DEMENTIA --- MEASURING THE STAGES

My own dementia has been with me for twenty years, during which time a steady deterioration has taken place in memory and cognitive abilities. However, through improved diet, exercise of body and mind and coconut oil supplement the advance of my dementia has I believe  been stopped,.although, there is always that question in my mind, 'has it really been stopped?' The problem is that the past damage done to the brain cannot be repaired, or at least not yet. Thus, even having stopped the progression of dementia I still forget things, names,faces etc. So the question of the  degree of forgetfulness etc., becomes relevant. Is it worse than it was, or just the same in degree terms?
What makes the measurement of one's improvement or deterioration difficult is that through kindness, family and caregivers are often reluctant to reveal lapses, such as leaving the front doors open, or leaving a tap running or the gas on.In our house we often have discussions about this and it is only when pressed that incidents are revealed. And of course it must be borne in mind that being a dementia sufferer I do forget what I forgot to do!
It is a complex issue and only honest discussion between caregivers and the patient can access the true position.
My own position is that I am in the first to second stage of dementia and we believe that this is where I was a year ago, so if there is any deterioration it is so small that it cannot be measured. The next step beyond mine is when the existing difficulties get worse and in addition one begins to forget what very specific things are.This might be forgetting what the kitchen is or not being able to find the way home. So we live in hope that we are on the right track in holding 'the enemy' at bay.
We are all well and in good spirits. Life goes on busily as before. Julian is buried with orders for matric and wedding dresses. This is all very well, but we want more people to hire from the existing range, but brides are very particular and sizes often an issue. Still we are grateful for the business.
My own work goes on in the morning and I read in the afternoon. Our lives are full of joy and we count our blessings every day.
The weather here in Paarl is much cooler, but I am still able to work in my big shed in the garden without a heater. I am a little worried about Boysie, one of the Jack Russels. He is off his food and if he isn't eating normally by tomorrow it will mean a visit to the vet.
Bobbie the parrot get more vocal every day and is a great source of fun.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl.
South Africa.
barnatod@blogspot.com