So yesterday, I walked in the door from work and find mom over a big bowl stirring a mixture, she said “Look! I found my old recipes and I’m making banana bread!” (The same bread I made the day before) I have no idea what was already in the bowl, and apparently neither did she. She said she put in bananas but I’m pretty sure all the same bananas were in the fruit bowl from when I left earlier. She asked, “did I put in eggs?” Walking over to the fridge. Then muttering “oh yes, I did” then she asked “where is your cinnamon?” I showed her and sat down to observe. She measured it out okay, then put it back in the cupboard and stirred a bit, then looking at the recipe she says “cinnamon! Where do you keep your cinnamon?” I said, “you did that already, what’s the next ingredient?” “Oh yes, flour! I need 2 1/2 cups of flour” she grabbed a 1/2 cup measure and scooped out 3. Considering that she couldn’t do much harm, I continued to just observe, and not correct her. She then said “cinnamon! Where do you keep your cinnamon?” Again I explained that she had already put in the cinnamon. She then grabbed a cake pan and scooped the mix in. She had forgotten to turn on the oven so I turned it on, but she was too impatient to wait for it to heat up. I tried to set a timer for her which she turned off after a few minutes. But she kept reaching her hand in to test the cake. She did keep a close eye on it and pulled it out when it was brown, but Needless to say it was more brick then cake. Slightly edible but definitely no bananas. Most of it had to be thrown out 🙁

Today I was telling her about her doctor appointment I set up next week, I said we can talk to him about your back pain and post nasal drip and your memory. Oh boy…. she got instantly defensive. “Why do you keep mentioning my memory? There is nothing wrong with my memory! I remember things from years and years ago!” I tried to reassure that I know she has a great memory and she is very intelligent, it’s her short term memory I’m concerned about. She insisted her memory is fine and she demanded examples. So I mentioned the cinnamon incident, and also driving to Olive Garden yesterday, that she forgot where we were going twice on the way there. Since she has no recollection, she thinks I’m making it up and asked me to get proof. “Take pictures” she said. Inevitably I changed the subject pretty quickly to the weather and I’m pretty sure she has forgotten for now. That was an uncomfortable conversation. 😖

Published by KaGardn1

I'm trying to live the most meaningful and intentional life possible. Minimalist, Vegetarian, Fierce protector of a full night sleep, Mother, Wife, Daughter -caretaker, Sister, Friend, Nurse. Sharing day to day life with family and friends. A quest to minimize effects of Alzheimer's Disease. View all posts by KaGardn1