My maternal Grandmother Kastur Shah passed away in 2016, aged 97 years old.  From the age of 85 she started losing her memory, which led to her losing her coordination of her movements. It was a very difficult decision, especially for an Asian family, but due to her care requirements, she moved to a lovely care home, just walking distance from her son’s house. 

She battled with Alzheimer's for the last 10 years of her long life and lost her ability to communicate and speak the last 4 years she was alive.  We all visited her regularly, her son every day, my mum at least twice a week and I also went every week, often with my
children who were young then. 

I used to sit and feed her, sing prayers to her and brush her hair.  Id always take her a chocolate button as a treat for when she finished her meal an it was something that she would suck and not choke on. Although she could not tell us or respond to us, we believe that she recognised us and she used to shed a tear when we would say goodbye. 

It was very difficult for us to see the mother of our family suffer like this for so many years.  She passed away peacefully 4 years ago but she lives with us forever.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.