PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA CAN STILL BE 'REACHED'

Even when a patient moves into the latter stages of dementia or early Alzheimer's and they appear unreachable they can in fact usually be 'reached'. It is a misconception held by some people that such patients have lost their reason and are just living vegetables. In fact almost all patients can be reached with patience and the correct knowledge. The real person is still inside, the illness has taken away short term memory, but much long term memory remains.
Patients can be reached by bringing back good memories of significance. This can be achieved by touching the hand and playing music that the patient remembers. Itis sometimes impossible to know what this might be, but the age of the person and the er that they lived in may give good clues. If it is known that they were religious then singing hymns might be the route, or perhaps romantic songs that they may remember from courting days.
The Montessori method of helping dementia and Alzheimer's patients has also shown that involving patients in word games and other social activities also often helps patients. The secret is to find an activity that the person will respond to and can feel achievement.
Above all, no one should give up hope of achieving contact at an emotional level.There are many things that can brighten the days of those shadowed by dementia and Alzheimer's, it calls for patience and love.
My own dementia remains at thesame level. Some struggles remembering words, but they always come back if I focus. I am still able to function very well and have now finished my book. Julian thinks that there is a slight deterioration in memory, but I am not conscious of this myself. Indeed, since adding coconut oil to my diet, I feel that there may be a slight improvement.However, there was one incident when I had to slip out to the shop to buy salt and I forgot that I was wearing slippers. This wouldn't have mattered so much if it wasn't for the thunderstorm.
We are in winter now with much colder weather, but today is another lovely sunny day. With the appropriate clothing we should be able to eat lunch outside. The trouble is that it's a bit difficult to use a knife and fork when wearing gloves, but still it's fun.
Bobby the parrot doesn't like the colder weather, so we only bring him outside when he can be in the sun. He's still whistling at girls though on TV, or even real ones on occassion. He particularly likes females dressed in red.
The dogs are fine and the Jack Russels came from the Scottish Highlands ten years ago, so they adjust quickly to cold weather and know how to find the warmest places to sleep. If allowed, they particularly like to get into bed, but Julian doesn't allow it. I have explained that it's only human, but she rejects this argument completely!
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.