ALZHEIMERS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS

When my doctor first told me that my memory loss had now become dementia I was horrified. When I learned that in fact dementia is actually the symptom of something much worse and that there was an 80% chance of me actually having alzheimers I was in despair.
I quickly adjusted to the new and terrible possibilities, but I was ashamed. Rather like HIV victims used to hide their condition. I was ashamed of the mental deterioration that was coming. I was ashamed and I decided to hide it from the world apart from my wife Julian and close family. They have all accepted it very well and are helpful towards my odd memory lapses. At this stage my cognitive abilities are not badly affected and for example I am now writing my fourth book and it progresses well.
By following what my research has shown to be the best way to fight the enemy through exercise, diet, prayer and meditation I appear to have stopped the deterioration.
What has happened to me as opened my eyes tto the enormous problem of alzheimers. The statistics are scary; at age 65 50% of the population will be suffering from dementia which in 80% of cases will become alzheimers.I am coping well with my problem and in fact my overall health is better than it was ten years ago.
However, what saddens me is the negative attitude of many towards alzheimers sufferers. Human nature always wants to follow life's winners, the beautiful, the famous, the rich, and the healthy and there is no time for losers. Eeryone who has sudden financial hardship will recall that the people you hoped might help you mainly turned their backs and the most unexpected people on the other hand were sympathetic and helpful.
So it is with dementia and alzheimers. Some people fear association with losers and are uncomfortable and ashamed.
Also, humans tend to be selfish. When a victim's alzheimers disease progresses and they barely recognize their loved ones they stop visiting, but the tragedy is that the real person is still there and in most cases can still be reached!
I have explained the technique before, but for those who didn't read the earlier blog in which that was explained there follows the simple procedure which requires a great deal of patience and love.
First play some music that the patient like in their youth or if that is not known play music popular in that era. Alternatively hymns and religious music also works with some people.
Then stroke the patient on the face like a mother strokes her child and then stroke an arm and perhaps sing to the music or talk to the patient. There will be a person inside and this method often works to make contact. The final result will be that regular break through contact will often take place.
Of course attention to an elderly person takes both love and patience, but what a joyful reward may come from the giving of time.
My own dementia is still no worse and I am optimistic that exercise of body and mind is working.
The new book is going well. Some difficulty in remembering names of places,but with effort the fog clears and the answer comes!
We have had some thunder and some rain here in Paarl today. It is a little cooler and we hope for more rain as we have had very little for about fur months.
Bobby the parrot and his chum Sandy have been very vocal today. The only time that they are quiet is when the come inside in the evening. They watch the television intently and often respond if music is played.
No swimming today, but the dogs will go out later for a run.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl.
South Africa