Alzheimer’s: The Story of John and Bonnie Sushei

I. Match the words on the left to their definitions on the right.

a. trial 1. typical or untypical of someone's

character
b. in character / out of 2. to produce large quantities of
character something, especially without caring
about quality

c. cast a shadow over / on 3. make something seem less enjoyable,

something attractive, or impressive

d. distressing 4. said or done without thinking or

planning
e. offhand 5. making you feel very upset

d. something is all over the 6. [countable usually plural] something

place like a rash that is difficult to deal with, and that is
worrying or annoying

e. a flicker of emotion 7. sth seems to be ubiquitous (=seems to

/uncertainty/excitement be everywhere)
etc
d. churn sth out 8. a feeling or expression that continues
for a very short time

II. Complete the sentences below with the words and expressions
from exercise I.

1. She first accepted his proposal of marriage, but after he made an

…………………. remark about his previous failed marriage she started
having second thoughts about it.
2. My brother and I were always a …………… to my parents causing
them a lot of embarrassment and worry.
3. He swore, which was completely …………………….. for such a well-
behaved boy as he had always been.
4. It is very …………… to find out at a later date that you have made a
mistake which can cost you dearly.
5. This fashion for listening to mind-numbing music on your mobile
is……………………………… Lately, there just seem to be no people
around who can hear what you’re saying to them.
6. The events of September 11th ……………………………….. the
celebrations.
7. I really have never felt even a …………….. emotion when I sang the
National Anthem.
8. She’s been …………………………novels for twenty years.

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III. Why do you expect those words and expressions are
relevant to a story revolving around Alzheimer’s disease?

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IV. Listening

1. When was Bonnie diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?

2. Why was her husband relieved to hear that diagnosis?

3. What difficult journey has John made?

4. What did he promise himself right after the diagnosis? Did he

manage to deliver on that promise?

5. What was the reason for John’s first “explosion”?

6. Is he still trying to work on his wife to make her change her odd
behaviour?

7. John refers to one instance when his wife and him were watching a
TV programme. Why was it a bit weird for her to watch the
programme in a merry mood?

8. How does John describe the treatment his wife and him received
from NHS (the National Health Service)?

9. How does Ian (an NHS expert) describe the state John was in when
they first met three years ago?

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10. Has Ian ever met a perfect carer? Why does he consider it
natural for carers to get furious with and shout at the people they
are taking care of?

11. What advice from Ian does John like best?

12. Why did John get so upset when his wife exclaimed: ‘Bloody
Beethoven! I’ve had enough of him!’?

13. Does John believe he is still married to the same person?

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 V. Points for discussion

1. What do English people mean when they say “the f-word”?

Why do you think John Sushei prefers to talk about the A-word rather
than saying “Alzheimer’s disease”?

2. If our spouse’s personality has completely changed, do we have the

right to consider them a different person?

If your answer is “no”:

what defines us as the same person: our physical appearance (which changes
over time) or our personality, in which case how can you justify answering
“no” to question 1

If your answer is “yes”:

does it give you the right to abandon the person you married?

John confirms that the NHS while helping families affected by Alzheimer’s disease
places more emphasis on assisting the carers than people with the condition.

- Who do you think needs more assistance in cases of this kind: the
Alzheimer’s sufferer of their carer?

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