My one grandmother had Alzheimers, my other grandmother had strokes that impaired her body, but her mind was still pretty sharp. Working in health care with many elderly and special-needs patients, I’ve seen both cases numerous times.
If one’s mind is functioning below average, but their temperament is generally cheerful, they seem to manage pretty well; it is those who are prone to anxiety or negativity that seem especially miserable. However, temperament and attitude have a lot to do with how a sharp mind in a failing body copes with the challenge. Therefore, I made a conscious effort to change my outlook. I was once a very cynical, pessimistic person; and while I could never be a Pollyanna optimist, I consider myself a “hopeful realist” nowadays.
However, my body and mind are both failing me. I have a chronic, progressive, incurable condition that makes me hurt and limits my physical abilities, and also causes extreme fatigue and “brain fog”. I still do my best to focus on the positive influences in my life, and I have much to be grateful for; but knowing that it’s truly downhill from here and that I won’t make it to 92 like my grandmothers did can be depressing at times, but I try not to linger there.