DEMENTIA ------- START ORGANIZING WHEN DIAGNOSED

When one first learns that the memory loss and cognitive abilities difficulties are actually dementia at work it is a tremendous shock. One's feelings range from a sort of mental paralysis to deep fear of what's to come. In my own case I was depressed for days,and visualised the slow descent of a fog of nothingness, but being blessed with an optimistic nature I felt that despite the proclaimed inevitability of decline into extensive brain loss there must be ways to fight back. At this moment of time there is no known scientific cure for dementia or Alzheimer's, but there are ways of dramatically slowing down the advance of the enemy and perhaps even holding it in suspension. The steps are simple enough, but do require some self discipline. They are good exercise, good quality Mediteranian diet, prayer, meditation and coconut oil.
Having taken the above steps, you must make plans for the possibility of some further apparent deterioration. This is because damage already done to the brain cannot be repaired and the manifestations of the damage are intermittent. My wife has noticed that on some days I forget almost nothing, but on others I still forget names, faces, where I parked the car, exactly where I am and so on. This makes it difficult to be certain that you have stopped the enemy. So, it is prudent to make a few plans, not only in case the disease does get worse, but also to deal with your current impairments caused by brain damage.
The very first step is a full and frank discussion with your partner or possible caregivers. Even if you plan to live on your own you will need support, so swallow your pride and tell your friends. This quickly separates the sheep from the goats as many people treat dementia and Alzheimer's like leprosy. It's the same with wealth, if you lose it the most surprising people will shun you and the most surprising people will stand by one.
If you have not already researched dementia and Alzheimer's on the net try and do so before you talk to others or perhaps even do so with your partner or caregiver. There is so much to learn and so many books on the subject that it will be months before you fully understand the challenges.
As I began my research I suddenly realized that my dear mother who died over twenty years ago had been suffering from Alzheimer's. If only we had known that she wasn't just cantankerous and difficult. If only we had known that you never argue with a patient, you never ask questions and you sidestep the difficult ones and move the sufferer's memories back to the good long term ones still retained.
Being now aware of what has happened to you and being aware enough to see your challenges, plan your life accordingly. First examine your finances and then make sure that your partner is fully aware of them.You will need to write down details of investments, pensions, bank accounts, passwords etc. Either you will pass to your wife, husband or trusted caregiver or you could lodge with your solicitor and perhaps give him power of attorney. Now is also the time to update your will as things may have changed since you wrote it.
Start using a diary for notes about things that you have to do and keep notes about any lapses in your memory or cognitive deterioration. When I first started this I would sometimes forget that I had already carried out some of the tasks listed, so to save doing things twice tick each accomplishment.
You may find as I have done that spatial judgement has been impaired and you will find yourself stumbling and tripping more than usual. So more care must be taken, look out for tree branches and open cupboard doors and walk carefully.
Depression may be a problem sometimes. Seek serious medical advice for this and act accordingly. Personally, I discovered years ago that if I felt the mood coming on I must relax and meditate and pray and count my blessings and the depression lifts.
Despite dementia your life can go on very comfortably and you may well discover inner reserves and even inner secrets that you have kept from yourself. Always remember gratitude.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa
barnatod@blogspot.com