The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the modest bungalow in Lagos. Inside, the aroma of jollof rice and fried meat filled the air, and a woman stood by the doorway, a radiant smile on her face. “Welcome home, darling,” she called out, her voice melodic and full of love.

Her husband, tall and dignified, stepped in, his eyes twinkling with the same affection. “Ah, my beautiful Ifeoma,” he responded, setting his briefcase aside and taking her hand. She led him into the living room, where an old phonograph played a familiar highlife tune. The room was cosy, adorned with family photos and vibrant Ankara fabrics.

“Ifeoma,” he whispered, pulling her close as they began to dance. Her laughter was light, and she rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and cherished. As they swayed to the music, the room around them seemed to dissolve. The vibrant colours faded, and the sounds of life outside grew distant.

Ifeoma blinked, and suddenly, they were in a different place. The familiar warmth of home was replaced by the sterile, impersonal atmosphere of a hospital. The walls were bare, painted a pale green, and the scent of disinfectant lingered in the air. Her husband’s face softened, subtly transforming into a younger man’s. She didn’t notice the change; in her mind, she was still dancing with the love of her life.

“Mama,” the young man said softly, his voice tinged with sadness yet filled with a deep-seated respect. “It’s time to rest now.”

She looked up at him, her eyes cloudy with confusion. “Chinedu?” she whispered, the name slipping out as if it were a distant memory. “Where is your father?”

Chinedu’s heart ached, but he smiled gently. “Papa is watching over us, Mama. He’s always with us.”

Ifeoma nodded, her grip on his hand tightening as they continued to sway. To her, the music still played, and she was still in the arms of the man she had loved all her life. Each step they took was a dance through time, a bittersweet waltz between past and present.

She began to hum the tune softly, her eyes closing as she leaned against him. Chinedu guided her back to her bed, his movements tender and careful. He helped her sit down, her frail body sinking into the pillows.

“I remember when your father and I first danced,” she murmured, her voice weak but filled with a lingering joy. “It was at a party so many years ago. He was so handsome, and I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.”

Chinedu listened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He was very lucky to have you, Mama.”

She smiled, her eyes distant. “Promise me you’ll find someone who loves you like he loved me.”

“I promise, Mama,” he replied, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat.

As she drifted off to sleep, Chinedu sat by her bedside, holding her hand. He watched her breathe, her chest rising and falling in a slow, rhythmic pattern. The lines on her face told a story of a life well-lived, filled with love and laughter, hardships and triumphs.

In that quiet moment, Chinedu felt a profound sense of gratitude. His mother, though lost in the fog of dementia, had given him a precious gift. By mistaking him for his father, she had allowed him to step into his father’s shoes, if only for a fleeting moment. He had felt the depth of her love and had seen the world through her eyes.

It was an honour he would cherish forever.

As the night wore on, Chinedu stayed by her side, his heart full. He knew the journey ahead would be difficult, but he also knew that his father’s spirit lived on in their love. And as long as he could, he would dance with her, guiding her through the twilight of her memories, holding on to the fragments of a beautiful life.

How To Take Care of A Parent With Dementia

• Maintain a routine: Sticking to a familiar daily schedule can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
• Be patient and respectful: Go at their pace and gently help with tasks like bathing and dressing.
• Engage in activities they enjoy: Music therapy, reminiscing, and light exercise can be stimulating and enjoyable.
• Maintain a calm environment: Avoid loud noises and harsh lights to create a peaceful environment.
• Understand the disease: Dementia can be confusing and frustrating, sometimes causing outbursts. So, be patient and understanding during those times.
• Speak clearly and simply: Use short sentences, simple vocabulary, and a calm tone.
• Validate their feelings: Recognize their emotions, even if they seem confused or upset.