The memory clinic sounds like the kind of place one can relive the good times of yesteryear. In my reality it was the place my mum and I, took Bibi-g (my nan) to be treated for her Alzheimer’s.
The treatment involves using questions to diagnose and monitor a patients progress. The doctor asked in English, “Who is the Prime Minister?” I then translated this into Punjabi for Bibi-g. She replied: “I don’t know. Surely you should know as you’re British.” The question wasn’t lost in translation but it was lost in cultural priorities.
Back at home Bibi-g always had some rather funny replies to questions. For example, if I thought Bibi-g was sleeping I would ask her if she was awake. Her retort would be, “Who said I was sleeping? Only my eyes are closed.” I love that line as it was one of her favourite comebacks.
Alzheimer’s changed Bibi-g in many ways over the years but the one thing it could not take away was her razor sharp wit.
story tale anecdote 