Still Alice

On August 18th, we gathered at my

house to discuss "Still Alice" by

Lisa Genova. Not only is she a

fine author but she also has a

phd from Harvard in Neuroscience.

It is a work of fiction based on a lot

of research about a brilliant Harvard

professor of cognitive psychology who

is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's

at age 50. The story was told from the

patient's perspective not the caregiver's.

It is a fast progressing disease with such

a downward spiral in life which has no cure

and current medicines may slow the growth

but eventually the result is the same.

Some of the subjects we discussed was her

husband's decision to continue his research

despite Alice's condition. We wondered if Alice

had attempted suicide as most early onset

patients do. Most of us had encountered or

knew victims of this harrowing disease.

We all had to laugh at the sometimes funny

events like the book in the microwave and

the Blackberry in the freezer. Although we

all admitted that we lose our keys, purses,

cameras (some of us more than others),

and we lose our train of thoughts as we age.

This is normal. The book was not depressing.

Alice formed a support group and made the

most moving speech at the Alzheimer's

Association symposium. It is worth re-reading

that speech.

Thanks to Madeleine for choosing this

very informative and interesting book.

This book is the author's debut and is

very much endorsed by the Alzheimer's

Association.

We had salad and pizza and snacks and

enjoyed a beautiful cool summer evening

outdoors. Marsha measured my kayak for

a future purchase.

Our next book was chosen by Sue and it

is "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy.

Catholics should love it. October 6th which

is a Wednesday will be the next meeting.

I will send out reminders.