I went to visit my Mom today in assisted living.   She seemed a more alert
than usual.    She remembered that she had company yesterday evening.    Her
cousin Laura along with her  husband.   I knew that Laura had alz and that
it had progressed much more rapidly than Mom's. (about 2 years)  For those
who are new--- Mom's had dementia since Oct. '93.   When I asked how Laura
was doing.   Mom said ,  "She seems ok but I don't know how 'with it' she
is."   So surprising that she sees this problem in others but not herself.
I do know from talking to her husband that Laura can no longer dress herself
and talks very little.
I've been learning a lot about Mom's childhood since she's been in assisted
living.   I visit her several times and week since she's moved close by and
really, her childhood is what she can remember for the most part now.   It's
been a learning experience for me.   I guess these past  years I've done a
lot of the talking because Mom's inability to remember recent events.   Now
I encourage her to talk about the past even though  her mind's like Swiss
cheese, there's still some stories in there.
We were talking and I mentioned a family member who was killed in an
automobile accident a little over a year ago.   Mom didn't remember and was
so aware that she should have remembered.   I felt so sad for her.   It's
one thing when someone can't remember but another when the realization hits
them even after all these years.    My daughter swears her grandmother
doesn't have alz but strokes instead.   Mainly because of the length of time
it's been going on.   Who knows?.......June