We all have different levels of intelligence and memory. When a patient suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's, a Mini Mental Exam is a tool that can help determine how much a patient may understand. The exam consists of simple questions in a number of areas. The examiner may have a patient repeat a list of three words, spell a word backwards or name an article, like a watch, for example.
"Leo", ninety-four, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease four years ago. Leo lives in the Memory Care Unit of a Residential Care Facility. Leo has been slowly declining to where now he is eating very little, getting weaker and sleeping more. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease which strongly impacts one's memory. Patients typically become more confused as the days and months go by.
The nurse and I went out to meet Leo and his family. Initially, we spoke with the family in a conference room nearby to explain our program. Leo was not able to participate in the admission visit due to his confusion. Quite often too much stimulation or conversation can frustrate the patient.
After the family signed the admission paperwork, we all went into Leo's room to meet him. The nurse asked Leo several questions and his last answer made us all laugh. It was so simple, but brilliant to me. Mostly though, it was so adorable It made me think that Leo still has some cognitive ability working inside. The best part of it all; Leo's heart continued to shine radiantly.
THE PERFECT ANSWER
He's ninety-four with Alzheimer's;
living in a Memory Care Unit.
He's been in a recent decline;
more confused; weaker; eating less.
She checked his heart for changes.
She checked his lungs for air.
She also wanted to check his memory,
so she asked him a few simple questions.
"How old are you?"
"I am one hundred and two."
"What is the date of your birthday?"
He answered like it was so obvious,
"One hundred and two years ago."
It made us all laugh.
It was so adorable; it was brilliant.
It was, without doubt,
the perfect answer.
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