PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA ARE NOT MAD

Dementia is actually the symptom of damage to the brain causing short term memory loss. In the early stages which I am in myself one is able to function almost normally and work and engage in social activities. However the memory for recent events will deteriorate and one's cognitive abilities are slightly impaired. In addition we are more inclined to stumble and fall and knock our heads on tree branches etc.
As the disease grows worse the memory loss will become greater and the ability for complicated thought and ideas will deteriorate. Eventually all short term memory will go intermittently and sufferers will even forget that they have eaten, or that they recently asked a question. However, long term memory will usually remain until the last stages of Alzheimer's, if that is the underlying disease.
The progression of dementia can take a number of years and in my own case I have been a victim for over ten years but I live a wonderful full life and anticipate a good number of good years to come, as the advance of the disease is now minimal.
In most cases of dementia and Alzheimer's the person's underlying intelligence remains and for a great deal of the time we can converse and interact socially in a normal way. However, as the disease worsens and the short term memory almost disappears odd behaviour will happen. Bob Del Marco of T Alzheimer's Reading Rooms recently posted how his long term partner who had Alzheimer's was suddenly unaware of what the kitchen was and other difficulties. This s how severe the damage from Alzheimer's can become, but almost until the very end the patient's basic intelligence remains. Even those in an apparent vegetative state can often be reached and can respond.
When I was first diagnosed with dementia I felt as if my world had collapsed and a bleak and horrid future lay ahead. Fortunately, I discovered how to slow down the progression of dementia and it is possible with the right positive attitude to live comfortably and happily for many years.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.
barnatod@blogspot.com