Have you seen this commercial?
The first time we saw it, we both sort of looked at each other in an amused, panicked sort of way, as we misplace objects in unusual places all the freakin’ time. NOW. Before I continue, let it be known I am not making light of Alzheimer’s at all. I know several friends who have and continue to cope with their parent(s) going through it. And I realize there’s a difference between me losing a piece of paper vs. someone with the actual disease. What started to really bug me about this commercial was this:
Wife is obviously searching for her keys. Husband is reading the paper on the couch. What does he say? “I’ll help you look.” AND GOES AND POURS HIMSELF A CUP OF COFFEE. Yes, I realize it’s a plot device. But I noticed it after a couple more times I saw the spot, and I went, “You fucker, you’re not helping her at all! You’re getting some coffee! This is all designed to get you into the fridge so you can see the keys behind the creamer!”
Now, the look on his face when he sees the keys is a heartbreaking mix of emotions and the casting was fantastic, they both seem quite sweet, as if they spend every winter doing dinner theater as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. But I still find myself snarking a little bit when I see it.
The spot has made me wonder from the first time I saw it if the lady was already diagnosed or not…
Yeah, I’d wondered how helpful he was being while pouring himself another cup of coffee. Maybe he knew it was likely to be a long search?
On a separate, but related question: there’s an ad that’s been airing lately for one of the drug research firms seeking patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Patients in the study will receive either a new drug being tested or a placebo. I’m sure this is common practice for most conditions, but doesn’t the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s preclude the possibility of informed consent?
I actually thought the same thing….why did he get a cup of coffee?
Also, now, come on…how many of us have lost our keys? Is it time for MY medication. Crap!
Maybe he’s the one with the disease?