By Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, president of Alzheimer’s Disease International, honorary vice chairman of the national board of the Alzheimer’s Association and general chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Galas.
“We Didn’t Know Then What We Know Now”
My mother, Rita Hayworth, was the most beautiful and glamorous movie star of the 1940s and 1950s. She spent much of her life memorizing complicated dance routines and movie scripts. How ironic that she would later be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
As a young girl on visits home from boarding school, I would notice her odd behavior. She would move her personal items from her bedroom to other closets around the house, including mine. She would throw all the food out of the cupboards. She would imagine voices outside and thought someone was trying to break into her home. The police would have to come and tell her no one was there. I remember the many times she would call me at college and ask me the same questions over and over again.
As the disease progressed, her confusion, disorientation and fear worsened. She was unable to remember what day it was or even the name of our president. Her panic increased, and my own fear and sense of helplessness and guilt became overwhelming. It was a terrible day when we stood together in front of a mirror, and she turned to me and asked, “Who are you?”
It wasn’t until she had a complete breakdown that I could step in and take charge of my dear mother’s life. I became her caregiver, and I worried about her all the time.
More: The Shriver Report || A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimers.
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