WAYS TO HELP YOUR MEMORY

Two old men, Joe and Stan met regularly in the evenings to play cards at Stan's house. Both had some memory difficulties, but Stan was the worst effected, but his wife Rose helped him with the card games. One evening Joe noticed that Stan's game had dramatically improved. "What's happened Stan, your memory's improved." I've been to memory school." Stan replied. "What's the name of it, I"d like to go as well." Stan struggles to remember and says,; "What's that red flower that's got thorns?" "Do you mean Rose? "Yes, that's her." He turns to Rose; "what's that memory school called?" Apart from writing down things to do in a diary there are a number of other things that people suffering from memory loss can do. The same ideas of course also apply to sufferers of dementia and alzheimers. Once aware that the memory is fading, albeit only slowly encourage the patient to update photo albums and scrap books. It's apparently quite important that memory loss sufferers remind themselves of their past and are encouraged to talk about past events. Of course this can be very wearisome for the carers, but is one thing that will help. Tere is a company who provide memory cards in a box showing events of years gone by. The address is 'many happy returns.org' Of course life is such a lottery. A person left without family support when dementia or alzheimers strike will be at a great disadvantage to those who have been blessed by loved ones. Love is a critical part of caring and personally I also believe that the power of prayer will help as well.In addition meditation, even of a simple kind will reduce stress and increase happiness. Simple meditation can be carried out in a darkened room. One needs some suitable music, incense and a candle. Breathe in and out slowly and regularly and relax. This is essential. Some people create a special place in their minds which they visit when meditating. It can be a mountain, a field or a beautiful building. If at first it doesn't work for you try again a few hours later. The only 'trick' is to learn how to relax.I have read that meditation is a great help in keeping memory loss, dementia and alzheimers at bay. We have a hot day in Paarl today with temperatures predicted to reach 38%. This is just about warm enough for me to swim so Boysie will be pleased. One of the other dogs is called Snowey and on Julian's instructions I trimmed his long golden fur. The dog that remains looks like a little waif and as he's only got one eye one can't help but feel sorry for him. Polly {Boysie's sister] is as always a quiet dog unless she's aroused and then she becomes an 'ankle biter', but she's been behaving recently. Bobby the parrot is talking a little more and what few words he says are exactly like me speaking. Sometimes I get confused and think that my dementia is even worse than I thought! Keep taking the tablets. David. Paarl, South Africa