One Daughter's Guide to Dementia

One Daughter's Guide to Dementia

Someone close to you has dementia? Welcome to the club. Now, what are you to expect and how will you deal with the memory loss, delusions, confabulations, odd behaviors, and communication problems that have afflicted your loved one? What kind of practical issues, such as financial challenges and decisions about living facilities, are headed your way? How far away are you from fear or even panic? Dementia is not for the faint of heart nor the inflexible of personality. When it reaches out and touches someone you care about, hold on, hold tight, keep your chin up, laugh when you can, cry when you need to, and vent. Vent a lot. That's probably the biggie. Do not suffer in silence. Writing about my experiences, thoughts, and observations during my mother's journey into dementia helped me through our mutual struggle with this confusing and pernicious disease. More than that, it helped me find treasures and laughter that I never expected I would. I'm sharing them because I hope they will offer a connection for others in this position. I am not a health care provider nor a dementia expert. I am simply another of the many people who have a loved one suffering with dementia. In my case, that person was my mother.