DEMENTIA AND DREAMS

My dementia started about twenty years ago and has advanced at a very slow pace, but with steadily deteriorating memory and cognitive abilities. Because of improved lifestyle I have been able to dramatically slow down the deterioration, but like a tap dripping the memory of faces and names continued to deteriorate.
Although it is very difficult to measure ones level of dementia and to assess if there has been further deterioration, but I think not. I think that the decline has been halted.Of course damage already done to the brain cannot be reversed, but I am still able to manage my life  competently with a little organization.
Apart from the feeling that the 'scales' remain balanced, for the first time in many years I am remembering my dreams.Now many writings about dementia mention that vivid dreams can be a sign of dementia,and thus somewhat negative, but I feel that for  me the opposite is the case, I think that the vividness of my dreams show an improved state of mind.
The only change in my lifestyle that may account for my optimistic outlook is the addition of coconut oil to my diet.Although I found the original virgin oil somewhat unpalatable I have switched to an odourless type and melting it into my morning porridge oats is a good way to start the day and a little in cooking later on gives one the required amount. We also made chocolates, but this was a problem on the weight side of things and so we have concentrated on using coconut oil in cooking.
So, containing dementia and reducing the advance into Alzheimer's is possible. Exercise, healthy diet, meditation and prayer do seem to have worked for me.
The weather here in Paarl is cooler and of course winter is close. We are all well. Bobby the parrot has caused a few laughs, he has started copying the smoke alarm and of course we have to check every time 'the alarm' goes off. Our two Jack Russels are getting on now and Boysie in particular feels the cold and has taken to laying as close to the evening fire as possible, the result of the odd spark from the wood is a scorched smell and a mark on the fur, but he doesn't feel a thing.
We are still missing Sandy, the bid that flew away, but life goes on.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.
barnatod@blogspot.com