DEMENTIA SYMPATHY AND EMPATHY

My wife Julian and I were having a conversation about my dementia. Whilst she agreed that there has been very little deterioration recently, due perhaps to the addition of coconut oil to my diet she did feel that there had been some emotional change. Specifically she was referring to empathy and sympathy and she felt that my empathy had diminished. We looked up the meaning of the two words on Wilkopedia and the difference between the two seems to be that sympathy is a feeling of compassion for others, but empathy refers to the understanding and sharing of specific emotions.In other words empathy has a deeper meaning and reflects the ability to put oneself in the place of another. Personally I am not aware of any changes in this way, but I accept that it will be so, because Julian is very aware and very honest. Perhaps being aware of this change will enable me to capture and hold the ability to empathize for a little longer. Although we agreed that there had been no noticeable reduction in memory or cognitive abilities, the damage already done is still there and was reflected in the following way. About a year ago we were going out and having been recently burgled I decided to hide just over R10000 in cash, because I didn't want to carry that much lose money on me. Unfortunately, when we came home I couldn't remember where I had hidden it. On Sunday, almost a year later it was discovered hidden in a winter boot. This was a relief, but also quite embarrassing as when the money wasn't recovered last year I wondered if the maid had taken it. As she has been with us for many years this was most unlikely, but fellow dementia people will recognize this trait to suspect others of stealing things. Fortunately, we did not question her at the time, because Julian was certain that it was a memory problem. In other ways we are fine and life goes on quite happily and every day is a joy. We have had very cold weather with a little snow on the distant mountains and lots and lots of rain. Today is much warmer and I am working comfortably again in the Wendy House. The view from the small balcony is so distinct today and the sun shining. During the cold weather Bobby the parrot lived at the back of his cage where it was warmest. Although we light a fire in the sitting room in cold weather, the temperature is still a bit cold. Today however he reminded me of one of those old cookoo clocks where the little bird pops out to herald the hour. Bobby seems to herald warmer weather by coming to the front of his cage and making a lot of noise. David Barnato. Paarl. South Africa.