His wife said: "We're trying to live our lives and stay out there and socialize as much as we can as long as we can,". "The other night we went to see Merle Haggard and hung out with Toby Keith on his bus. ... Everybody played different songs and had a great time. So we're still out there trying to do that kind of stuff. But eventually we might not be able to do that."
Yes Kim, eventually it all comes to an end. I am glad the world gets to gain a little insight into an Alzheimer's decline.
Another sad story! I saw GLenn Campbell last June when he opened the first night of the Nashville Country Music. Festival. He struggled then confused after each song, he thanked everyone and said goodbye. Then his wife would send him back to do the next song. Each time he smiled and said, "they tell me I have another song". It was painful to watch . He still looked so handsome and vital. It was almost unbearable for me as I was coming to realize that my husband had symptoms of AD and I was hanging on to denial by a thread.
I saw Glen Campbell's beautiful daughter pleading for AD funding before Congress a few days ago. She said he was finding it harder to play guitar along with her and he was finding it harder to remember her name. Glen sat impassively next to her, obviously not understanding much that went on. So very sad for them, for us.
I was only thinking about Glen Campbell yesterday, as his birthday is on Monday, my Dh's is on Sunday. Dh loved country and western and especially his music. We also have son's wedding on Sunday...sadly Dh is not well enough to attend.
I also saw Glen Campbell's daughter testifying before the senators. Her message really hit home with our daughter who is about the same age. Music is still a very important part of my husband's life as well. He is always talking about old songs and singing usually a line or two several times a day. He used to play the saxophone in our local community band, but stopped this past fall. He said he didn't want to go anymore, although I suspect it's because he was having a hard time keeping up with the group. I really admire the Campbell family for being so open and bringing Alzheimer's into the public forefront.
Coco, if you are reading this topic- remember how both you and I saw Glen Campbell on a tv show; about 18 months ago and we commented at the same time on another thread? We had both caught "the look" in his eyes. You had said that anyone who knows dementia knows that look. I will always remember that just as I will always think of you and send you and Dado best wishes.
awwww mahalo abby* for thinking of me. And I still think of you and I in the warm thermal ponds, talking to Mr. Giant turtle.
When I think of those videos, I also think of the huge denial of the family, especially his wife. The part I believe about "fighting it" My heart goes out to them , especially his children.
Our son took dh and me to see Glenn Campbell at the old Opry House I think it was January 2012 this was a makeup show the original scheduled for Dec. '11 was canceled because he was ill. We enjoyed his concert and he seemed to follow his daughter's lead. He did start what I could (unfortunately from experience) recognize rage and she started playing and talking to him and he began to play. He became upset because he thought he had the wrong guitar but when she started the dueling banjos piece he began playing along. So glad we got to go dh enjoyed it so much.