THREE SISTERS

Three sisters ages 92,9 and 96 shared a house. The 96 year old went upstairs to take a bath. She put her foot into the bath and then she called down to her sisters; " Am I getting into the bath or coming out?" The 94 year old shouted back; "I'm coming up to see." She paused halfway up and shouted down to her other sister;'"Am I going up or coming down?" She said. The 92 year old was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea.She thought to her self; "I hope that I never get that forgetful, knock on wood" She up to her sister; " I'll be up as soon as I see who's at the door." It's true that almost everyone gets more forgetful the older we get.For most old people the memory loss will become dementia and for many alzheimers disease.In my own case it is now dementia. Hopefully it will not become alzheimers. For those who have a partner with memory problems, it is worth while saying that dementia is a slow process. Life can go on for many years as normal, but the memory and other faculties will almost certainly deteriorate. However, although there is currently no cure for either dementia or alzheimers there are a number of things that help to slow down the process. Currently, in addition to medication I am eating a few macademia nuts and drinking a little coconut oil every day and I think that they are helping. Although my memory loss has been diagnosed as dementia I and many others are able to work and operate normally. The thing is to write things down. Also, I have no doubt that reading and other activities will help to fight 'the enemy'.My own writing continues and I am not aware of any deterioration.Apart from the memory difficulties, it's the odd blank spot that's the most disturbing sympton. One forgets that one has done something. It's a bit scary! Here in Paarl we have had masses of very welcome rain and so swimming has had to be curtailed. This has not pleased Boysie who keeps on bringing his yellow ball to me to go swimming. The parrot is called Bobby and he can speak a few words but almost never does! We are all endlessly talking to him to stimulate him, but he only says things when we leave the room. We bought a stray cockateel from a chap that we know. He lives in another cage and his bird noises have stimulated Bobby to respond. However. Julian thinks that this is discouraging Bobby from talking. We will see. Anyway, keep taking the tablets! David