Nicole Robichaud, a lawyer and caregiver in Ottawa, shares her personal journey in this First Person article. To explore more First Person stories by CBC, refer to the FAQ section.
Nearly three decades ago, a folk art calendar became a cherished tradition in Nicole Robichaud’s family, its origins now lost in memory. For each Christmas since, the same calendar has been a constant gift to her mother.
Recalling joyous holidays in Toronto with her family, Robichaud’s mother held a special affection for the art calendar, meticulously admiring each colorful painting post-Christmas, her favorite being the snowy scenes of December.
In 2015, at 68, Robichaud’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Having supported her own father through the illness two decades earlier, she faced the future with a measure of foresight.
Despite initial struggles with memory lapses, she stayed optimistic, striving to maintain a cheerful demeanor amid the challenges.
Donanemab, a novel Alzheimer’s drug, brings a glimmer of hope to those grappling with the condition, although it carries side effects and doesn’t constitute a cure. Dr. Roger Wong, a clinical professor specializing in geriatric medicine, elucidates the significance of the drug and its associated risks.
Over the ensuing years, the disease advanced, prompting Robichaud’s parents to relocate to an Ottawa retirement facility in 2017. Following her father’s passing, her mother transitioned to the memory care unit, subsequently moving to a smaller residence in 2021 due to her declining health.
Throughout these changes, the folk art calendar remained a constant presence.
