DEMENTIA THE MIDDLE STAGES

The middle stages of dementia are typically the longest and can last for many years. As a dementia sufferer myself still in early stages and in remission I would hope that if my dementia were to advance it would not go beyond the middle stages. Although there will be a deterioration of the problems of early stage dementia they will not usually be so bad that a care home need to be considered, other than because of family necessity.
As alzheimers disease manifests itself in the middle dementia stage, the challenges of the earlier stages becomes larger. The earlier memory loss will have grown worse, but not necessarily so bad that caregivers are not remembered, although intermittently this may happen.
There may be greater difficulty with words and speech, in expression and words may be jumbled. There may also be some difficulties in dressing, frustration and  and anger and slight anti social behaviour such as a reluctance to bathe.
A caregiver at this stage of dementia will need even greater patience than before and knowledge of dementia and what to expect, but with love, skill and perhaps a little luck the challenge will not be any more overwhelming.The caregiver will through experience have acquired the knowledge and developed the skill needed to deal with the loved one with whom they are entrusted.
The first thing to always remember is a smiling face.Sometimes your dementia sufferer will be in a fog and perhaps not understand where they are or who you are. A smiling face with a gentle voice will re-assure. Remember the ten rules for dealing with dementia and alzheimer patients. Learn to divert and never argue. Never force, persuade,beguile, or defer until a better opportunity presents itself.
The middle dementia years are usually manageable, with love, patience, and a lot of energy! The loved one can still be a part of the family and once family members are used to the situation everyone can participate in the caring for the person and if responsibilities can be shared, the principal caregiver can be allowed the very necessary breaks from their responsibilities.

My own situation remains stable and the writing of my book progresses. No further deterioration in memory and only slight difficulty with words. My health is excellent apart from some soreness in the knees. This I am sure is not due to dementia, but rather the slightly colder weather! Autumn is very definitely now with us and the mornings and evenings are cooler, but not yet cold enough for fires.
Bobby the parrot spends the day outside on the stoep if the weather permits, as does his chum Sandy. In the evening we bring them into the sitting room where we watch some television or play music. Bobby seems to love music and also bright colours and when he sees them he explodes into appreciative noises and whistling and the odd word or two. Other than the odd word he still doesn't talk.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South frica.
barnatod@blogspot.com