:44 pm

Dear Sannel,

How sorry I am to hear about your dearest aunt dying from complications of AD and the effect it had on your family.

Love you very much and sending hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Theresa Davis
1/5/2015 12:51:53 pm

Dear Maria,

It is such a devastating disease for all! One so brilliant and then just a shell of her former self. What a powerful book and fabulous review you have written here. This is one book all should read no doubt. So true, none are guaranteed a tomorrow, even if we are still here, our minds may not be.

Thank you for sharing here of this profound, yet poignant read.

Love you,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
1/5/2015 02:00:00 pm

Dear Theresa,

I appreciate you, your kindness and your insights as you take the time to visit me after a busy day at work.

Love you and have a peaceful evening, Maria

Reply



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    marcoujor

    Something awaits us all.

    Know your possibilities.

    There is inspiration all around us--in those people and situations we encounter along life's way.

    Share your wonder with me as well.

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    mar


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  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me