In what has been described as “brave,” Glen Campbell the famous singer and musician has gone on tour after revealing he has Alzheimer’s disease. In a televised interview earlier this year on ABC he and his wife shared some of the experiences that many spouses go through when one of them has Alzheimer’s.

At one point Glen called his wife his “memory.” That was something many people in her shoes could probably identify with. He was able to remember his childhood without any prompting, evidencing another facet of the disease. On the tour he will be assisted by his children who are musicians as well. The Alzheimer’s sufferer has been making some mistakes on stage during the tour, but the audiences have been warm and receptive to his openness in talking about the disease.

There is some irony in the fact that many Alzheimer’s patients are soothed by music and maybe this is happening with Glen. He not only gets to hear his children playing on stage, he also gets to remember some of his favorites while performing them for others.

At The Wilsonville our daily activities for Alzheimer’s sufferers can include music appreciation and therapy, along with visits from family members. The soothing music and daily activities that both our professional staff and family members share with our residents are both enjoyable and therapeutic. These activities are some of the ways we try to minimize the use of drugs with our Alzheimer’s patients and it has been successful.

Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and frustrating for both the sufferer and for those who are providing care. The fact that there is currently no cure for the debilitating disease can be discouraging to all those who are affected. The best way to minimize the stress associated with Alzheimer’s and to improve quality of life is with the proven therapies conducted in an Alzheimer’s care facility.