Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog Brisbane participant’s story
There is no disease worse than one which destroys the mind. And Brisbane resident Diana Jenkins has seen first-hand the devastating effects of dementia.
Southeast
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THERE is no disease worse than one which destroys the mind.
Mt Gravatt resident Diana Jenkins has seen first-hand the devastating effects of dementia.
In memory of her grandma Ngaire (Nikki) Craig, who lost her battle with dementia 10 years ago, Diana will participate in the 10km Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog Brisbane event in South Brisbane on May 26.
The 29-year-old decided to take part in the event because it was a cause close to her heart and a way of showing support for other families going through what her loved ones had experienced.
“Gran was fiercely independent, healthy, active, strong willed and loved with all of her heart,” Diana said.
“She left behind a devastated husband, four adult children and seven teenage grandchildren. Gramps never did get over losing Gran.”
Diana said after her diagnosis, which took a few years, she went downhill quickly.
She said the change in her grandmother’s behaviour was dramatic and heartbreaking.
“She hardly slept, thought someone was messing with her cooking when she turned away, started pulling faces at the grandchildren across the table and even put a plastic bag over Mum’s head at one point,” Diana told the Southern Star.
“Suddenly her beloved chihuahua was allowed to sleep in their bed, she would laugh at kissing scenes on the TV or dramatic scenes on the news and would get very cranky when she forgot things.
“She forgot her own birthday and was upset no one told her it was coming up.”
Diana said her grandma’s illness got to a stage where her family couldn’t give her the care she needed, so she went into a home.
“She stopped speaking sentences and would mutter random words and sounds, put objects in her mouth including rocks and leaves, and she wouldn’t feed herself,” Diana recalled.
“Gran became immobile and stopped speaking.
“We took it in turns to go to the home and spoon feed her.
“The family were by her side day and night for the final week until she passed.”
Register for the Dementia Australia fundraiser at memorywalk.com.au
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