The Sadness Of Demensia

[cecil39]

When I was in hospital recently there was a poor 85yr old lady with dementia, I am ashamed to say I have not given this condition much thought before, the poor old thing was convinced that she was in prison for some reason, and crying that "they have taken all my clothes and money" and kept begging for someone to call the police to get her out, I saw some people smile at her antics, but her poor old mind was in utter torment, I felt so sorry for her, my own problems seemed minor, I just felt like crying.

[Infomaniac]

A sad story cecil. The poor dear must have been in great distress. Were there no family around to console her?

[maggiebee]

Very cruel illness. My son in law's father has alzheimers and keeps asking his wife if he is still working, are they married, do they have children, where is he, how old is he and on bad days - who are you? Such a shame as he was a very talented engineer and a scratch golfer. Feel sorry for his wife too who has this every day 365 days of the year.

[boxtops]

It's very sad, I have learned more about this during my work - carers need to put themselves in the position of the sufferer, not keep trying to correct them and bring them back to the current day. It's a dreadful condition. I guess as so many more people live long, we shall see more of it and hopefully understand it better.

[cecil39]

Yes infomaniac, but she did not know her daughter, who was brilliant with her, the staff also were so good as well.

[tiggerblue10]

My grandmother had alzheimers and it was horrible to witness. My dad and uncle went through so much grief until she passed away. It sounds awful to say it but there was a lot of relief when she did pass on. I just remember her the way she was when I was little.

[Infomaniac]

Well it sounds as if she is being well cared for, but I feel for the family. My husband suffered some brain damage a few years ago and for months he did not know me or our (then 20-year-old) son, although he knew his mother and sister. Very difficult to cope with, but fortunately for us not a permanent condition, so it must be horrendous for the family of dementia sufferers.

[albaqwerty]

mother had it, very cruel illness.

She would, on good days, say hello dear to me, how's Mr alba (by name( and the young albas (by name also) completely forgot mine.

On lucid days, she knew there was something wrong which was more heartbreaking.

Caring for a sufferer, the carer needs a deep sense of humour and so much compassion and love to give.

[VHG]

If anyone wants to read an amazing book about dementia and the effects it can have on people's lives read My Bonnie by John Suchet (the TV news reader and Classic FM DJ).

His wife got dementia at a fairly young age and it had dramatic effects on both their lives.

Note it is a not a sad book, but an amazing love story, with great humour at times.

I don't think any book I have ever read has affected me so much.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Bonnie-dementia-stole-love/dp/0007328419