Grandma, Dementia Will Never Break Our Bond | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Grandma, Dementia Will Never Break Our Bond

"I will continue to cherish our moments spent together."

457
Grandma, Dementia Will Never Break Our Bond
Victoria Mysholowsky

July 2016. The month when I found out my grandma was showing early signs of dementia.

For those of you who don’t know, dementia is an incurable disease that is characterized by memory loss along with thinking skills required to perform everyday activities. Dementia affects the short-term memory. Fortunately, there is a medication that can be taken orally to slow the process down. I had heard of dementia from past conversations with my mom who discussed her grandmother, my great grandmother’s five-year-long battle with dementia.

This disease is commonly found in elderly women and is hereditary as well. When my mom had broken the news to my brothers and me of my grandma’s diagnosis, I couldn’t help but have thoughts flooding my mind of what the future would look like. Normally with dementia, as my mom had described to me, her grandmother had no longer remembered her family’s names, and unfortunately eventually reached the point of no longer talking. After being told the news, the first thought that entered my mind was will she eventually forget I am her granddaughter?

That thought still haunts me to this day, almost two years later. Back in the day, our frequent visits to my grandparents' house down the shore had consisted of great barbecues, playing cards, storytelling, plenty of laughs, staying up late, and sleepovers. After my grandma’s diagnosis, these family traditions started to become a distant memory. My grandma was always dressed to the nines, and slowly things began to change. She was a terrific cook, then slowly she forgot how to cook. She began to forget little details like my age, my siblings' ages and what grades we were in.

They say things get easier over time, whether it’s the grieving process or, in this case, receiving a diagnosis, I’ve gotten better at handling the approach to take. Though I don’t show it, I have my moments of weakness and am at times reduced to tears. Most recently, I visited my grandma to what was a nice day together. My mom called her later in the evening to ask her how her day was with me, "I didn’t see Victoria today…" My grandma forgot I went to visit her.

Of course, I realize that I can’t get upset or blame her, she is not in the right state of mind. But I can’t help but become emotional about a woman who once was so active, who bowled on a league for years, belonged to a card club, enjoyed gardening, and of course preparing meals with love for her family.

When dealing with a person with dementia, one must be patient and understanding. From personal experience, visiting my grandma at her new home in an assisted living facility, she frequently asks the same questions. As her diagnosis has slightly worsened since last year, my level of patience has grown. She would say, "What’s new, Cookie?" (Cookie is my nickname) Or How old are you now? While the questions become repetitive, it is my job to remain calm and answer her questions politely.

While it hurts to know my grandma isn’t in her right state of mind anymore, I still make the most of my time with her during my numerous visits. We spend hours together watching game shows, comedy shows, playing card games like Rummy, we play bingo, and some evenings I join her in the dining room for dinner. While my grandma’s social skills aren’t like what they were, we still enjoy our time together and have laughs.

I will continue to cherish our moments spent together.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1962
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16666
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3544
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments