Emily Burns
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, there are over 9.9 million new cases of dementia each year worldwide. Anyone who has had dementia affect their life in one way or another knows how truly devastating the disease can be.
Hours are spent talking in circles, having the same conversations over and over knowing full well that they won’t remember tomorrow or even in the next 20 minutes. And when things start to get really bad, you’re just grateful that they recognize you at all.
However, as any doctor will tell you, the most important thing you can do for someone suffering from dementia is create consistency by constantly reminding them that they are safe and surrounded by people they love. That’s exactly why one devoted daughter writes notes of reassurance by her mother’s bedside every day and people are deeply moved by her simple act of love.
Dr. Philip Grimmer, a General Practitioner in Wiltshire, recently Tweeted about one of his dementia patients.
He shared a photo of a whiteboard from the patient’s room where her daughter had written daily notes of reassurance to help comfort her mother’s failing memory.
People were deeply moved by this simple gesture of love.
And several began sharing their own stories.
Some even suggested that everyone should have a list of reminders like this in their lives.
Dr. Grimmer was overwhelmed by Twitter’s response and promised to share it with the patient’s daughter.
