Brooke Shields: Mom's Alzheimer's Affects Daughters

Courtesy Ladies Home Journal for use on CBB

A childhood spent acting and modeling is an experience Brooke Shields knows all too well. It is, however, one that her two daughters will not be sharing with their mother.

“It’s a high like you can’t imagine. It’s like a drug,” she says of the entertainment business in the April issue of Ladies Home Journal.

“But no, I don’t want them involved. Every day you’re told what you are not: You’re not short enough, you’re not thin enough, you’re not pretty enough. You’re always losing out.”

Despite years of managing a successful career by herself, the mother-of-two, 44, finds herself longing for her own mother now more than ever. Unfortunately, with Teri Shields slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease, Brooke has been forced to adapt to their evolving relationship.

“I’ve dealt with her alcoholism for years, but this is so new to me,” she admits. “I’m confident in my own mothering, I’ve been making all my own decisions for a long time, but after all these years, I want my mom.”

And while Brooke is acutely aware of all that her mother’s diminishing health entails, she admits it is beginning to have an effect on her children as well — particularly Rowan Francis, 6 ½. “My oldest is uncomfortable because she knows more,” Brooke says.

“One day she said, ‘Mom, are you gonna be crazy like Toots when you grow up?’ I was like, ‘Oh, God.’“

While she attempts to strike a balance between her home life and her career — confessing that she is wary of one truly existing — Brooke is quick to point out that she is forever trying to do it all.

“I’m greedy,” she reveals. “We were walking to school yesterday and my daughter said, ‘Mom, I want you to be a class mom.’ I laughed in her sweet little face and said, ‘You want me to be a class mom?’ I said, ‘I’m a classy mom. Isn’t that enough?’”

Brooke and husband Chris Henchy are also parents to Grier Hammond, 3 ½.

Source: Ladies Home Journal; April issue

– Anya

Comments

g!na on March 8th, 2010

Brooke is funny but from other comments from her i think her and Rowan butt heads on occasions. lol

Sam on March 8th, 2010

I get that feeling too g!na, not sure why but I do. I’m hoping she meant ‘laughed at her sweet little face’, not ‘in it’. You know?

lover on March 8th, 2010

she’s a classy mom? i hate when people claim to be classy. when someone’s truly classy, they do not need to announce it. it’s self evident. i don’t like her too much.

Maya on March 8th, 2010

I didn’t know her mom has Alzheimer’s – so sad! But Brooke seems like a tough cookie, so I guess her mom must have done something right…

B.J. on March 8th, 2010

Wow, Rowan’s comment about Alzheimer’s is so sad. My grandma has Alzheimer’s too, and it’s tough on everyone, especially my mom, who now has to take care of her own mother. Like Rowan said, it’s as if she’s “going crazy” … That’s exactly it. It’s terrifying to think it’ll happen to your parent or even yourself someday.

Michelle on March 8th, 2010

Can’t wait to see her episode of Who Do You Think You Are!

Lee on March 8th, 2010

So Lover, you hate her so much that you wasted seconds off your life to post how much you hate her? Why do that?

Anyway, I’m sorry to hear about her mom. It’s always tough to read stories about families dealing with this.

lover on March 9th, 2010

@lee, i never said i hated her. i simply said i dislike her and i’m simply contributing to a discussion about an article. and i type fast so i don’t waste too many seconds

Hanna on March 9th, 2010

Particularly poignant since Brooke (like me) is an older mother. Her kids are more involved with the aging of the adults around them (on all levels).

Jessicad on March 9th, 2010

Lover, she was playing on Rowan’s words about being a class mom. Not like she was prancing around telling everyone she’s a classy mom.

My grandmother had Alzheimer’s, it’s extremely difficult to understand and heartbreaking for the family.

I personally love Brooke, I think she’s a strong woman and I love that she was honest about her PPD after Rowan, she helped so many women. She seems like a great mother, and I bet she and Rowan definitely butt heads! I know I will with my daughter:)

Manon on March 9th, 2010

I think lover was expressing a legitimate thought! Why does she have to be accused of “hating” someone just because she says she is not too keen on someone?

I am undecided about Brooke. I think she seems a really interesting and fun woman in many ways. Bit uncomfortable how much information she gives about her daughters sometimes.

