My Experience with Someone with Alzheimer's

Last week, I met someone with Alzheimer's for the first time. She was a frail old woman who was swallowed up by the monstrous contraption of a wheelchair she was resigned to sit in. On her face hung a look of total and utter dissatisfaction. She clearly did not want to be where she was.

I felt confused and speechless. I didn't know what to say to her. She used to be an artist, but she was unable to draw basic shapes. She didn't know what year it was or where she was or what time it was. Watching her as she struggled, I felt awful. I wanted to help her, but I didn't know how.

When I first began toying with the idea of studying neuroscience, it was only because I thought it was an interesting subject to be pursued academically. However, after meeting her, my perspective has been drastically altered.

I am glad I met her even if she did not want to be there.