Memory Is A Lonely Observer

​“Memory Is A Lonely Observer . . .”


Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?


Dementia raises questions about what are the boundaries of the human, what is required to have meaningful social relationships and more generally what makes life worth living (or no longer worth living) when memories fade.


There may be lessons to learn from those who have found both reasons and ways to maintain relations of friendship after the onset of dementia – lessons that could be shared with others who find themselves confronting similar situations. The friend who remains in a relationship with a friend who has dementia may gain knowledge about the illness and grow in unexpected and insightful ways.


There is a lot we can do to make life better for older adults with dementia. And we ought to do what we can – not only because people with dementia are fellow members of our human community, but also because any one of us might find ourselves affected in the future.


Upon closer scrutiny, there is light in the darkness . . .