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Away From Her Unit Assignment

I. Summary of Movie
A. Give a summary of the plot and characters and the story that unfolds in this movie. Give a detailed description of the main characters’ personalities, culture, socioeconomic and historical contexts, their relationships, set the stage of “who they are’ when the movie begins, and then tell the story of what happens over the course of the film. Away from Her is a motion picture designed to depict a realistic story of the challenges individuals must face when a family member is diagnosed and is experiencing the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The onset of the film describes the lives of Fiona and Grant Anderson, who had been married for over forty-four years. They lived in Fiona's grandparent's home in Ontario for most of their marriage, and shared similar interests in their hobby's and lifestyle. The movie progresses by depicting their routine ski trekking on a frozen lake and casual readings together. The purpose of depicting aspects of their everyday life was to enhance the sharp contrast in Fiona's behaviors as her Alzheimer's progressed. At first, Grant believed that her moments of forgetfulness were just that, but the occurrences became more drastic over time. The turning point that clearly demonstrated Fiona's Alzheimer development was her wandering across the forest in the freezing cold, where Grant had to drive around town to find her looking at the sights over a bridge far from home. This led to an official diagnosis of Fiona's Alzheimer's disease, and left them with the difficult challenge with what to do next. The option to admit Fiona in Meadowlakes Alzheimer's care center was strongly supported by Fiona herself, and Grant was resistant towards her placement after visiting the center. After mild deliberation, Grant gave in to Fiona's request and she was admitted into the care center. A 30-day no visitation period was required, which completely devastated Grant who could barely stay hours apart from his wife. On the way to the care center, Fiona brought up Grant's infidelity when he was a professor at the university, as if it was their last attempt to make amends. After the discussion, they made love for the last time and Grant left Fiona at the care center. Once the 30 day period passed, Grant was shocked to find that Fiona had completely forgotten him and had developed a relationship with a man named Aubrey who was a mute. Grant visited Fiona every day, bringing books they had shared together while disgruntling Aubrey. Fiona developed strong affection towards Aubrey, which greatly impacted Grant. Grant internalized Fiona's actions, where he believed Fiona was getting back at him for his infidelity. Aubrey's wife Marian decided to take Aubrey back to her home because of her inability to continue paying Meadowlakes, which brought both Fiona and Aubrey great pain and eventual depression. Grant's eventual reaction was to find a way to bring Aubrey back in order to ease Fiona's depression, rather than have her remain in the same state for the rest of her life. He visited Marian in order to try and convince her to bring Aubrey back to Meadowlakes, which then developed into a new founded relationship between them. Grant, after intermittent visits to see Fiona and his relations with Marian decided to move out of his home. He finally got Marian to bring Aubrey back to Fiona, and on what seemed to be his final farewell to Fiona ended up with her temporary recollection of Grant and her love for him.
Main Character Descriptions Grant Anderson: This character could be seen as a classic intellectual who represented a mild-mannered retired college professor. With his expertise in Nordic and Icelandic literature, it was clear that Grant enjoyed his time off exploring new literature with his wife. Based on the way he talked, it was also evident that he had a Canadian way of speaking. His routine treks with his wife in the frozen lake and readings most likely would characterize him as lower in the metric of openness to experience in the big five personality traits. As a former college professor, he demonstrated a great appreciation for the outdoors and was very observant of his surroundings. He was most certainly committed to his wife, and his demeanor around her showed a strong sense of unity and dependence on each other. Like any person reflecting on their past, Grant struggled with his past mistakes in his marriage through his infidelity, and his inner conflicts most likely had a great impact on his decisions on how to proceed with Fiona's diagnosed Alzheimer's disease. In sum, Grant was a scholar, a devoted husband, and instilled a sense of peace not many couples in that age could have for one another. His conflicts and struggles throughout the movie showed his strong sense of persistence and resilience, and personified the everyday struggles of real families who actually experience the story in Away from Her. Fiona Anderson: As a beautiful young woman depicted in Grant's flashbacks, Fiona was truly one of a kind. The way she communicated with grant and expressed her feelings, it was clear that she had sound wisdom and was in tune with her emotions. Fiona's personality would most likely involve high levels of conscientiousness, mild introversion, and higher levels of openness to experience. She, just as her husband, enjoyed reading diverse literature and was in tune with the environment. As a careful observer, she enjoyed the outdoors and maintained an active lifestyle. It was also clear that her love for Grant was a milestone in itself, and she projected a deep understanding of what a true marriage was. Perhaps what stood out the most about Fiona was her clear understanding of the implications of her Alzheimer's. Rather than ruminate on the implications of what AD could result in her life and the numerous negative possibilities, she understood of the dangers she placed on herself and her husband and made the transition a lot simpler than it usually is. She was a true intellectual, and despite her AD, she managed to demonstrate what made her so special for Grant.
