Jul 3, 2009
Does cockiness deter dementia?
Like this post?
A billboard over highway 280:
I control my Alzheimer’s, not the other way around.
Self-confidence vs. terminal brain degeneration. Who’s gonna win?
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© 2012 Abuyo. All rights reserved.
I forget.
I thought those billboards were being ironic…I still think that..
The answer being pretty clearly: “b”
Don’t they advertise a clinic or some kind of medical treatment/drug company/specific drug?
It might help in the early stages, as it would probably increase focus and willingness to try medications.
In the later stages though, there’s nothing that can help, until we have some major scientific breakthroughs.
For instance, my grandma has middle-stage Alzheimer’s, and she wouldn’t (and won’t) admit she had problems or seek help. So her Alzheimer’s controlled her, instead of her “controlling” her Alzheimer’s (at least for a time).
So all that to say, it’s not necessarily cockiness — in fact, it could be a kind of humility, because you’re admitting you have it (which takes a lot for “proud” people) and are going to do as much as you can about it.
However, saying we can control Alzheimer’s is like saying we can control the car hurling towards us. We can run a little, but it’s going to catch up. Some pep talk can get you to run faster & a little longer, but eventually, the car is going to win.
But I think this is something that science will beat eventually. At least I hope, because it runs in my family!
As Josh accurately described, most with Alzheimers don’t know they have it. I work with those suffering with Alz and other forms of dimentia and it’s a horrific disease that I pray the Lord will spare me and my family from. Medications can slow the effects, but not stop nor reverse the damage done.
Over the last year I’ve watched Nettie, Jonathan and Ed pass from this life. I’m now watching as Harold, Dorothy, Elsie, Bill, Jack, Mary and Jean slow slip away. Their families are often in denial and unable to cope.
The effects of the fall are so evident in Alz. It sometimes reveals the best in people but more often than not it reveals the worst. Anger, pride, bitterness, impatience, sloth all jump to the surface.
I too pray that a cure is found, but I pray more diligently that the Lord will make me a man such that, if this ravaging disease strikes me, I will be the kind that constantly sings songs of praise to my God like Nettie, who constantly says “thank you” like Ed, and who jokes and laughs often like Harold.
If I could control Alzheimer’s, I would make it go away.
I control my laughter, not the other way around.
Except right now.
I didn’t take this to be a post about dementia, but rather the spirit of ad campaigns. They almost always appeal to our desire for control and our sense of entitlement.
You could replace “dementia” with “Tourette’s” or “cancer” or “depression” and the point would still be the same.
man, this is hilarious and sad.
I feel bad for all the people who read that sign and actually believe it
Jenna, you’re right. I think your getting at a cultural motto.
Scott I agree wholeheartedly! I find older people in general to be a more honest lot. They seem to be too tired to fake it anymore. It is refreshing because you know where you stand. The elderly who are lovely are honestly lovely and those who are sully are truly sully. I pray that my heart has been transformed by the Holy Spirit so that in my old age (God willing) I will honestly reflect that change.
surly. I meant surly. Can we get an edit feature?
ha ha!!! Brilliant!
Dawn – my girlfriend works at Byerly’s Minnesota Grille in Roseville, and that is exactly what she says about the honesty of the elderly. They are just too tired of faking it anymore so what you get from their mouth and their actions is pretty much exactly what is inside. It’s an interesting phenomena.
Abraham, I was mocking this billboard on 280 while my roomate was driving the other night. He thought I was delivering shots below the belt, but I stand by my belief. It’s absurd. I don’t know what it’s like to have cancer or Alzheimer’s, but I find it fascinating that humans are always RALLYING around one another and fighting it together… it probably provides a lot of artificial hope for unbelievers. Which.. is a good… thing (?)
If I have cancer and Alzheimer’s? You can have the community, give me Jesus.
– LeL