It’s often said that we always have our memories even after the occasion or event has finished or the people involved have left us. However I’ve come to realise more and more in the last few weeks that this really isn’t true for all of us.
Confused?
I’m thinking about dementia and Alzheimer sufferers.
As many of you will know my Dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia a number of months ago, plus one of my aunt’s who suffers from Alzheimer’s, now lives in a care house. Initially my Dad just had trouble remembering people names and some events from a while ago, however over the last few months Mum, hubby, Dad’s doctor and me have already noticed a huge deterioration in my Dad.
To be honest Mum has told me all the things Dad’s been doing or not doing because of his condition, however because I’ve spent a lot more time with them in the last few weeks while I’ve been off work, I’ve realised jut how bad he is. Take a couple of days ago for example, we were going out to get some shopping and stop for a coffee while we were out, however before we went out, I had to help Dad zip up his jacket as he didn’t know how to fasten it anymore – That really upset me.
A few days ago, Mum got in the morning to find dad wasn’t in bed…she found him downstairs in the living room, looking out the window…he was watching for Mum coming home. Dad thought it was the middle of the day and Mum was out somewhere!
Mum’s having to do just about everything for Dad these days and we’re having to explain everything over and over again to him as after letting him something he still doesn’t remember. It’s getting to a stage now that Mum’s getting more and more reluctant to leave Dad on his own in the house while she’s out, as she’s frightened he’ll feel dizzy and have an accident when she’s not around.
So where am I going with this? Well all I wanted to say is, don’t take your memory and/or your friends/family for granted, as you never know how quickly you may lose the ability to remember your past or even your friends/family.
Life is precious, so make the most of every minute you have, especially those you spend with your friends and family.