Robin on March 9th, 2010

I am apalled at Brooke, she should be teaching her children that Alzheimer’s is a brain disease, not being crazy!!, my mother has Alzheimers, and my children ages 13 and 9 are sensitive around my Mother!, and her illness!, Brooke’s daughters should be taught that Grandma has an illness that she can’t help!, and it’s not being crazy or something to be taken lightly!!, they should be tolerent and patient, not saying nasty things or being ignorant!, shame on the family!!

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Robin, your post is excellent. I don’t, personally, know the devastation Alzheimer’s has on families and I pray I never will. However, it is well known the power of this disease on it’s patients and their families. Educating young children about such also includes teaching them understanding, compassion and respect for people that are not well. Words like ‘crazy’ are not so ‘classy’.

lizzielui on March 9th, 2010

Why be appalled at Brooke? The word crazy came from a six year old folks. Children in that age group often say things that are inappropriate before being disciplined by a parent. And trust me, six year olds process adults’ erratic behavior and what they may deem to be strange happenings much differently than a nine or a thirteen year old would. We have no idea how Brooke handled the situation or what she said to Rowan in response. Remember these articles are edited heavily and the editor could have left portions of the actual exchange out for space.

Lee on March 9th, 2010

Robin and Sam, you both are creating drama from that? She was repeating what her daughter said. I swear some of you are only interested in finding something bad about every parent. Why do that? Are you both perfect parents?

Lee on March 9th, 2010

I think the word crazy does apply to your comments Sam. It’s crazy that you are so obsessed with analyzing every single word celebrities say in interviews.

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Lee, Brooke is the one that said her daughter said ‘crazy’. Brooke also said that her daughter was uncomfortable because she is older and she knows more. Knowing more and using the word ‘crazy’??? That’s not an assumption on my part, it’s Brooke’s words. Let’s give Brook the benefit of doubt with her ‘oh God’ response above. Let’s hope she sat down with her children (both are old enough) and explained to them that ‘toots’ was ill, was going to be ‘different’ and that she would need all our love more then ever. Or something like that.

Robin on March 9th, 2010

To Lee and everyone on here!, I am a good parent!!, and I am living this nightmare!!, Brooke’s Mom is in a home, so she doesn’t have to deal with it every day!, and second of all!, I have taught my children at a young age to be respectful and kind and tenderhearted!, children are smarter than we give them credit for!, and they should be taught that this is a disease of the brain not being crazy!, so if you don’t know what you are talking about, keep your opinions to yourself!, My Mother has Alzheimers and has had it sincew 2007!!, it is a terrible, devasting, and heartbreaking disease!!!, and if you aren’t in my shoes!, then keep quiet!!

Lee on March 9th, 2010

Robin, one of my grandmother’s had it so please don’t act like you are a member of a small club. It will or has affected most people around here at some point. I’m just saying we weren’t there and unless you know her personally, you have no clue on what kind of conversations she has had with her children. I just get annoyed at women acting like they are perfect mothers which to me is what you are doing

Lee on March 9th, 2010

Btw, Robin I am sorry about your mother but I still stand by my statements

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Lee. First of all, don’t call names on here – it’s not allowed, I’m surprised your post got through. Second I am commenting on what Brooke said above, nothing else, just what I read above. Third, let’s see if I can get away with calling YOU ‘crazy’. I find it ‘crazy’ that you are analyzing my (and others) posts. What is the difference in what you claim I have done to Brooke and what you are doing to me and other posters? Call me ‘crazy’ but it appears to be the same thing! IMAGINE!

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Robin, I’m sorry this poster has upset you. Your posts are from your heart and I am sorry for your pain. You are right – children can learn to be kind and tenderhearted but only if they are taught to be, by the parents raising them. ‘crazy’ is a normal word for a child to use but it should be just as normal for that child’s parent to correct the word. Let’s hope Brooke did so.

Hugs to you.

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Lee – Robin and I (and others) are commenting on what we read above. We don’t assume to know more about what Brooke said or did, just what we read above. Can you not understand that??!!!