II. Research on Alzheimer's Disease
A. What is AD? Describe the disorder, its symptoms progression, and how it affects the lives of those who suffer from it.
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent and degenerative form of dementia worldwide (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2010). It is a progressive disease that continues to get worse a from its onset. It severely impairs general cognitive abilities and degenerates the individuals short-term and long-term memory. Beginning phases of AD include difficulty recalling short term events, with eventual loss of large amounts of memory and the inability to communicate ones thoughts to others (Stages of Alzheimers, 2011). Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease revolve around the increase challenges in recalling newly acquired or learned information, such as a new neighbor moving into town, or the different school your granddaughter is attending. The worrisome part about the early phases of AD is the fact that these cognitive declines are also found with normal aging processes, so detection is difficult. Soon after these memory lapses continue, more severe difficulties in recalling information occurs. Losing ones keys and forgetting to turn off the stove are more frequent. Short term memory is being hurt the most, and it begins to interfere with everyday functioning. After this, emotional and changes in mood occur, with withdrawal from social situations and dramatic increase in forgetfulness, to the point where ones long term memory begins to fade. Following long-term progressive impairment, individuals soon become unable to carry on their day without assistance and have wider holes in their long and short term memory. The late stages in AD involve drastic memory loss, where family members and loved ones become strangers and ones past become lost (Stages of Alzheimers, 2011). Wandering behaviors increase dramatically, and current awareness of ones surrounding is impaired. Individuals lives are impacted in such profound ways, that it becomes a huge burden on how they carry out their lives. The fear of not recollecting a loved one or family member bring great distress, and losing ones grip on awareness and short term memory functions removes their ability to carry out even the simplest tasks. With no present cure, the implications of AD on those diagnosed are far reaching (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2010).
B. What causes AD? How is a diagnosis of AD made? When does death happen and what causes it?
Neurologically, AD results in accelerated degeneration of brain cells and the formation of amyloid plaques. Amyloid plaques are made up of proteins that become encapsulated by dying neurons. The general areas in the brain that are affected by AD include the hippocampus, the basal forebrain, and the cerebral cortex (Inside the Human Brain, 2011). In effect, neurons and their receptors end up tangled and misplaced, creating spirals that interfere with normal brain functioning. Risk factors that may cause AD include previous diagnosed close relatives, and later phases in life (particularly individuals over the age of sixty-five), severe head afflictions, and consistently high blood pressure (Risk Factors, 2011). A major emphasis on genetic implications of AD are seen as the most prevalent and supported predictors for AD. Lower levels of serotonin and acetylocholine from neurotransmitters are also potential causes for AD. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's requires and in-depth multifaceted analysis including brain imaging, blood work, medical history evaluation, various physiological, psychological, and neurological metrics, and mental status tests (Risk Factors, 2011). The reason for this is to prevent possible misdiagnosis with normal aging processes or other forms of dementia. Death from Alzheimer's is a culmination of peaks in major brain deterioration, which inhibits their ability to react to their surroundings. The degenerative effects of AD eventually destroy the core neurons that send signals to the rest of the body, resulting in death. Death usually occurs between six and eight years after symptoms become evident to health care practitioners and family members (What is Alzheimers?, 2011).
