There is a difference between Alzheimer’s disease and the dis-ease of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease is a biological condition. It occurs in the brain. It involves the death of brain cells. The dis-ease of Alzheimer’s, however, is the emotional isolation that many people with dementia and their loved ones experience when “normal” communication breaks down.
Emotional isolation produces loneliness, anxiety, and depression. It intensifies feelings of sadness, grief, guilt, shame, paranoia, and helplessness. Emotional isolation is even a risk factor for dementia and, research indicates, it increases the risk of dementia by 40%.
Ending emotional isolation, therefore, can eliminate significant suffering.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the dis-ease of Alzheimer’s can be healed. Each of us, by virtue of being human, can participate in the healing.
“To love someone is to reveal to them their capacities for life, the light that is shining in them.”
Jean Vanier
“All real living is meeting.”
Martin Buber
“I think something happens to us when we give. There’s a better self in us that comes to the surface, gasping for air, glad to be let out.”
Alan Alda
“We have all known the long loneliness, and we have found that the answer is community.”
Dorothy Day
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows.”
Nisargadatta Maharaj
Barn’s burnt down— Now I can see the moon.
Mitzuta Mashide
Memory Bridge graduates become bridges of human affection to people who are emotionally isolated.
An experience-centered learning journey that positions people with dementia in the roles of teacher, guide, and companion.
Learn about our history and the mission of our organization.