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What is my grandmother experiencing?

Kem82 asked...

My grandmother has Alzheimer's. She does not speak much any more or say much that makes sense. Sometimes she might mumble something here and there but it never makes much sense. What is going through her head? Is she thinking? Is she bored silly?

Expert Answer

A social worker and geriatric consultant who specializes in dementia care, Joyce Simard is based in Land O' Lakes, Florida, and in Prague. She is a well-known speaker and has written two books, one focusing on end-of-life care and the other, entitled The Magic Tape Recorder, explaining aging, memory loss, and how children can be helpers to their elders.

Your question is one we would all like to know, what are they thinking?  Carers do get non-verbal messages that might let us know if they are pleasant thoughts.  If they are, count your blessings.  However if she seems distressed by her thoughts, try to distract her with something she likes, ice cream a cookie, music. etc.  Occasionally they give us clues with words and you might probe what she is trying to say.  Do things with her so you know she is not bored.  Sorting objects is often a good task and many women enjoy coloring or looking at pictures.