Robin on March 9th, 2010

First of all I never, ever, said I was a member of a small club, and second I never said I was a perfect parent Lee!, and third, you’re the one that is condensending, I just said I think Brooke should teach her children that Alzheimers is a brain disease!, and true I wasn’t there, I don’t know what she said or didn’t say to her daughter, however I have read several articles about Brooke lately in magazines, and she’s never had a good relationship with her Mother, and she talks badly about her Mother, in one sentence, and then praises her in the next!, I really don’t care what she does or doesn’t do or say, I just don’t think that what her daughter said was funny or should be taken lightly., and I’m entitled to my own opinions too!, and stand by my opinions!, and I’m not a perfect Mother!, by any means!, but that’s what is wrong with society today, is that no one is accountable for their actions or behavior!, I just feel or hope that Brooke explained it to her daughter about her Grandma, and that Grandma can’t help what she says or does, and not let her daughter call her Grandmother crazy!,

Robin on March 9th, 2010

Thank-you Sam!! hugs to you!, and I appreciate the kind and thoughtful post!

lizzielui on March 9th, 2010

I’m sorry, but isn’t saying “Shame on the family” making assumptions that Brooke and her husband are lacking in their parenting? Shame on them for what exactly? We don’t know the whole story. We don’t know how Brooke handled the situation. So why anyone would be appalled or think that Brooke was in the wrong here based off of a few edited quotes is baffling to me. And again, children say inappropriate things all of the time. It is a fact of life. Six year olds are not adults and are not mature, which is why we nurture and guide them. There is no evidence that Brooke did not do that with her children here. And given how Brooke has talked about disciplining her girls in the past for ill behavior, I tend to believe that she handled this situation in the same vein.

And Robin, I most certainly understand what you are going through. When I was eight years old my grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 64, moved in with my family. She stayed with us for three years until we had to put her in a long term care facility. And let me tell you, as much as my parents talked to both my siblings and myself about what to expect from Nan, what the causes of her behavior were, and that we should be sensitive and patient with her, I still thought she was NUTS. As an eight year old, her behavior was far beyond crazy to me because it was unlike anything that I had ever witnessed in my life. It went against all of the good that my parents had instilled in us. The mood swings, the dementia, the screaming, the fits. It was maddening. To the point where my six year old sister was terrified of Nan and shied away from her whenever possible (after she cut all of my sister’s hair off and insisted that she was a boy named Zach that Nan went to grade school with.) Yes, I knew she couldn’t help it. Yes I tried as best I could to understand that the disease was caused because of a malfunction in her brain. Yes my siblings and I tried to be as calm as possible around Nan so as not to upset her. But at eight years old her erratic behavior was unlike anything that I had ever seen before and the only way my brain could make sense of it was to think she was NUTS. Even with all of the hugs and rationalizing and explanations about what was happening to Nan, she was still Nuts to me because every day with her seemed like a new chaos. It didn’t mean I didn’t love her, that I was disrespectful, that I wasn’t kindhearted. In fact, we were all the complete opposite. But as I’m sure you know all too well Robin, dealing with people who cannot control their behavior leaves one feeling raw and confused quite often. I believe that is what Brooke was trying to express here about her and her family. So just like you don’t want us jumping on you for your opinions and actions because we aren’t in your shoes, you shouldn’t do the same to Brooke.

Sam on March 9th, 2010

Good post, except for the part where you said ‘I believe that is what Brooke was trying to express here about her and her family’. Izzielui, that is simply your opinion because as you also said ‘we don’t know the whole story’. See? You are giving your opinion, as are ‘we’.

Lee on March 10th, 2010

I guess I was correct Sam and I didn’t call anyone a name so please don’t lie on me. I’m a not allowed to disagree with you at all? If we have the right to post our opinions here, that includes times that you disagree with someone. Why are you so angry at me for not agreeing with you? Does everyone have to agree with you now?

CelebBabyLover on March 10th, 2010

Sam- So Izzielui isn’t allowed to express her opinion?

Lee on March 10th, 2010

Robin, Brooke’s relationship with her mother is none of your business. Why are you so worried about it. That’s the part I don’t understand. We all have enough problems to deal with in life,why get upset about this? We will ever know the whole history behind them nor should we. I did say I was sorry about your mother and my grandmother but of course that was ignored. I still disagree with your comments and again I’m sorry about your mother. I’m just going to leave it at that because we are going in circles. Btw, lizzielui I agree with you.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

I don’t lie Lee. You said my posts were crazy – that is close enough to name calling and it’s immature too. You’re the one that came after me and Robin picking away at our posts, which you claim we did to Brooke. You don’t like us doing that to Brooke but you do it to us. You getting that yet? Angry at you? WHAT? I repeat – you’re the one picking apart my posts. Breathe.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

CelebrityBabyLover – you do this all the time with your little one liners. Change it up some, could you please.

