Who Are You? — Looking At Alzheimer’s From a Granddaughter’s Perspective

We often think of the brain as a rather isolated entity, controlling all bodily functions yet contained in its position in the skull. However, Alzheimer's disease challenges this perception, reminding us that the brain is not just an organ designated for scientific and psychological research. It is a complex and intricate system that extends its impact far beyond the confines of our cranium. Alzheimer's reaches into the lives of not only the individuals directly affected but also their friends and family members, leaving an indelible mark on their collective experiences.

Personal Background

Two years ago, I was sitting on the old leather couch of my mother’s house in Poland. She was raised alongside her brothers within the walls of this dusty cabin- walls adorned with picture frames of smiling faces and filled with buried secrets. Now all that remained were the memories and my grandfather sitting beside me, who turned his head and asked: "What is your name?" Hearing this out of the lips of someone who was such a critical part of my childhood, who welcomed me with open arms almost every summer since I was a little girl, truly shocked me. I hadn’t understood the magnitude of his condition until that very moment, making me realize that this summer was going to be unlike any other before.

From forgetting the pronunciation of certain words, to failing to recall the dates of recent events, phone conversations made me privy to how Alzheimer's disease slowly yet quickly took my grandfather’s memory over the course of a few years. I realized that the central objective of mine and my mother’s visit to Poland that summer was not only to assist him in daily tasks, but to boost his overall morale and spirit while at home.

Best Practices We Used:

1. Preserving Memories

Sitting in one of the rooms was a box filled with haphazardly placed photographs. We brought it over to the living room along with some albums and organized the pictures one by one. This helped him recollect important parts of his life and was an amazing outlet for social interaction which any elderly person living with Alzheimer’s can benefit from.

2. Practicing Fine Motor Skills

As one gets older, motor skills tend to deteriorate swiftly. By only assisting him as needed with something as simple as buttoning his own shirt, regardless of the time that it took to achieve the task he was effectively using his hands and gaining a sense of control over that aspect of his life.

3. Practicing Handwriting

It wasn’t until I looked back at older letters that I was able to see how a loss of the aforementioned fine motor skills impacted my grandfather’s handwriting. By getting a notebook and asking him to write his name, the simple act of holding a pen aided in coordination.

4. Making Signs and Placards

Creating signs for important spaces such as the bathroom significantly helped in spatial orientation. When my mom and I had to step out for groceries and leave him in the care of another entrusted family member, we would write down our location to alleviate anxiety.

5. Establishing a Routine

Having a relatively organized schedule centered around medication times was crucial to my grandfather’s overall well-being. Setting a few extra minutes aside for sleep, for example, allowed him to ease into the process and talk with us before going to bed.

6. Spending Time Outside

Whether it’s lounging in the garden or walking over to my uncle’s house a few doors down and throwing a bone for the dog, my grandfather loved putting on his hat and taking a walk over with us to maintain this normal part of his life.

Conclusion

In the face of Alzheimer's, we hold onto hope for a brighter future, where research breakthroughs will halt its relentless progression. This quest for a cure is not solely about healing the brain but also about mending the hearts of those witnessing the gradual loss of cherished memories and transformations in their loved ones' personalities. It's a mission to preserve dignity and identity while offering solace to unwavering families. Despite Alzheimer's challenging terrain, we must remember that while brain memories may fade, those etched in the heart remain forever.

These enduring memories connect us to the essence of our loved ones, transcending the limitations of neurodegeneration. To confront Alzheimer's, we must champion research, empathy, and understanding, ensuring both heart and mind find solace and healing on this journey. Together, we work towards a world where Alzheimer's is a distant memory, and the human spirit's resilience shines through the darkest clouds.

-Olivia Borek