The Mists Of Illness Briefly Cleared.

[sandyRoe]

This morning my sister asked if she was always going to be as she is now. I gave an evasive answer saying taking her medication could help.
In contrast, last night she thought I was her husband and asked me in turn about each of his brothers and sisters, all long gone.
It's somehow easier to deal with anger, you know it's the illness talking, than it is to handle lucid times.
Isn't dementia a cruel illness?

[ubasses]

It is Sandy, with Mum I started off being truthful, but every time she learned, as if for the first time, that somebody was dead she got so upset, I started to go with the flow. Eg. When she told me my stepfather had just taken my grandparents home I just said that I didn't expect him to be too long.
Now I wish even for that, she rarely speaks and never makes any sense when she does. She has to spend most of her time in bed, she sleeps so much and it is the only way the Care Home can keep her comfortable. When she is awake there is rarely a glimmer of recognition.

[naomi24]

Very cruel indeed.

[Hypognosis]

So it's like they're going back in time?

The sense of smell is the best memory jogger, so I'd be tempted to bring all their favourite foods to see if it helped with recall. But not as a mechanism of rescue from being miserable, in case they make new associations between old favourites and current experiences.

[Mamyalynne]

Those moments of lucidity must be like a knife Sandy, so very hard for you both.

[Elina]

Sandy, how are you? Yes it's a cruel illness, very upsetting. You feel their vulnerability the most. You know there'll never be who they once were.

[gness]

Sandy.....I hated the early days when my mother had moments of realising she was no longer at home......and in a strange place.....and that there must be something wrong.

That's long gone now.....still heartbreaking to see her......but I prefer that she now knows nothing.....

Take care of yourself....Gx

[mikey4444]

Sandy...you have a sad story but one that is getting more commonplace as time wears on. We are all living longer, so these dementia problems are appearing, when a couple of generations ago, something else would have polished people off.

My Mum died 20 years a ago this May, at age 63. I fully expect her to have succumbed to dementia if she was still around today.....ditto for Dad would have been 90 this year.

[ummmm]

It's very cruel. My Nan used to think Granddad was her dad even though my Nan never knew her dad or even seen a picture of him.

[Peter Pedant]

I am very sorry this is happening to you sandy

[tonyav]

Isn't dementia a cruel illness?

It really is, sandy.
Must be heartbreaking for you, sandy. You have my sympathy.

[Tilly2]

How are you getting on with finding a care home, Sandy?

[mazie]

It's the pits Sandy...Having spent 8 years with it...I don't know if I'm happy or sad to bid it farewell. So, if you'll accept a hug from me that would be great xxx

[marval]

It is a dreadful illness, my heart goes out to you.