YOU ARE STILL WHO YOU WERE

It is easy to become disillusioned by the fact that, due to the dementing process, one is aware that one is not as one was, and also therefore that this will no doubt be apparent to others.This may specifically  apply to those who have known you for a number of years. The differences may not be too significant or discernible to others. To some, the changes they may seemed marked. Your nearest and dearest will be the ones who have experienced and will be most aware of the gradual changes that are and have taken place over the years and months. Those who did not know the old you, will therefore be non the wiser and it is easier for them to accept you as you are, as they have no reference point from the past with which to compare.

The relevance of the above, is that, I believe, we dementees should remain cognisant of the following:-
Although subtle and sometimes not so subtle changes are taking place, both in relation to how we are and how we are perceived by others, never the less, it is a fact that "You Are Still Who You Were". I mention this, as it occurs to me that, although on occasions, recent events may be difficult to recall and behavioural issues may not be perceived to be like "the old you". The fact is that, the You are still You, the combination of, the You of the past and the You of today. These will combine to be an integral part of the You of tomorrow. To retain this view, I find helpful, as an aid to maintaining an essential degree of self esteem, that dementia has the potential to undermine.

JSAFGA