C. How does being the primary caregiver for an AD patient affect one’s life?
Primary caregivers for an AD patient have a huge impact on their life. Almost every aspect of their life changes and numerous challenges are faced. Primary caregivers are usually juggling multiple roles, taking care of their children and their older family members. AD patients and primary caregiver roles are assumed out of surprise, and it creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty for what the future holds. Financially, primary caregivers are at a loss, with high costs for the care of AD patients, where a majority of caregivers are working full time. Perhaps the most tragic and impactful factor of AD for caregivers is the realization that their loved ones progressively forget who they are and themselves. Research indicates that primary caregivers are more susceptible to depression (What is Alzheimers?, 2011). Caregivers find it hard to balance their lives and assist their AD family member in their day-to-day activities. These huge burdens create large disruptions in their everyday lives. Caregiving is also conceptualized as different levels of stages with concerns to involvement, where caregivers have to change their lifestyles in the early phases to accommodate their affected loved one. This is followed by decreased involvement in later phases of AD development with their transfer to a care facility, and finally no involvement. With such uncertainty and constantly changing circumstances, caregivers have insurmountable obstacles to surpass and possible critical psychological and emotional distress as a result of such a degenerating disease on their loved one.
III. Early AD
A. In the beginning of the movie, what stage of AD is Fiona in? Give examples of her behavior to support your claim In the beginning of the film, Fiona is in the earlier phases of Alzheimer's disease characterized by the inability to recall immediate tasks and other short-term memory tasks like recognizing where everyday things are stored (Stages of Alzheimers, 2011). This phase was depicted in one of the first scenes of the film. Fiona and Grant were collaborating in doing the dishes, where Grant was washing and drying and Fiona was placing them back in the cabinet. First, she placed a pot in the correct cabinet under the sink, but she then placed a pan in the refrigerator rather than the cabinet. Grant recognized this and remained pensive on why that would happen. She also described how when not looking at the color yellow, she forgets what it means, which was depicted while they were walking down the park. She also questions whether her senses are tricking her, symbolizing the lack of control of what is lost and what one can perceive to be true. This shows evidence of rudimentary loss of core memory. As time progresses, more severe memory loss is shown when Fiona and Grant hosted a dinner with their friends. Fiona looked normal while she conversed, but when she motioned to offer wine, she could not recall what the bottle she held represented or what it was called. She paused and stared at the bottle, reiterating "Wein". She then stated that half the time she wandered around wondering what pertinent goal or task she had to do, but had no idea what it was. This clearly describes mid-stages in AD, where individuals being to lose their notions of independence. She couldn't have described it better in her statement at the dinner table of "I think I am beginning to disappear".
B. How can Fiona show such insight and intellect one minute, but not remember where to put the frying pan another? Explain this scenario in AD. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that hinders neurological signals in the brain, resulting in the deterioration of various components of memory and our ability to use working memory. Because of this progressive deterioration of various areas of the brain, there are still portions that remain intact. Fiona depicted short-term memory loss when she was placing the pan in the refrigerator, but she still hadn't lost her ability to understand and appreciate the story her husband was reading to her before they went to bed. Valuable insight in one instance and inability to recall at another is one of the paradoxical implications of AD, which can be quite a feat to accept for an individual. Unfortunately, these insights will progressively become more scarce and brain tissue deterioration spreads in most areas.
C. What compensation strategies do Fiona and Grant use? Give examples. Both Fiona and Grant find their own way to cope with the deficiencies. For instance, when Fiona visited the doctor who was testing her for Alzheimer's, the doctor presented a scenario of a fire in a movie theater and asked Fiona what she would do. Rather than admit she was incorrect, she chose to say that her and Grant no longer went to movie theaters that displayed American garbage. In addition to this, when she would ask Grant questions of her past that she no longer recalled, such as for how long they lived in their cabin, she would reply with "That's shocking" when given an answer. Grant on the other hand chose some degree of denial and trickery on the part of Fiona. With so many decades of marriage and companionship, it was not difficult to relate for Grant's reluctance in understanding what was happening to Fiona. He consistently maintained that Fiona was merely experiencing normal aging, despite behaviors such as forgetting how long they lived together that clearly indicated symptoms of dementia.
D. How does each of them appear to cope in the early stages of the movie? Is this coping typical of what is seen in marital relationships when one partner had AD? Integrate research from other sources here.
