Before frontotemporal dementia, Ken Keene Sr. was a man’s man, a strong, quiet type who worked hard, led by example, and doled out stern discipline to his three sons.
The oldest, Ken Jr., longed for a warmer version of the man he loved and respected.
Now, he’s got one.
Midway into a form of dementia that affects judgment, behavior, and language ability, Keene Sr. is now an outgoing hugger, dancer, singer and talker. Unfortunately, he uses his newfound loquaciousness to tell — and retell— a tiny repertoire of stories. He can’t remember that gum is for chewing, not eating. He pointed out one day that everyone has “one of these” — referring to his nose. He has an embarrassing habit of performing ad jingles at the slightest provocation. A much-repeated favorite: We are Farmer’s bum ba-dum bum bum bum bum.
What the disease has done is ironic, heartbreaking, maddening, exhausting and, sometimes, funny. The worst of it still lies ahead.
Ken Keene Jr. (left) offers his father a stick of gum, then has to explain that you chew rather than eat it. CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL STORY!!