Why do people with dementia forget things like people/events, but not things like the alphabet or relatively simple grammar? Or do they, and it’s just not really shown in western media?
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I find that the media portrays dementia and alzheimers in what I would consider a “glorified” manner, perhaps the most sugar-coated way they can. Because dementia is ugly and painful, but the media doesn’t always portray it like that. People do forget words and grammar, but it all depends on the person and how their particular case progresses.
My grandfather was a wise navy veteran, always had a funny story to tell, gentle as could be (unless you messed with his kids or his grandbabies). When his dementia really set it, he would often become so combative that they had to call law enforcement because he would find knives and try to go after the family. And then he started forgetting. Dates, events, birthdays, anniversaries. Then he’d forget his grandkids, then his kids, and eventually his own wife. From there he couldn’t remember questions he’d just asked, places he’d just been, things he’d said or done 30 seconds prior. I remember him coming to visit once and he kept asking me, maybe every minute or so, “Is this your home? It’s a lovely home.” (It took everything in me to not break down in tears.) Eventually words started disappearing. It was like he was reverting in age until he had the vocabulary of a toddler.
Like I said. Each individual is different, but yes, it does happen.
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