In the early stages of the movie, Fiona demonstrated both subtle and clear coping strategies. Fiona labeled all of the cabinets in the kitchen with the general categories of contents inside of them. This is consistent with findings that people with AD routinely use notes and labels to help navigate their day-to-day functioning (Coping Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease, 2010). Fiona also kept an active lifestyle, with her skiing, cooking and listening to Grant read literature. This is also consistent with healthy coping strategies found in families (White, 2011). Perhaps the most collaborative strategy among them was their constant reminiscence of the past. It was both rewarding and helpful for Fiona and Grant to cherish the memories they had together that were still intact, which has also been found to help caregivers cope. (Coping Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease, 2010). Perhaps a routinley inneffective coping strategy used by Grant was moderate denial of Fiona’s dementia. He constantly mentioned that she was far too young, and believed that Fiona was just being herself.
E. What happens when Fiona goes skiing? What is the symbolism/significance of this event?
One of Fiona’s leisurely and routine activities depicted in the beginning of the movie was her skiing across the lake. As Fiona’s Alzheimer’s progressed, no major events that demonstrated the gravity of her dementia until she went skiing. Fiona started out in her usual route, but ended up wandering across town for hours. Grant ended up driving his truck several miles away from home in order to find her. The significant of this event was the fact that both Grant and Fiona realized that her Alzheimer’s was reaching a more progressed stage, and that Fiona was no longer capable of ensuring her own safety and of those around her. It could be seen as the turning point, both symbolically in their lives and in the movie. This was the critical moment that greatly influences Fiona to choose to stay at Meadowlakes.
IV. Meadowlakes
A. What type of facility is Meadowlakes? Meadowlakes is a care facility specifically designed to treat individuals with dementia. It can be classified with skilled 24-hour nursing care under U.S. federal regulations, where the patients are helped to be bathed, are provided food, and are assigned their rooms for the long-run (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2010). Evidence of this is portrayed in the film in the “tour” Grant had of the facility, where the residents had schedules, assigned activities, and options for intensive-24 hour care on the second floor.
B. Grant goes to Meadowlakes for a visit first without Fiona. What does he see on his “tour”? What do you imagine his experiences and thoughts are as he takes this all in?
When Grant goes to visit Meadowlakes for the first time, it was evident that Grant was not happy with what he saw. On his "tour" he noticed the second floor with patients who were "progressed" and was bothered by the fact that the music playing was chosen by the personnel and not the residents themselves. He sat in the dinner room for hours, and noticed that the family and friends visiting those affected were leaving intermittently, while the AD patients left with somber tones in the evening. The common areas with puzzles and television portrayed a sense of routine and dullness, given by Grant's almost emotionless state throughout the tour. Perhaps the thoughts going through Grant's mind was that he could not envision scouting a place to place his wife in for care, and that Meadowlakes was the place that would take her away. `
C. Why does this facility have a policy of a 30-day no-visitation period? What is their rationale for this? Can you find any evidence on the web that this is customary in the U.S. What do you think are the pros and cons of this policy?
After searching online for scholarly publications and legitimate Alzheimer’s websites, I could not find any documentation or portrayal of required restrictive visitation on the initial days of residence. The only relevant finding was the concept that nursing care facilities have the right to establish set standards and requirements of caregiver’s and residents. In this case, Meadowlakes chose to implement this 30-day no visitation period. The possible rationale behind this was clearly stated by the nurse, which its intention was to make the lives easier for the personnel at Meadowlakes, as well as possible facilitation of transition by tackling the pains of separation early. The pros of this policy could include a much smoother integration in the facility for the patient. Individuals who face the reality of their dementia and the need to be in such a facility early have ample time to adjust and seek a sense of closure. The cons of this policy are the sheer pain brought onto both the caregivers and the patient. In the case of Fiona and Grant, they were literally inseparable throughout their marriage, and to change that norm all of a sudden is a huge obstacle. In sum, the benefits may outweigh the costs in this particular situation, and research on the implications of this could help shed some light on the Meadowlakes rationale. It could be seen as a sacrifice for the caregiver to not come in contact with their loved one, but the negative impact and consistent pain of missing a loved one, such as Fiona’s statement that she did not want Grant to make it so hard on her, could make the 30-day no-visitation period worthwhile.
