She taught me how to mold purple yum pudding to the shape of pineapples, lions, and fish; how to decorate and cut wrapping paper for pastillas, a local pastry; and coached me on theater plays I joined as a kid. She was the ultimate stage grandmother if I may call it - perhaps my love for the creative and artsy stuff can be traced from her.
Lina, my 80-year old grandmother has Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms started to appear when she was 72 years old. Her memories weakens as her body ages. It progressed each year. Today, she barely remembers the people around her, including me, and her sense of time and recent activities are no longer present.
Talking to an ALZ patient can be a test of patience. But for the family, it is an opportunity to show love and respect. Yesterday, over coffee and puto, I chat with her for over an hour. I can hear my sister cheering from the room "Go, Jenny!"
"Where is your mother?" she asked.
"She's with Lorie, your other grandchild. She's helping prepare for your great grandchild's 7th birthday celebration. We will go there later to eat."
"Ah, who is Lorie?"
"You're other grandchild lola, she is my sister."
"Who are you?"
"I'm your grandchild, Jenny."
"Where is your mother?"
Yes, it can be funny many times. The question and answer go round and round. You can run out of stories and questions to ask, but they won't. Behind that, to talk and listen to an ALZ patient lovingly are perhaps the greatest medicines for them.
To know more about Alzheimer's Disease, its early detection, medications, and how to handle an ALZ patient, visit http://www.alz.org.
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