Bette Midler as my jam today was in contradiction to the pity party I was engaging in. Burt tends to make less sense than ever of late. He still expects me to fill in all the blanks. He’ll cite a destination for an activity of an unspecified type. I am charged with knowing both whereContinue reading “Know what?”
Category Archives: #dementia
Did I mention?
Anxiety is a huge factor in Lewy Body Dementia. I presume that those who were calm and composed prior to dx experience bouts of this distress once they enter Lewy-land. Burt had more than his share for years before any symptoms. In fact, he was plagued by lifelong panic attacks. His illness has made theContinue reading “Did I mention?”
The battle continues
Here are some of the things Burt’s lost along the road our journey has taken: The construct of time. It is a made-up thing. He was right about that early on. He would say, “Why is it day or night?” Well, not so much right on that point. Time is a man-imposed measure, but natureContinue reading “The battle continues”
Another party
When we went to the neighborhood settlement house (as they used to be called) at Thanksgiving, Burt had an amazing time. Today, although he’s said he wants to go to every event there, Burt resisted going. We got ourselves organized for a good start by noon. He enjoyed the tea and tea cakes. He hadContinue reading “Another party”
Hallucinations
Well, yes, it is a good thing that they’re not scary. Burt’s hallucinations are mostly benign. A group of pals and co- workers he’s gathered into our home. They make him feel connected, I think, and less alone. His dreams and delusions seem, on the other hand, to be frightening. He is always lost withoutContinue reading “Hallucinations”
Saints and sinners
The things that annoyed you when he was well will still be maddening when he’s ill. You are not a saint, and your spouse’s diagnosis does not make you supra- human. Leave the saints to religion and on tapestries at the Cloisters. Cheerful caregiving is an art and an act. You can do it. YouContinue reading “Saints and sinners”
this is our life 