When my grandmother’s dementia progressed to the point that she was practically nonverbal, that’s how she would look at anyone talking to her. When they’d finish talking, she’d do an enthusiastic single nod, and then would slowly fade back into herself. My mom thought that the fact she’d sing along to “Tomorrow” and would get up and dance to specific songs meant that my grandmother was still happy. The doctors all agreed that, while getting her to sing and dance was great for exercise, it didn’t appear to be a legitimate indication of her happiness.
I had very similar experiences with my grandmother. It hurts to look at pictures of her from that time, because she has a smile on her face but it’s clear she wasn’t “there”.
It’s pretty telling that they’ll prop Mitch up on some pillows and have him loosely hold a newspaper in one hand, but won’t let a reporter anywhere near him.
When my grandmother’s dementia progressed to the point that she was practically nonverbal, that’s how she would look at anyone talking to her. When they’d finish talking, she’d do an enthusiastic single nod, and then would slowly fade back into herself. My mom thought that the fact she’d sing along to “Tomorrow” and would get up and dance to specific songs meant that my grandmother was still happy. The doctors all agreed that, while getting her to sing and dance was great for exercise, it didn’t appear to be a legitimate indication of her happiness.
I had very similar experiences with my grandmother. It hurts to look at pictures of her from that time, because she has a smile on her face but it’s clear she wasn’t “there”.
It’s pretty telling that they’ll prop Mitch up on some pillows and have him loosely hold a newspaper in one hand, but won’t let a reporter anywhere near him.