CARERS CAN BE CLOWNS

A Doctor has been consulted by Jane about her poor memory. After a lot of questions and an examination the doctor says; "I've good and bad news." "What's the bad news?" "You've got alzheimers disease." "Good heavens, so what's the good news?" "You can go home and forget about it." Interestingly enough it has been proven that humour does help with memory loss, dementia and alzheimers.It was particularly helpful with dementia of which there are 60 different conditions. A study found a 20% reduction in agitation where humour was used in an organized way. However, when happiness therapy was discontinues, agitation and depression rose. There should be nothing too surprising about this. Those who have had stays in hospital will know how kind and patient nurses make such a difference to recovery. Humour can take many forms but where there are groups of people suffering from memory loss, dementia or alzheimers it has been found that organized fun such as clowns etc, once laughter starts it is contagious. Of course for individual patients at home it is different, but childrens' TV with good quality but simple humour can be efficacious. Also, better quality TV comedy of the 'Mr Bean, or John Cleese variety can be enjoyed by many. Even where a dementia or alzheimers victim is at a very advanced stage and cannot communicate it is essential to continue conversations on subjects that the patient was once interested in. Of course the magic ingredient is love. Memory loss, dementia and alzheimers are such complex subjects that an ordinary carer cannot hope to know the answers. Thus it is essential to consult professionals about the patient. Also join a support group, it can be such a huge burden that descends on the hapless 'survivor.'. As a victim in the early stages of dementia my biggest worry is my poor wife and how she will be able to cope if my condition degenerates into alzheimers. Fortunately she is a very spiritual person with her church behind her. I have not noticed any further deterioration in my condition,and indeed on an emotional level I am dealing with it well. Of course I am one of the lucky ones with family and pets. The latter are particularly important, especially dogs who love one so unconditionally.Even the struggle to get Bobby the parrot to start talking is quite fun and absorbing. My writing also fills many spare moments and it's interesting that although the fog is creeping up around me and tasks are becoming more difficult to face, my writing flows smoothly. The plot for the new book is now ready for the actual writing to start and I am anxious to move forward. I would like to finish the third of the Boland Tales, even if I can write no more. Funnily enough when I was ill last week I was quite delirious at one point sound was coming from the whirring fan in the ceiling It was like a 1930s orchestra playing and a crooner who sounded like Al Bowley was singing. I can assure you that I don't take drugs, so I can only assume that it was the fever. Anyway, as Al Bowley was singing away ghostly figures were moving around the room and ideas for my book just poured into my fevered brain. When I thought about the afterwards the book was already written in my head. My second book; 'The Devil Pays The Piper', is selling steadily and appears to be liked. t is my favourite book that I have written, but some people really love; 'When the Jacaranda Petals Fall.' However, writing is a tough trade!. You must write for the expression of it and if you are very lucky you may make a little money. Very hot here in Paarl today. It's going to be 42%, so Boysie will get his wish of a ball game in the pool. One other piece of news is that squirells have moved into the garden and appear to be living in the avocado tree.Of course this means no doubt that they're eating our avos, but we don't mind. Keep taking the tablets. David Barnato. Paarl. South Africa