On a good day and when necessary, I seek to take opportunities to take charge of events either at home or in the company of others, including suggestion of solutions to problematic situations. My wife has increasingly supported me in doing so, in the four years since I was diagnosed.
Now, of course, sometimes the above can be tricky. One has to try to be sure that you have totally understood the situation, before proffering one's guidance. However, for an increased degree of personal respect / credence, I believe it a risk worth taking. In these situations, I hope that I have not misunderstood what has been said or misread the situation. There again, don't non dementing people, frequently, do that? Of course they do!
So I say to my fellow dementing brothers and sisters, have courage, speak out when you think it appropriate, offer advice and a view, when you think it is warranted. You may get a worried look or bemused response from aquaintances who think they know you, but really don't. However, let them have their own moment of confusion to deal with, we have enough of our own! In that golden moment of clear thinking, be brave, seize the opportunity, make the statement, offer the advice, demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the situation, whatever it might be. Take the opportunity to build up / repair any damaged self worth, or lost confidence. Let others see the positive aspect of your hidden depths, dispel for some the myth that, having dementia means that you do not, anymore, have the potential to provide a degree of leadership, insight and
understanding.
Take the risk!
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