My name is Annick Germeys, and since June, I have been a member of the European Dementia Carers Working Group (EDCWG). In October 2022, my husband Geert Mathys was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at the age of 53. This news hit us like a bombshell. You process the diagnosis, mourn what is lost, you live difficult times. But a person with (early-onset) dementia still has a life to live. As a caregiver, you must take on tasks that your partner can no longer manage. I took over the control of my partner's life. However, beyond taking on many responsibilities, I also wanted to ensure that Geert's cognitive reserves would not deplete too quickly. I spent extra time maintaining social connections, engaging in active and creative pursuits, and planning enjoyable activities to fill our days. In short, I did everything I could to keep Geert’s brain stimulated while also ensuring that we could still enjoy the time we have together. I would like to share with you one of my husband Geert's passions and his fight to challenge his creative mind, in hopes of slowing down the progression of early-onset dementia and spent good times pleasantly.
About eight years ago, I began studying ceramics at the part-time art education programme at knst.beeld in Hasselt, our home town. Working with clay has since become my form of mindfulness. I learned to create, developed entirely new skills, and most importantly, found peace in my head. Geert saw how passionate I was about it and decided to take up sculpture and spatial art during an open day at the Academy. He started it shortly before he was diagnosed. Now, for him, being creative is equally important. Unconsciously, but crucially, he stimulates his brain by creating, learning new skills, and also enjoying meaningful social contact. He eagerly looks forward to the lessons he attends twice a week. This artistic outlet, as mentioned earlier, unknowingly serves as a form of cognitive training. I am glad that Geert receives full support from the Academy, and that his teacher Diane Gielen is making this inclusion journey possible. Geert’s creative side was also highlighted in the VRT1 programme "Restaurant Misverstand" (The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes), in which he participated this year.
The programme featured Geert working on his sculpture at the Hasselt Academy of Arts. After the TV show, Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen wanted to surprise all the participants with a special gift. They asked the caregivers how they could bring joy to the participants while also raising awareness about early-onset dementia. Since Geert was so passionate about his sculpture, I chose to highlight this aspect. He had worked so hard on it, and his teacher, Diane, provided exceptional support. When I learned that his sculpture would be displayed at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), I was pleasantly surprised. Exhibiting your work at the KMSKA is every artist's dream. This was all organised as a special surprise for Geert, with an official opening arranged by Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen and the KMSKA. The cast of Restaurant Misverstand was present at the opening, along with friends and acquaintances. Geert had no idea, and it was a complete surprise, making it an extraordinary experience. Geert named his sculpture "My Broken Head" (Mijn Kapotte Kop). At the front, you see numerous small spheres, representing Geert's perception of his brain cells dying off. The head is large, symbolising the many memories Geert holds, which are slowly fading. Geert chose the colour red, the colour of love. Initially, the sculpture was supposed to remain at the KMSKA for two weeks, but after talking with the museum, I was able to arrange for it to be displayed until the end of August.
The exhibit has moved many people. The sculpture is beautifully showcased, and my wish for it to continue drawing attention and finding a new home has come true. Starting in September, it will be exhibited for two months at the Provincial and City Library of Hasselt, our hometown. In the library, there will be extra attention and a themed display about (early-onset) dementia. Hasselt aims to be a dementia-friendly city and will use September, including World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September, to raise extra awareness about this issue. The film that was made about Geert's artwork, the surprise, and the opening at the KMSKA will also be shown there. The film can be viewed by everyone (in Dutch, with Dutch subtitles) via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Yfi408oLs. We want to raise awareness about early-onset dementia and, above all, emphasise that there is still life after the diagnosis. I hope that the sculpture will continue its journey to other locations. About the Sculpture This work by Geert portrays the reality of Alzheimer's, where every detail of what was once a vibrant mind now crumbles due to the disease. It symbolizes the slow decline of cognitive functions and identity. Geert views it as an acceptance and embrace of the disease as an inevitable companion. The sculpture reminds us that while new memories may fade, old ones still exist and can be cherished. Through this creation, Geert seeks to draw attention to the value of memories and empathy for those living with Alzheimer’s. The sculpture encourages us to cherish what remains of a person's essence, despite the gradual fading.
