Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship

How would you feel if your grandmother believes your mom is her old college roomate or does not recognize her grandkids? I got to witness this with my own grandmother. The first signs of decline were seen at my college graduation. From forgetting what she ordered at my graduation dinner to misplacing Christmas money to waking up in the middle of the night thinking she was kidnapped because her surroundings were unfamiliar. As the progression of my grandmother's dementia continued, I witnessed her mind becoming more fragmented and her connection to reality slipping away. It was particularly painful to see her confuse my mother with her old college roommate, as it underscored the extent of her memory loss and the profound impact that dementia had on her cognition. Equally heartbreaking was the confusion she experienced when looking at her own grandkids, mistaking them for unfamiliar faces or attributing them to someone else's family. These daily encounters with her altered perception and memory were emotionally challenging for our family. It required us to develop a deep reservoir of patience, compassion, and understanding. We realized that correcting or challenging her beliefs would only cause further distress, so we learned to approach these situations with sensitivity and redirect the conversation gently, focusing on shared memories or engaging in activities that brought her comfort. It became evident that creating a calm and familiar environment was crucial in helping alleviate her confusion and anxiety. We maintained a consistent routine, surrounded her with familiar objects and photographs, and played music that held personal significance. These efforts aimed to anchor her to a sense of familiarity and preserve moments of connection. Beyond our immediate family, witnessing the impact of dementia on my grandmother shed light on the wider community's need for education, awareness, and support. We became dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families, as well as advocating for improved resources and care. I realized that there was a significant gap in understanding and empathy surrounding dementia, leading to stigma and isolation for those affected. I sought opportunities to participate in community events, share personal experiences, and engage with organizations that focused on dementia support. Through my grandmother's journey, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing the present moment. I have developed a deep appreciation for the strength and dedication of caregivers who tirelessly support their loved ones through the challenges of dementia. Witnessing their unwavering commitment has inspired me to consider a future in healthcare, where I can contribute to research, advocacy, and compassionate care for individuals with dementia. In conclusion, the impact of dementia on my grandmother and our family has been an emotional rollercoaster, filled with heartache and moments of profound connection. It has highlighted the need for increased awareness, support, and education surrounding dementia. While the journey has been challenging, it has also provided an opportunity for personal growth, deepened empathy, and a sense of purpose in contributing to a more compassionate society. I am committed to making a difference by raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for the dignity and well-being of individuals living with dementia and their families.

Eleven days before my sixteenth birthday, I said goodbye to my Grandpapa, whose life was deeply affected by dementia. Unfortunately, this is a disease my family knows too well. It was only after his passing that I realized the lack of interventions to slow down the progression of dementia in its middle stages. This simple yet complex question ignited a strong determination in me to bring about meaningful change in society with hopes of working with the federal government in studying dementia as my career. Witnessing the challenges faced by my own family members affected by dementia started a deep sense of empathy and a desire to contribute to finding effective treatments and support systems for those affected. When I was eight, we visited my great-grandparents, and little did I know that this innocent encounter would mark the beginning of a poignant journey. My Grandpapa's warm smile greeted me as usual, but something felt different this time. His repetitive questions about my school grade hinted at a puzzling change. Unbeknownst to me, this was the onset of his battle with dementia, setting off a chain of events that would deeply impact my family. As time passed, my Grandpapa's memory lapses worsened, and now I can identify that he was facing the early stages of dementia. It was disheartening to see him ask the same question repeatedly, and my Grandmama's laughter, though soothing, could not conceal the gravity of the situation. I have learned about the potential ways to manage and possibly delay memory loss, which has presented many “coulda, shoulda, woulda’s.” Controlling insulin levels and balancing, blood sugar levels, helping the patient focus, boost their energy, and cognition-enhancing medications all can prolong memory in dementia patients, offering hope in the face of this daunting illness. As the disease advanced, the cherished moments of playing go fish with my Grandpapa began to fade away. His memory loss was relentless, and it left me heartbroken and bewildered. Something that once held great meaning in our lives had become unimportant, and I found solace in tears, seeking to understand why this was happening to someone so amazing. In the midst of the turmoil, my Grandmama passed away, leaving my Grandpapa's health to further decline. As he entered the middle stages of dementia, he lost the ability to recognize us, his memories were reduced to blank pages. Despite the pain, I clung to the cherished memories we once shared, hoping to keep our bond alive. One day, as my family visited my Grandpapa during his middle stages, I noticed the profound changes in his appearance. Yet, amidst the fog of his memory, a fleeting moment of connection emerged. I initiated a game of go fish, and to my surprise, he smiled, teasing me with familiar words. Although the game was short-lived, I found solace in that fleeting moment, knowing that our shared history had not been entirely erased. Witnessing my Grandpapa's rapid deterioration sparked a fire within me to seek ways for patients to navigate dementia without losing cherished memories. My determination to make a difference in the lives of dementia patients grew stronger, propelling me toward a career in the medical profession. I am in my last year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Howard University, driven by a deep desire to positively impact lives. Through my education, I aspired to become a compassionate and dedicated medical professional, supporting patients on their journey to better health and seeking innovative solutions for dementia. Having witnessed the devastating impact of dementia on my family, I dream of a future free from its relentless grasp. My goal is to contribute to medical advancements that empower individuals with dementia to maintain their memories and cognitive abilities, enhancing their quality of life. Throughout my journey with my Grandpapa's battle against dementia, I have been deeply touched by the profound impact it has had on my family and have learned a lot from this experience. Specifically, I have learned a lot about the progression of dementia as I’ve demonstrated throughout this essay with hopes of using this research in my career. This experience has been a profound lesson in empathy and compassion. As my Grandpapa's memory deteriorated, I learned the significance of understanding the emotions and struggles of individuals facing challenges. It became essential to offer him support and comfort, cherishing every moment we spent together, even as his memories slipped away. Above all, cherishing memories became a profound life lesson during my time with my Grandpapa. As he began to forget moments we once cherished together, I understood the importance of preserving and sharing stories about him, so that I could share them with my younger cousins who did not have the opportunity to know him. Those cherished memories became the bridge that connected us to the essence of who he was, and I vowed to honor his life and legacy by preserving those precious moments forever.