D. Who makes the decision about Meadowlakes and why did it happen this way?
Fiona made the decision about Meadowlakes. The reason why this happened was because Grant was still reluctant to believe that his wife indeed was properly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He held on to his hope, which could be interpreted as partly escaping from the reality. Fiona throughout the movie seems to ironically be reassuring towards Grant on what was next after her diagnosis. She did not show any signs of panic or severe depression. Rather, Fiona embraced her reality and sought the best for herself and her husband, while recognizing the potential danger she could inflict on herself or others. Grant was very reluctant, as stated before, because of the 30-day no visitation period. Fiona understands and assurance of her Alzheimer’s was her statement that “I don’t think we should be looking for something we like. I don’t think we’ll ever find that “.
E. What does Fiona mean when she says “I think all we can aspire to in this situation is a little bit of grace”? How do you interpret this? What is the cinematic significance of this?
When Fiona said “I think all we can aspire to in this situation is a little bit of grace” is that her Alzheimer’s is not longer, nor had been under their control, and that embracing her fate would be the closest way of achieving acceptance and peace. It also represents Fiona’s acceptance that Alzheimer’s is incurable, and that only a bit of grace could help them deal with the consequences of Alzheimer’s, and to a minor degree, the 30-day no-visitation period. The cinematic significance of this was that it foreshadows Grant’s desperate need for grace upon his first visit after the 30-day no visitation. It was as if Fiona anticipated the events occurring, and that her deteriorating memory would take its toll soon.
V. 30 Day No Visitation Period
A. After the 30-day no visitation period, Grant goes back to Meadowlakes. What does he encounter?
When grant goes back to Meadowlakes, he realized that his biggest fear became a reality. Fiona recognized his face, but that was as far as it went. She forgot who Grant was and all of the accompanying memories behind them. She had also found her “life partner”, which the supervisor described as the person they become attached to when they are in their settling in period. His name was Aubrey, and he was a mute man that could not walk. Grant couldn’t believe what he saw, and the realities of Fiona’s Alzheimer’s kicked in.
B. Why does he continue to go every day? How does this affect him and how does it affect Fiona? Grant continues to go every day for several reasons. First and foremost, Grant still held on to the notion that Fiona was far too young to be in such a state of dementia, and that still hoped for that bit of grace that Fiona mentioned before they stayed at Meadowlake. Another reason was because he wanted to check on the relationship between Aubrey and his wife, and he was worried of the possibility of intimacy among them. Yet another possible reason was just because of their sheer history together and the fact that they were inseparable before. Coping with his loneliness was probably a strong motive to continue visiting Fiona.
C. Grant takes Fiona on a “field trip”. What happens and what is the significance of it?
On their “field trip”, Grant hoped that Fiona would gain back some of her memory. More specifically, he hoped the park sign she recognized on the way to Meadowlakes in the beginning of the movie would trigger her back to him. When they made it to their home, she stated that the house was kept the same way the people that used to live there left it. This had a significant effect on Grant, who could not gain a grain of hope on any positive signs on Fiona’s recovery. This foreshadowed Grant’s slow acceptance that Fiona may not grasp her past.
D. Grant has a conversation with the nurse about the “end of things.” What is this about? How does it apply? The conversation between Grant and the nurse about the end of things was about how Grant’s perception that not much wrong occurred in his marriage with Fiona may not be the case in Fiona’s mind. The nurse mentioned that she sees the “end of things” all of the time at work, which meant families losing their loved ones, and that most of the men viewed their marriages that not much may have gone wrong. She questioned whether or not the feeling was mutual, and most likely illuminated some things for Grant.
E. The nurse also tells Grant “it is never too late to become what you might have been.” Why does she tell him this, how do you interpret it?The reason why the nurse told Grant that “it is never too late to become what you might have been” was because she sensed that the punishment Grant perceived to be getting from Fiona was his infidelity, and that he could have been the man to walk away and leave his wife. Now that Fiona was almost gone and the Alzheimer’s was progressing to the point that she would have to go to the second floor, Grant had the opportunity to revert back to what he had done.
F. Explain what is going on when Grant says to Fiona “Is there any way to let this go? And she replies “If I let this go it will only hit me harder when it bumps into me again” What is the significance of this interaction? What is the symbolism? As Grant asked Fiona if there was any way to let it go, he meant the pain and depression because Aubrey left the facility. As her coping partner, Fiona had established a relationship with Aubrey that developed into a strong connection and a way to deal with her dementia. Fiona replies that trying to let go of the pain would end up coming back with even greater pain the next day. The significance of this interaction is two-fold. On one side, this confirms Grant’s attempts to bring Aubrey back to Fiona. Her depression and condition drastically changed after he departed, and having Fiona experience some happiness back would be best. In contrast to this, this reflects back to the 30-day no visitation period. Fiona and Grant experienced great pain as they were separated, and Fiona was reliving that experience yet again, symbolizing the eventual “bump” again.
