Dad with Alzheimer's momentarily finds his speech after greeting his dog

[n2doc]

By Michelle Jaworski on April 25, 2014 Email
Alzheimer’s is an ugly disease that can rob loved ones of their voice and the ability to perform even the simplest functions. But there’s still a chance for a final shining moment before that day comes.

Lisa Abeyta’s father is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, and he’s almost completely lost his ability to speak. When it comes to the family dog, things sometimes work a little differently.

Cue the piano music.

http://www.dailydot.com/lifestyle/dad-alzheimers-dog-speech/#trending

Who's a good dog? You're a good dog!

[allan01]

1. seen this happen too many times

on edit : lost my mom in 2004 , dad later . still miss them grandmother had this terrible thing. friend who developed most of the modern features on computers (hardware) is going into the violent phaze. his wife is very understanding , but i fear for her safty.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. "I'll take you. and you take me..."

and beautiful... all at the same time.

[tabasco]

3. People form special bonds with dogs

They are truly man's best friend.

[rhett o rick]

4. k&r thanks for posting. nm

[Swede Atlanta]

5. My father had Alzheimer's the last 4 years of his life.....

He couldn't communicate with us other than some very weak "Ya" and "No". We would sometimes get a laugh out of him but that was it.

I wonder what it would be like if we had brought in a dog (he was a dog lover). I wonder if studies have been shown where they bring in cats and dogs to these patients.

[lumberjack_jeff]

6. Dogs and humans are symbiotic species.

It's actually pretty fascinating.

[Skittles]

10. I read a quote

"Dogs are the only animals on earth born with a love of humans in their DNA."

awwwwwwwwwwwwww

[Enthusiast]

17. I believe that quote is an accurate statement.

Before dogs acquired this love for humans they were mere wolves.

A wagging tail is emotionally moving to me. The ties are deep and significant.

[Divernan]

7. When's the last time each of YOU talked to your Mom &/or Dad?

Give them a call this weekend! Wish I could pick up the phone and talk with my dear folks. And yes, I know some of us here have/had abusive parents, but that should serve as a reminder to the rest of us to appreciate having had loving parents.

[Curmudgeoness]

18. I second that.

The times that I want to talk to my mother come daily. But at least she didn't have to see what has become of this country. She passed away in 2001, so missed the Bush years. She was a great liberal who taught me all that I know. We often talked politics and I so much miss those conversations.

Take time for your parents while you can.

[Warpy]

8. I loved neurology, brains are weird, yo

One night I came in to work and one of the orderlies had arranged a circle of chairs and sat the Alzheimer's patients down. It was weird, they took turns talking and were very polite about it and none of them was making a lick of sense. I thought it was a great thing to do for them and they all slept like logs after they went to bed. Management was displeased but I told the orderly I thought it was a good thing, go ahead and do it again and I'd lie about it.

There were stroke patients who had lost speech but if you started singing a well known song like "Happy Birthday," they'd join in, words and all. That became the basis for musical intonation therapy, one of the ways they were taught to speak again. That sounds like what's at work with this guy.

Nothing comforts people with Alzheimer's like a companion animal. This man needs to see a lot of his dog for as long as possible.

[ballyhoo]

9. Great video. Going to show

my wife who is Director of Nurses of an Alzheimers Hospital.

[cilla4progress]

11. I actually think he's saying

"I''ll take CARE of you and you take CARE of me."

Either way...just lovely. I would like to think this could happen for me, if this is how I should end my days. Longtime, full out animal lover - from birth! (Maybe should say "animal-preferrer"!)

[magical thyme]

16. that's what I clearly heard too. I'll take care...take care of you. And you take care of me. nt

[ladjf]

12. Beautiful video. And the dog had a magnificent look of power, dignity and caring.

[jwirr]

13. What a wonderful moment. How long has he had the dog? Many remember things from the past.

[tblue37]

14. I truly love animals. I believe that if I ever lose my ability

to respond to people, I would still know and respond to animals. Dogs, sure, but cats, ferrets, parrot--almost any sort of companion animal. Animals are my favorite people.

[jtuck004]

15. "If your parents still talk to you, please listen. You never know..." Two important messages, along

with the "power" of a dog.


Thank you for this.

[Curmudgeoness]

19. Cue the tears.

That is so touching.

[hopemountain]

20. "i will take you. and you take me."

that is a very sweet & touching video of your dad and your pooch.

our mom is in the final stages and unable to speak or emote. when she was in the early stages she fell in love with our little lab puppy and wanted to take it home. prior to this she did not seem to care about our pets. but, she just loved our little whisper - and whisper loved her.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

21. This made me cry. Yes, please EVERYONE, spend time with the elderly, with your folks, your parents

You will not realize how important it is until they are gone.

Wish they were here.