DEMENTIA. - ASK YOUR CAREGIVER FOR THE TRUTH ABOUT YOURSELF

'Oh to see ourselves as others see us.' So said Scotland'sost famous poet Robbie Burns. Our capacity for self delusion is truly remarkable. We all suffer from the same trait and it is especially noteable in the leaders of corrupt regimes. They really do believe that the people love them when they are actually despised. It is a case of 'The Emperor's Clothes'; I suppose. With we dementia people it is truly very difficult to be accurate about our condition. We think that there has been no deterioration in our condition either of memory or cognitive abilities. Sometimes Julian will disagree on a point or two when I say things like 'My condition is frozen in time'; where as she points out she has noticed some deterioration. Very slight, she admits,but obviously the truth. I must confess to feelings of anger and frustration when this happens. I so want to stay as I am. I accept the damage already done, but I don't want to get worse. However, nature so often compensates. They say that a blind man has better hearing than others and greater perception about those moving around him. I find that although my short term memory loss my long term keeps bringing amazing old memories to the surface, like bubbles of air. However, the greatest compensation for me has been the much greater ability to appreciate what I do have. I have so much to be grateful for and every day brings a blessing. I think and hope that I have become more aware and understanding of others, although I do still struggle with being judgemental and forgiving is still a great problem, but getting better. Today is the first day of Spring here in Paarl in South Africa. Yesterday was of course the last day of Winter, but Spring got in a day early and it was a magnificent day and reached 29%. What a joy it was to feel the sun, hot upon our cheeks and to eat our Sunday chicke in the garden. This morning Julian and I were out walking even before dawn. The early birds were chirping happily and a flock of Ibis flew not far above us across the sky, honking like a 'Sky Locomotive.' Dogs, Parrot, Squirels and pidgeons are very active today and reveling in the new season. David Barnato. Paarl. South Africa.