VI. The Ending: Part 1
A. Grant convinces Marion to let Aubrey go back to Meadowlakes. Why does he do this? What does this tell you? How do you interpret it? The primary reason why Grant finally convinces Marion to bring Aubrey back to Meadowlakes was to help Fiona fend off her depression after he departed. She was doing relatively well with Aubrey as Grant observed throughout the movie, despite the pains of it not being him. On a deeper note, Grant felt that his past sins of infidelity came back around, and this was his way of giving back some happiness to his wife. B. When Grant brings Aubrey back, he goes in to speak to Fiona. What does he encounter. How do you make sense of this? What is going on here?
Just as the nurse told Grant on how most men perceived mostly good in their marriages, Grant seems to try and mend some of the damages he hadn’t experience he had seen but that Fiona had. When Grant speaks to Fiona before bringing Aubrey back, Fiona immediately recognized Grant and mentioned she had to change her yellow coat. She gave Grant a hug and touched his ears the way she always did in their marriage, and stated that he could have left and forsaken her, but he didn’t. This must have been a mix of great joy and discomfort for Grant, knowing that he had let go to be with Marion. The nurse throughout the film mentioned that sometimes patients would recall everything all over again for a short period of time, and that was one of them. The irony and timing of the event was shocking, and ending the movie on that note demonstrates the great ambiguity and challenges on both the affected and caregivers in the ongoing battle of Alzheimer’s
VII. The Ending: Part 2.
Describe the ending of the film. How does this affect the viewer? Now write down your own ending. Be as creative as possible. How would you have liked this movie to end?
The ending of the film, as stated in the previous response, encompasses the hardships and challenges of Alzheimer’s. It would appear that Fiona’s immediate recollection of Grant after all of that time in Meadowlakes was their temporary moment of grace, where they can once more enjoy each other’s companionship and love. Grant had already moved out of his cabin and was seeing Marion as well, and he truly believes all was lost with his wife. The surprise that she was back once again most likely brought the pains behind his past infidelities once again, and was a bittersweet moment for him. After all of the trouble and reluctance of bringing Aubrey back, seeing such sudden change must have impacted the audience in a profound way. The last scene of the film changed the course of predictability on what Fiona a and Grant’s story, and left the door open for interpretation of what could happen next. On that note, my ending of the film would describe the same scenario of sudden recall of Fiona’s long-term memory, but a follow up on what Grant would do next. Knowing that Fiona would soon lose her memory again, I can imagine Grant trying to bring just a few more moments of love and support for his wife, and as a result, incur a loss with his relationship with Marion. Aubrey’s return would most likely have caused a relapse of depression for him, and Marion would see yet another loss of companionship. In the end, Grant would most likely continue to visit his wife and expect the more severe later phases of Alzheimer’s. I appreciate realistic endings, and embracing the hardships of Alzheimer’s and the need for a cure requires such depictions of reality to establish more awareness on the issue.

References

Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. (2010, February). Retrieved June 2011, from National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm
Coping Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease. (2010, October). Retrieved from UCSF Medical Center:http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping_strategies_for_alzheimers_disease_caregivers/
Inside the Human Brain. (2011, January). Retrieved June 2011, from National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/Unraveling/Part1/inside.htm
Risk Factors. (2011, June). Retrieved from Alzheimer's Association: http://alz.org/alzheimers _disease _causes_risk_factors.asp
Stages of Alzheimers. (2011, June). Retrieved June 2011, from Alzheimer's Association: http://alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp
What is Alzheimers? (2011, June). Retrieved June 2011, from Alzheimer's Association: http://alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2010). Adult Developmen and Aging (6 ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
White, D. G. (2011, May). Early-onset Alzheimer’s: One man’s coping strategies. Retrieved from Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/17/2219497/early-onset-alzheimers-one-mans.html