DEMENTIA AND THE GREAT PRETENDERS

When on the odd occasion I have admitted to someone that I have dementia they find it very difficult to believe. because like many dementia sufferers in the early stages I am able to converse in a normal way and I don't look as if I've lost my marbles. What is hidden from the world is the mist that sometimes descends and blots out memories. Usually the loss is fairly innocuous, such as grasping to remember a word when writing, or someone's name or face from long ago. Sometimes things are a bit more serious, such as the time that I forgot my address or the couple of occasions that I didn't realize where I was.
Because the more serious problems of dementia are rare for those of us in the early stages, we are able to bluff our way through life and for those like myself with a wonderful wife as caregiver, even social occasions can be dealt with by a whispered word as to some one's name or relationship.
Our cognitive difficulties, such as difficulty with the computer are easily explained away by old age, so we chug along, usually quite happily. In my mind the words of that old song from many years ago by I think The Platters echoes; 'Oh yes I'm the Great Pretender.'
I am just grateful that my dementia and probable Alzheimer's is at least not getting any worse. Apart from the tablets I do think that the coconut oil helps.
The week has ended with torrential downpours and much lower temperatures and the evenings are spent huddled round the log fire which is great.
We are all well and the only 'madness' this week was that I forgot to pick up Julian from the Mall, so I am in the doghouse! I explained to Julian that she must make special allowance for me because I am her patient. At least that made her laugh and I am forgiven.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.