Lewy Body Dementia offers just reams of tales of heartbreak. They appear as unexpectedly as if we all didn’t know where our story was heading. Every decline has been a surprise to me as if there was a plot twist I hadn’t seen coming. I can’t justify this reaction. I know what this journey ofContinue reading “Heartbreak”
Author Archives: therealtamara
Fears
Paranoia is a frequent visitor as we age. I think it’s because the old know they [ok we] are vulnerable. For those with dementia there’s a greater feeling of susceptibility. Your p.w.d. may seem unaware of having a malady, but s/he senses that there is something off. Paranoia seems like a way to protect ourselvesContinue reading “Fears”
Surprise
Have you noticed what a handy tool the calendar is? We share so much by pointing to it. Look, over here, come Thursday, it’s your birthday. Burt is no longer able to keep order in the days, the months, or the dates. Recently, on a phone confirmation, he wasn’t able to assure the caller ofContinue reading “Surprise”
For better. Or worse.
BTW, I found the errant marriage certificate in an envelope in this bag today. A helpful neighbor who stopped by to move Burt into a better position in the bed said, “You might not notice, but I see a huge decline in the last 3 months.” I did. Notice that is. The route’s been downhill,Continue reading “For better. Or worse.”
Windmills
It might have been prescient anticipation of the advent of Lewy into our home, but I never had the forbearance to enjoy the saga of Quixote. His delusional tilting at windmills always annoyed me. The musical rendition of his story does offer some gorgeous musical flights, however. One New Year’s Eve, Burt bought tickets forContinue reading “Windmills”
A day off
Burt was asleep all morning and now all day. His aide and I shared the space, texting and reading on our phones. After an hour and ½ trying to stir him, I decided to make Sunday a respite afternoon. I went to cast my ballot. Called some of my peeps, enjoyed the crispness of theContinue reading “A day off”
It’s the money, honey
Caring for a family member with dementia can be heartbreaking and difficult in so many ways. One of the hardest tasks may be protecting them from ruining their finances as their condition deteriorates. Research shows that those with dementia often show signs of financial trouble years before diagnosis. Left unchecked, their unpaid bills, gratuitous spendingContinue reading “It’s the money, honey”
Caring while under…
Yesterday, it appears, the combo of an RSV shot on Monday and a Covid booster on Friday made me feel crappie. My body ached, and my temp was slightly elevated. Of course, both my arms hurt at the injection sites. Mildly unwell as I was, I was hard pressed to show patience; I skimped on preppingContinue reading “Caring while under…”
A deep dive
In the abstract, I am fascinated by the mechanisms of Burt’s disease. In reality, the manifestations of Lewy Body are overwhelmingly sad. Trying to deduce patterns is part of my close study into all things Burt. I want to see what prompts his irrational conclusions and how his fantasies develop. There probably is no pattern,Continue reading “A deep dive”
Management
Most nights, I’ve been going to bed at 8 o’clock since I can never be sure if Burt will awake in the middle of the night. We’ve had several 4am chatfests. I am generally bone tired by 8 from keeping farmer’s hours. I awake early, thanks to going to bed early. It’s a cycle. SleepContinue reading “Management”
this is our life 