I never said anyone couldn’t have their opinion here, in fact I have continually stated that I give my opinion from the articles I read here and nothing more. I was pointing out that Izzielui has her opinion just like I do and that she needed to SEE that.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

Lee, my opinion of what Brooke said is none of your business but you’re sure acting like it is. And if we all have enough problems to deal with, then what are you doing here wasting your time on my (and Robin’s) opinions???? It’s true, we won’t know the whole story here, that’s why I have continually stated that my opinions are based only on the story above. I don’t claim to know (or care) about more then that.

lizzielui on March 10th, 2010

Sam, saying that someone was trying to relay a certain message is not giving an opinion on their character and saying they should be shamed. Obviously there is a difference between the two. But yes, we are all entitled to our opinions. However, you can’t expect one people to “not judge you” on what you say when you are doing the same to others.

Lucinda on March 10th, 2010

People! calm down! First of all, none of us are perfect parents, and none of us should be harsh on what others believe. I have had to learn that the hard way. It doesnt make things any better, only worse. Secondly, I have worked with Alzheimer patients for ten years and it is not pretty to watch a loved one go through something that they cannot help. I know for a fact that sometimes they can laugh at themselves and say “Im crazy, so forgive me” and there are times when they cant remember saying that. This disease is not one to be taken lightly. Brooke’s daughter only said it that way because she probably is feeling hurt by what her grandmother is going through. And I am sure that Brooke is dealing with this in her own way. Has it ever occured to any of you that she is hurting and laughing is the only way she can deal with it? For God’s sake she is losing her mother, let’s all be a little more understanding and a little less vindictive. Until you have gone through this terrible time with a loved one, DO NOT judge someone on how they handle it.

Robin on March 10th, 2010

To everyone on here, if my posts have offended people on here, I’m sorry!, I didn’t come on here to attack any ones opinons or mean to put people down, I’m just upset and concern and want people to educate their children and themselves about this devasting disease!, it’s so horrible!, and so unpredictable, and to those of you whose Grandparents have had this, or parents!, I’m sorry!, and it is heredity too, so you never know if you or your children will get it!, and it’s not being crazy, it’s a brain disease!, and to Lee, I’m sorry if I dismissed your comment about your Grandmother, I am sorry your family and you had to go through it too., I guess it’s safe to say that we all can agree to disagree. and we all have our own opinions, let’s not put each other down, life is too short! let’s all move on.

Robin on March 10th, 2010

I have and am going through this with my Mother, so I am living this, however I will not be judging others how they handle their situations.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

Hey there Izzielui, your post is consusing! However, I never said ‘shamed’ on anyone, but that is indeed a remark one would use when making their opinion. It’s a conclusion to how one feels and it’s acceptable. I don’t mind anyone ‘judging’ my posts either – that’s why I’m here.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

*confusing*

Alice on March 10th, 2010

lizzielui just pointed out that it’s not surprising that a child would call an alzheimer’s sufferer crazy. What would you call crazy? Someone who is mentally challenged? Well something is wrong with their brain, just like Alzheimer’s. What she said is a crude form of truth, and if it is going to offend anyone, it will not be her grandmother anyway.
What is sad is that Rowan is so aware of it and already worrying about her own mother. My great-grandmother died of alzheimer’s and she was very much like what lizzielui describes, but I never found her different because I was so little. Rowan “knows more” probably means she notices that the way her grandma acts is not normal.

Sam, I find your posts strange. Shaming someone is not acceptable even if that’s how you feel. It is more than an opinion, it’s an insult and I’m surprised you don’t see the difference when you are the one complaining to be called something so mild as “crazy”. I agree with you on the “laughed in her face” comment in your first post though, that doesn’t seem too nice.

lizzielui on March 10th, 2010

Yes Sam, confusing is how I would describe this whole exchange at this point. Sam I never accused you of saying “shame” on anyone. Go back to Robin’s original post. She says “shame on the family.” I was obviously using that as an example in my post and response.

As for Robin, again I can definitely relate to what you and your family are going through. I know it is not easy at all and I wish nothing but the best for you as you all try to cope. Incidentally, my Nan was not the only one in our family to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. However, her illness was and still is the one that affected me the most because I had to live with her. Thinking about those chaotic times growing up still gives me pause.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

Alice – what are you talking about?? Strange, indeed! Calling someone ‘crazy’ is an insult and implies that that person is not ‘normal’. Saying ‘shame on you’ is not an insult, it’s the result of hearing that insult being used. Shame on anyone that uses names like ‘crazy’ to describe an ill person. I do not mean a child, I mean a parent that doesn’t correct and teach the child the difference. I have said twice here that I am sure Brooke did just that with her children.

