One narrative thread in Can’t Get Enough revolves around Betty’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that erodes memory and cognitive function. The novel realistically portrays common symptoms, including wandering and confusion, as seen when Betty is found at the abandoned plaza where her bakery once stood. It also depicts the paranoia and personality changes associated with the disease, such as when Betty accuses unseen intruders of stealing from her. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Facts and Figures report, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and more than 11 million people provide unpaid care for them, a role Hendrix is forced to assume (“2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” Alzheimer’s Association, 2025). This context highlights the immense emotional and practical burden placed on families.

In the Author’s Note, Kennedy Ryan reveals that this depiction is drawn from personal experience, stating that Hendrix’s journey is “not theoretical for me” (xi-xii). Ryan’s mother was the primary caregiver for her grandmother, who lived with dementia for years. This firsthand knowledge imbues the narrative with authenticity, capturing both the heartbreaking challenges and the unexpected “flashes of joy this experience can bring” (xii). By grounding the fictional struggle in both verifiable medical realities and her own family’s story, Ryan offers a nuanced exploration of caregiving. Hendrix’s experience as Betty’s child and caregiver acts as more than a plot device for the novel, offering her journey a reflection of a lived reality for millions of families.