Mom is continuing to progress in her disease. She is less and less able to carry on a conversation or initiate a conversation. We are in her 7th year of actually knowing or having confirmed that that she has Dementia of the Probable Alzheimer's type. She probably had it for 3-4 years before this. So the fact that she has progressed is not a surprise. Mom will now answer questions almost exclusively most often with yes or no. A few days ago I was talking to her about my day, doing what we call "Storytelling". I then talked about what we would be doing tomorrow which was to polish her nails with the new "winter" color from the "Christmas red" which she had currently on her nails. When I finished, I said to her "does that sound like a plan?" She said "it sounds like something" with real emphasis in her voice and a big smile. Not a huge bit of conversation, but more than she has been able to do for several months. It made my heart sing. It was a small glimpse of "mom", a shadow of who she used to be!!
Now as we all know, joy is as stressful as a negative event. This comment by Mom caused a whole flood of emotions, love, tenderness, guilt-had I done enough?- could I do more next time and get the same or better results next time? I work everyday in the Dementia field and teach and counsel with families all the time, I still have the roller coaster ride as a daughter, when something like this occurs. I really want to say to all family and friends with people who have Alzheimer's Disease reading this, that when your roller coaster comes, don't fight it, but find a way to get out of it as quickly as possible. There may not be a way to totally prevent them. Knowledge, preparation, talking to others all help to flatten the lows and will help you to enjoy the highs. A few months ago I talked about the Dementia roller coaster, and I guess I now have begun to appreciate that the roller coaster continues, but I would not have it any other way.
May God keep You in the Palm of Her hand.
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Right there riding the roller coaster with you Delores. Mom, isn't really there as I knew her but she does still occasionally come out with an answer or even a humorous response that is so unexpected it floors us. I appreciate those responses, but yes they do bring sadness, and memories of the person left behind in the shadows.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do for all of us going through this type of sadness, joy, love and humor. You have given some really great ideas and I just want to say thank you! Its nice to know your not alone.
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