Lee on March 10th, 2010

Once again Sam, I didn’t call you crazy. I called your comments crazy. Are you not able to understand the difference? You keep lying and I don’t get why you feel the need to do that

Sam on March 10th, 2010

Lee, in my post #42 I was referring to Brooke’s daughter using the word ‘crazy’ in the story up above. You remember the main reason we are here commenting, the original story up above? Stop jumping to conclusions and trying to pick fights and do not accuse me of lying again.

Lee on March 10th, 2010

Sam you are the one trying to pick a fight. You are trying to get in one with two other people besides me. I’m not looking for a fight but if something bothers me, I will speak up.

Robin on March 10th, 2010

OMG people please!, enough is enough!, I don’t know how old many of you are, I am 50 and I think we’ve all said our opinions!, and I personally apologize before if I offended people, but people on here are bickering and calling each other names, and it’s getting out of hand!, let’s all act mature and give it a rest!, honestly life is too short, and is stressful enough! I think our children act more mature than we adults sometimes!

Sam on March 10th, 2010

Lee, I’m not picking a fight with you. I’m trying to tell you to stop accusing me of something I do not do. That is lie. You have called me a liar twice. Not cool at all. Which two other people – no one else has called me a liar?? Speak up all you like but please also be able to admit when you are wrong. (eg my post 42 had nothing to do with you, I was commenting on the story above and you once again accused me of lying.)

P.S. I’m 50 too Robin! YAY 50!

Lee on March 10th, 2010

Sam I still stand by my comments and you still keep lying. I never called you crazy and until you admit that, I will keep calling you a liar.

Sam on March 10th, 2010

That’s fine Lee – that’s just fine. Have a wonderful night.

CelebBabyLover on March 11th, 2010

I agree with Robin! It’s time for us to agree to disagree!

CJ on March 11th, 2010

My mom died from Alzheimer’s last month after struggling for four long years. This article touched me because I still want her so badly – just like Brooke said. Her death did not end the long four years of grieving or my wanting her.

My kids are 8 and 10. I’m certain Brooke’s child meant no harm by her comments and certain people are overreacting in a big way. They are showing their fear and concern in their grieving. My kids wanted every scrap of information about what was happening to their beloved grandma and I gave it to them. Truth is better than lies and expectations must be set.

Best of luck to Brooke and all her family. They have a long loss both behind and ahead of them.

Robin on March 11th, 2010

CJ, I am so very sorry for your loss of your Mom, even though I’m not a big Brooke Shields fan, I can empathize with her, as her Mom is 75, just like my Mom is, and my Mom is also suffering from Alzheimers, and has been for 2 and a half years, it’s a devastating and horrible disease, to see your loved one deteriorate before your eyes, and to revert into a small child, my Mom who was always a Godly and church going woman, constantly swears, and recently called me a GDSOB, which hurt so bad!, but I still have to realize she’s not in control of herself and not to take it personally, and to teach my 2 sons ages 9 and 13, that Grandma has an illness and can’t help it!, with Alzheimers, you grive everyday, and because part of them dies each day, I really am so very sorry for your loss and for your children’s and family’s loss., I hope the memories of how your Mother used to be before her illness and passing will sustain you and bring you some happiness and peace., love, hugs, and prayers to you.

Candi on March 21st, 2010

I hope that Brooke can get her mom involved in the creative arts – I read on HuffPost that it really helps.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rosalia-gitau/art-therapy-for-alzheimer_b_495914.html

sandy on September 24th, 2010

I am a mother/grandmother.. Brooke is a beautiful talented young lady and one heck of an actress at a very young age. I thought some of the films were very adult for her and yet, her parts were for a young girl. I hope she got to have some sort of childhood just to get out and play. I havent ever heard of any trash on her through the years. so her mother mustve did something right in raising her.. or else she did a wonderful job of raising herself. she seems like a sweetheart and god bless her and her family.

Franny on September 24th, 2010

All I want to say is Can we just all pray for a cure for this horrible disease. It’s so sad and it’s extremely difficult for all families. You all need to support each other and hope there is a cure soon. Think Love. I am sorry for all the suffering and I will pray for all. It’s a god awful disease. cure cure cure
let’s pray for a cure