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There is a poem—widely shared, quietly powerful—that begins, “If I ever get Alzheimer’s, ask me to tell you a story…”

Though its authorship is sometimes unclear, its message is unmistakable: a deep plea for compassion, dignity, and human connection in the face of memory loss.

 

This poem is more than just words. It’s a mirror into what so many people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia might feel but can’t always express. And for those of us committed to wellness—of mind, body, and spirit—it invites us to look closely at how we prepare, respond, and care for ourselves and others as we age.

 

Here is the poem:

If I Ever Got Alzheimer's

If I ever lose my way, and shadows fill my mind,
And the world I know begins to fray, leaving me behind.

If I call your name, but see a stranger's face,
And laughter turns to tears, lost in this disorienting space.

Please remember the stories I've told you before,
The moments we've cherished, the love I've poured.

Don't let my confusion cloud the bond we share,
For beneath the fog, a part of me will still care.

Hold my hand and whisper, of the days gone by,
Let a melody float by, a familiar lullaby.

And if I forget your name, and a blankness fills my eyes,
Know that the love I felt for you, within my spirit lies.

For even as memories fade, and words struggle to ignite,
My heart remembers, in the fading light.

 

The Poem’s Message: Connection Over Correction

 

Lines from the poem ask:

“If I ever get Alzheimer’s,
Let me keep the pieces of my identity,
Even if they’re jumbled or out of order.
Meet me where I am.”

 

These words challenge us to move away from frustration, and toward presence. Rather than correcting a name, a date, or a misremembered fact, the poem reminds us to lean into emotion over logic, presence over perfection.

It’s a wellness practice in itself: to pause, breathe, and meet a loved one not with facts, but with compassion.

 

 

Alzheimer’s and the Growing Importance of Brain Health

 

Alzheimer’s affects more than 6 million Americans—and that number is rising. While there is currently no cure, research shows that prevention and early intervention can make a meaningful difference.

 

 

Ways to Support Brain Health:

 

Stay mentally active: Puzzles, reading, learning new skills—even in older age—stimulate brain pathways.

Prioritize social connection: Isolation and loneliness are risk factors. Community matters more than we know.

Eat for your brain: Diets like the MIND diet (rich in berries, leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3s) have been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

 

Move regularly: Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and encourages neural growth.

Sleep deeply: Deep sleep is when the brain clears toxins—essential for memory and clarity.

Manage chronic conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can all contribute to cognitive decline.

 

 

Planning Ahead Is a Gift of Love

 

The poem also encourages us to think practically:

“If I ever get Alzheimer’s,
Please don’t wait until I’m too far gone
To ask me what I’d want.”

 

Making decisions about long-term care, daily routines, power of attorney, and health directives while we’re still able to communicate clearly is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves and our families. It's not morbid—it's empowering.

 

 

Wellness Is Also About How We Care for Each Other

 

Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone who fears the loss of memory one day, If I Ever Get Alzheimer’s calls us to embrace a broader definition of wellness:

 

One that honors the human spirit, even when the mind fades.

One that prepares proactively, rather than reacts in crisis.

One that understands the power of small gestures—eye contact, hand-holding, music, and familiar scents—in preserving identity and connection.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

If I Ever Get Alzheimer’s is not just a poem. It’s a wellness manifesto in disguise. It whispers what science is beginning to confirm: that empathy, intention, and prevention are all forms of healing.

 

So as we light our soy candles, blend our green smoothies, and track our steps, may we also tend to our inner landscape—making room for gentleness, long-term planning, and presence with those we love, even when memory fades.

 

 

Need guidance on caring for a loved one with memory loss?

 

Functional Pharmacy offers support for caregivers, brain-health resources, and integrative approaches to aging with dignity. You’re not alone on this journey through the storm.