Photographer captures loving relationship between grandfather with Alzheimer's and cat

Credit: Westend61

Credit: Westend61

A photographer in Japan has captured the special relationship that has formed between her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's, and a kitten that she rescued.

Akiko DuPont says that her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009, and his demeanor changed over the subsequent years, according to KTVU. Her grandfather lost interest in life and became grumpy.

Enter Kinako, a four-month-old kitten. DuPont was hesitant to introduce the kitten to her grandfather, who had always been more of a dog person. But she says the minute her grandfather laid eyes on the orange cat, his eyes lit up.

Kinako is a loyal companion to DuPont's grandfather, following him while he engages in his daily routine and even sleeping in a similar position. DuPont has captured the images on her website.

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