Question F

[Jonetta]

The story also presented a secondary storyline about Alzheimer's disease. Luc Racine is obviously suffering from the onset of the disease. Did you gain any insights about the impact on the individual, community and family? How well do you think this was featured?

[Robin]

I don't know a lot about this disease. I do know that a person with alzheimers will have good days and bad. They could be perfectly fine one minute, then their minds will wonder off to another place. My grandmother had a different type of dementia, but I could see parallels between her and Luc.

[Phrynne]

I thought it was represented well. Especially the ways he was dealing with it when he was aware. Like not cooking any more in case he left things turned on.

[Jonetta]

Unfortunately, I'm all too familiar with this disease as so many in my family have been afflicted. My mother's youngest sister is in the final stages and the initial onset was heartbreaking. She worked so hard to convince us nothing was wrong and tried to cover up the memory lapses. I still remember the moment where I called her and talked with her for about ten minutes and then she asked who I was. We were extremely close and until the last couple of years could always respond to my voice.

I thought Luc's portrayal was extraordinary, illustrating the scope of the behaviors you can expect to see at this stage. And, she captured his fear and point of view poignantly.

It was a mistake to not let Julia know what was happening with Luc. I understand his not wanting to be treated differently and to manage his independence as long as he can. But, there's so much planning and preparation needing to be done while he still has the faculties to do so and they're losing time.

[Charlene]

I agree, Jonetta.

As many of you know, my husband has Alzheimer's Disease, which caused him to have to retire from teaching college chemistry (he taught for 43 years, but wanted to make it to age 70 or 72); he was diagnosed eight years ago and has had symptoms for nine. Fortunately, he is still home with me, and I try to count all the blessings we still have, but I slip and lose my composure sometimes. If it weren't for reading and being an introvert, I would have a lot more trouble being home with him 24/7.

Luc was not going to be able to live by himself very shortly; his daughter needed to know what his final wishes were, and meantime, she needed to get care for him at home (if possible). He seemed like such a nice man; it's a damnable disease.