Dementia – experience from a relative’s perspective
The definition of dementia according to Wikipedia:
Dementia (taken from Latin, originally meaning “madness”, from de- “without” + ment, the root of mens “mind”) is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It may be static, the result of a unique global brain injury, or progressive, resulting in long-term decline due to damage or disease in the body. Although dementia is far more common in the geriatric population, it may occur in any stage of adulthood.
This is such a broad term, my great grandmother has Alzheimer’s which is a form of dementia, as far as me and my family are concerned this disease is like a form of torture because my great grandmother was quite a proud woman now she is like a child, she is scared and confused. She doesn’t recognise her own family. My grandmother goes down everyday to sort out meals and do her cleaning for her and to give her a bath; she doesn’t even recognise her own daughter any more.
She has called me on my mobile number getting very upset demanding to know why I was in her sister’s house and what I had done with her sister. I explained to her that I was her great granddaughter and that she had called me not her sister (her sister has been dead for quite a few years now). She called me a liar and told me that she hadn’t any grandchildren or great grandchildren. Which means that she doesn’t remember me, my mother or my sisters or even my 2 daughters.
If you would like to know more about Dementia have a look at CQ3′sSpecialist Dementia Programme. You may also be interested to know that CQ3 recently participated in a 10k fun run to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society. Alternatively if you want to talk to others who are in a similar position check out healthboards.com
Tags: Alzheimers, CQ3, Dementia, memory, Mental Health, Specialist Dementia Programme