SUNDOWNING

Three elderly men were in the doctor's office for a memory test. The doctor asked the first man; "What's 3 times 3?" "274." He replied. The doctor shook his head sadly and turned to the second man;"What's 3 times 3?" "Tuesday." He replied. The doctor shook his head and turned to the third man; "What's 3 times 3?" "9" He replied. The doctor was delighted. "How did you get it?" He asked. "I just subtracted 274 from Tuesday." Memory loss isn't a joke of course, but humour does make it bearable, even to the victims. My own dementia is a depressing prospect, but I believe that jokes help to de-stress. Indeed, in the case of alzheimers tests have shown that organized humour not only slows down the pace of deterioration, but also helps keep patients more comfortable. This week I was reading about 'sundowning'. If like me you have not heard of this condition we must be aware that it looms ahead. It is more apparent where alzheimers has taken over, but even with dementia the symptoms are sometimes there. Julian has not seen any of these symptoms in me, but the possibility of them coming is real. Sundowning occurs in the late afternoon or early evening and is obviously linked to the sun moving below the horizon. The symptoms are, aggression, agitation, delusions, paranoia, increased disorientation and wandering. Being a carer involves so much doesn't it? What helps reduce sundowning is exercise, no caffeine after lunch and the presence of a night light.Care should focus on optimizing an individuals health and quality of life whilst helping family members look after patients. This is an important point; looking after a dementia or alzheimers patient cannot fall only on one person. The whole family, or a support group must become involved. No further deterioration in my memory loss since yesterday. Even where I forget the most memorable words I can usually find them if I really focus. The weather is very pleasant and we have even had a little blessed rain. Boysie tried to get into the parrot's cage, but Bobby's squeaking alerted the family and murder was avoided. Afterwards Boysie said that he was sorry, but couldn't explain why he wanted to kill the parrot. Anyway I gave him a good talking to and he looked at me with those big sorrowful eyes and all was forgiven. Keep taking the tablets. David Barnato.\Paarl. South Africa.