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She kept one until 10 years ago. Her dementia started about 8 years ago. My Mom still recognizes family & close/old friends, but her short term memory is totally gone. Most anything that occurred in the past 10-15 years is gone. She is generally in a good mood, although she sleeps ~15hrs each day and has no energy. She has suffered a number of mini strokes, but she shows no signs of them (the doctor says she is compensating very well and is equally strong and coordinated on both sides). She kept a diary from '94 until 2005. During this time she went through 2 rounds of cancer and chemo. She doesn't really remember having cancer. So my question is 2 fold; should I show her the old diary (I found it in a box of old photos that was in storage)? Should I suggest she start a new diary? Thank you for any insight and suggestions.

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It might be beneficial as an activity for her but it's hard to see how it would help her memory or reasoning abilities. My dad has no short term memory but he loves to talk about the old days, relatives and look at old pictures. He would not be capable of putting thoughts on paper. He still has some really clear memories of the 1940s but can't rember where he put the newspaper 10 seconds ago.
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MIL has wrote in hers for years. She still does. Doesn't remember the dates so always asks or makes up one. If she goes out she writes that she did and had a wonderful time. Who knows. Gives her something to do most days even if the info is not correct sometimes. Also had a a shower, aid came, puts in wrong names of family, rained today. She likes it. Except the time at the rehab she spilled juice on it and said someone took that page. Doesn"t remember spilling juice (red). You can still see it but remembers page is gone. Doesn't seem to harm anything-keeps her busy.
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