A World of Pure Imagination: Gene Wilder & the Stigma of Alzheimer’s
Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination. So goes the popular ditty sang in the film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Of course, the titular character of the movie was played by no other than the late Gene Wilder, an actor who apparently lived with Alzheimer’s disease for the last three years of his life.
In a statement released by family members shortly after Wilder’s passing, the actor chose not to disclose to the world of him diagnosed with the mental disorder. Wilder’s decision stems from choosing not to hurt young children’s (and numerous adult fans’) feelings, of seeing Willy Wonka suffering a brain disorder. As quoted by Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, “He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”
Wilder and his family’s decision to only disclose the condition after the actor’s death shows the devastating stigma that Alzheimer’s has for the affected and his or her loved ones. No one wants to leave a legacy of pain and suffering – in Wilder’s case, almost anyone would understand that he would want to be remembered as someone who brings inspiration and light to the world. To be remembered and defined solely for the regression that Alzheimer’s brings is just too much, especially for those attached to the characters that Wilder has brought to life through his acting.
Ironically (and unknowingly), the news of Wilder diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shed more light on why more people need to talk about the disease. As September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and the announcement that Wilder died from complications of the said disease may just be the key for more people to learn, prepare, and deal with the progressive brain disorder.
The Stigma is Real
A blur between reality and the imaginary can be a way to describe Alzheimer’s, but one thing is evident – stigma is real, and this negative notion may be the hindrance that prevents people from directly addressing the disease. As the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, more steps need to be implemented in order for individuals to properly deal with Alzheimer’s.
What makes dealing with Alzheimer’s a challenge is public perception and misconception. The damage that this form of dementia brings verges on the bizarre. Imagine your parents, probably the closest persons in your life, becoming strangers in an instance. Or perhaps waking up to your spouse, screaming and crying of the person right next to her (which would be you). Dementia hooks on reality and memories, mixing everything up into an incomprehensible pile of emotions.
And no one wants to be involved in this mess. The shame family members get from caring for the afflicted is taxing, causing stress that may even extend to financial problems. For those who suffer Alzheimer’s, thoughts of fading away, not being whole, and being a burden to family and loved ones, prevent them from living their lives to the fullest. Alzheimer’s is a disease that tends to be whispered, when in fact, more of us should be actively learning about how to deal with it instead.
Preparation and facing Alzheimer’s will only happen if only one accepts the fact that the disease is a possibility in their lives (a high possibility that is, with Alzheimer’s accountable for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases). Acceptance grants one to take the necessary steps to address the condition – in Wilder’s case, it helped him and his family to have the reason to announce it properly. Just like the Pure Imagination song, acceptance made Wilder step away from the stigma and enter into a world of his making to view paradise (and in effect, for others to do so too, by choosing to focus on the wonderful moments of the actor’s life as legacy, compared to the pitfalls of dementia).
Preparation is Vital
Acceptance creates the mindset one needs to plan on how to face Alzheimer’s. Setting the tone of Alzheimer’s awareness will allow one to commit to an early diagnosis, research for additional medical treatments and avenues, consult with physicians, and shop for long term care insurance quotes online for the best rates on custodial care and support.
Preparation also extends to the people that the afflicted are closest to. Instead of shame, family members can focus on Alzheimer’s awareness. The afflicted can also search for support groups to reach out and share their thoughts and pain with. Also, friends and loved ones can take a proactive approach to creating an appropriate environment for the afflicted to live in.
Take out stigma and countless opportunities on how to tackle Alzheimer’s will now be made available. It all boils down on awareness, and preparing early on will allow one (and his or her family) to have the positive perspective to make the most out of their circumstances.
Alzheimer’s isn’t the end – this is why most would want to term it as “living with Alzheimer’s” than “diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” Life has much to offer – do not let a mental condition limit the rewards one can gain. Take, for example, how this father-and-son duo tackles Alzheimer’s – through the power of carpool karaoke, Ted McDermott and his son, Mac, are able to bond and sing their woes away (in fact, the McDermotts’ songs are now used to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK).
We started the article with a song; let’s end it with another one as well. Wilder passed away while listening to Somewhere Over the Rainbow – let’s all make a conscious effort for more to be made aware of Alzheimer’s, by dreaming (and making) a wonderful world to live in.
What About You?
Do you other suggestions on how one can prepare for Alzheimer’s? Any thoughts on how more people can be made aware? Please share it with us below.