Sarah sat quietly in her favorite armchair, gazing out the window at the garden she had tended to for years. The flowers bloomed brightly in the spring sun, but her mind felt foggy, even confused at times.

Hm. Did she water the roses today …?

Her son, James, walked into the room, a cup of tea in hand. “Here you go, mom,” he said, placing it on the table beside her. Sarah smiled weakly, grateful for his care and support.

As the weeks passed, Sarah’s memory issues became more obvious. Simple tasks like cooking dinner or remembering appointments became challenges. John arranged meals to be delivered to her house and started visiting more.

Somehow, a necklace found its way into the cupboard instead of the jewelry box. Sarah, unable to find her precious necklace, became frustrated and paranoid. John’s wife, Ashley, calmed her down with great difficulty.

Oh my. Is someone walking around her house, stealing her things …?

In September, Sarah stopped going on walks she used to love so much. She tripped and fell down two steps near the river. While she couldn’t fully remember why, she was very wary of going outside again, even with Ashley holding her hand.

No. I’m going to stay in the house. I don’t feel that good outside …

When James and Ashley brought the children to visit their grandma for Christmas, Sarah kept forgetting their names and was repeatedly asking them who they were. This upset everyone and left Sarah feeling ashamed.

I am so embarrassed. These people are looking at me weird, was it something I said …?

In the winter it became obvious that Sarah needed help. But John and Ashley were completely in the dark as to how to help John’s mom. How do they talk to her without upsetting her all the time? How do they motivate her to do things she used to love? Can they do anything to slow down the progression of her illness?

They were worried …