Richard Taylor - Alzheimer's from the Inside Out

The meeting room was jammed. Huge speakers were set up on the porch so that those who couldn’t get a seat in the main room could still hear the presentation. The organizer announced two more sessions would be held the next day to accommodate everyone who had registered in advance.

The caterer added giant gulf shrimp to a tower of pineapples and greenery arranged to look like a palm tree. Attendees filled their glasses from a three-level fountain of punch, and snacked on cheese and chocolate. The mayor arrived.

A real estate pitch? A motivational seminar? No, it was Richard Taylor’s talk on Alzheimer’s last Monday at Arden Courts of Largo, an assisted living facility. Richard, a psychologist diagnosed with “dementia, probably of the Alzheimer’s type” at 58, is one of the most outspoken advocates for those with the disease. His book. Alzheimer's from the Inside Out, is a collection of essays he’s written over the four years since his diagnosis.

Richard Taylor, Ph.D, greets audience members

I had dinner with Richard during the Alzheimer’s Association Public Policy Forum in DC. I read his book, and the St. Petersburg Times article about him. I posted an excerpt from one of his speeches.

But I still wasn’t prepared for the power of his presentation. It’s really a short play based on his book. On Monday, Richard played the person with Alzheimer’s, while a local caregiver read the caregiver’s part. Lisa Milne, Program Specialist from the Alzheimer’s Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, narrated.

“I have become an “It,” Richard says in one scene. “People talk about me, instead of to me.” When he tries to maintain his independence, his family takes away the checkbook and the car. “Don’t worry, we have your best interests at heart. We’ll take care of everything,” the caregiver and the narrator chant in unison.

When the reading was over, and it was time for Richard to take questions, everyone around me was in tears. One by one, caregivers in the audience took the microphone to ask Richard for advice. He was careful to say he can only speak from his own perspective. But he recommended they involve the person with dementia in decision-making about life arrangements and care as much as possible, and gave some examples. He said that hearing about the experience of others in support groups can be helpful. He suggested they try some of the ideas in the book The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care.

I wish I could have read Richard’s book and heard him speak while Dad was still alive. Maybe my parents could have gone with me to the presentation. And maybe I would have worried less about what was wrong with my father and worried more about spending time with him.

Comments

[Gail Rae Hudson]

Wow! What a presentation! Wish I'd seen it! I'm sooo familiar with the extraordinary juggling act required by the companion to keep a Demented One feeling as though they continue to have charge of their life while the companion uber-manages it! At some point, with my mother, she simply switched to believing that she was doing it all (which she still believes) even as I do it all. This actually makes my job easier. It required several near disasters, of the financial, automobile and personal care and medical types, until she and I worked ourselves into the right arrangement, though.

I LOVE the title of the last book you mention, "The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care". I just clicked into the link and read the brief summary of the book. This appellation, Mona, "best friends", is exactly what has happened between my mother and me; and is exactly what helps me deal with the all the attendant frustration, etc. Although the summary didn't mention this, surprisingly, the "best friend" approach works both ways...she operates as my best friend, too. I'm sure most people wouldn't guess that reciprocity with a Demented One is possible. When the word "care" becomes important, somehow, we forget about reciprocity.

I'm so glad someone addressed this, and you're bringing it to the attention of your readers, Mona. It not only works for Alzheimer's it works for all types of dementia. It is probably workable for lots of other relationships in which one of the participants needs intense care. Instead of being the caregiver, be the caring friend. Absolutely!

[Mary Emma Allen]

I enjoyed this article very much. Very informative.

[Darryl White]

After reading recent on line comments from Richard Taylor and remarks about his book, Richard Taylor – “Alzheimer's from the Inside Out:”
I am encouraged to obtain a copy at my local library if it is available.
Darryl
EOAB 07-08

[Rhonda Fletcher]

I just had the priviledge of attending a Seminar where Richard Taylor was a presenter. What an amazing man who keep the audience riveted on his every word. Very insightful and I too had a large lump in my throat at times. Everyone should have the pleasure of meeting and hearing this gentleman.