A GOOD LIFE WITH DEMENTIA

Six years ago, following two strokes, I was diagnosed with dementia and medically retired at the age of 58 years. A few months later, one of the physicians suggested that I consider setting up a blog. The reason he made this suggestion, was because I was increasingly finding it easier to communicate via email rather than speaking face to face with individuals and having a telephone conversation.

So, for whatever reason, I have today, six years later, been moved to take up the above suggestion. I am hoping that this excercise will be of benefit to both myself and maybe other dementia card holders and/or their carers. I experience and  my ever caring, loving, wife, has to share in my experience, of the majority of classic clinical symptoms of dementia.

I thank God, (I believe in God, but can assure you as many who knnow me will vouch, I am frequently not one of His or Her best representatives) that, so far, I am still enjoying a GOOD life, inspite of being aware and sometimes having to be made aware, of the ever creeping deterioration in a number of areas, e.g.acceptable/ unacceptable behaviour, (currently having issues regarding freedom of expression / rudeness to friends and aquaintances) and increased vocalised irritability. I am also currently trying to curb the unnecessary and inappropriate use of swear words, in place of thought out, appropriate responses.

Inspite of the above, life for me is GOOD, although this is tempered, on reflection, by the knowledge that life is not as GOOD, for those who have to cope with me. At the time, this behaviour seems to me to be reasonable and it is often only on reflection, or when pointed out, that I appreciate it wasnt.

In future blogs, I propose to share with any interested readers and with myself, personal insights / reflections on some aspects of both the positive and negative nature that the dementing state has had to offer so far.

I hope that anyone who joins me on this blogged journey, will enjoy the ride!

JSAFGA