Our lives have been turned topsy turvy by Burt’s dementia. Lewy Body has no timeline, but it does twist time. Obviously, Burt has been changed by his illness. Not so obviously, so have I The question: How has my pwd’s dementia changed me? has a long answer. I so want to say I am aContinue reading “What’s changed”
Tag Archives: #changes
Mid night thoughts May 7th
It’s a pernicious disease that has outsmarted us both, and Burt and I are pretty smart. Lewy Body Dementia has made its wily way into our lives. I have been split into fragmented personalities some of them adored some abhorred others tolerated. Burt is never fully alone except when he dreams I have abandoned him.Continue reading “Mid night thoughts May 7th”
My gratitude journey
A few short months have passed since I thrilled at how well Burt was doing. He truly enjoyed his surprise birthday. That was in November when a group gathering to celebrate him was a very welcome experience. He made it through my birthday party in early February. It made his decline by the middle ofContinue reading “My gratitude journey”
Party? Not right now
I am about to cancel a party I planned for our 32nd anniversary. Parties have been good to (and for) us this past year. Burt loved his 84th surprise birthday gathering. People interested him, and it was a lively event. He insisted I should have one, too, and was able to enjoy the crowd. TheContinue reading “Party? Not right now”
A deep dive
Burt’s dementia started with explosive symptoms from the get-go. He was listless for a while but quickly proceeded to mimic schizophrenia. [This in no way excuses the doctor who offered this up as a diagnosis. As the neurologist’s team said 80 year olds don’t suddenly become schizophrenic.] These next phases included delusions and Capgras Syndrome.Continue reading “A deep dive”
Cognitive decline
The way in which Burt’s reasoning works these days is odd and irregular. Much of his thought processes take him in divergent directions. He sees no contradiction. If I weren’t so stricken by his illogical theorizing, I would find it all quite fascinating. As it is, his decline (euphemistically and paradoxically called disease progression) justContinue reading “Cognitive decline”
Rhythms
You and your spouse have a dynamic. It is likely, nay certain, that that dynamic will change as dementia takes hold. If you are like me, reluctant to let go, wishing it weren’t so, you will try to keep the rhythm of your relationship. It isn’t there. Sadly. They tell me acceptance will make itContinue reading “Rhythms”
In appreciation
Burt is still a difficult man. The diagnosis didn’t change that. He had quirks that irked when he was healthy. Let’s be honest, if you’re married, then your spouse has an annoying habit or two. His illness had me step back a little. It put my annoyance in perspective. The anxiety he’d lived with allContinue reading “In appreciation”
The good and the…
When I blog about Burt’s Lewy, I am not sure that I am being respectful of his dignity. I don’t know how he would respond if he knew I was sharing his worst moments as well as his best. I share much of our life experiences in the spirit of caring and love with whichContinue reading “The good and the…”
Lewy is unlike other dementias
Alzheimer’s is an orderly dementia. It progresses in stages. There is a pattern as its awful symptoms afflict your loved one over time. No dementia is easy. They are each unique. Lewy Body is unpredictable. Symptoms come and go. You and your person can be plunged into troubling situations one day, only to have aContinue reading “Lewy is unlike other dementias”
this is our life 