Dementia....it's a terrible disease
By MARILYN
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
United States
February 25, 2017 10:17am CST
My mom lived a long and happy life and passed away last October at the age of 94. Longevity seems to fun in her family as her sister and brother are still alive as well as some cousins.
Her one cousin Les has dementia and is now in a nursing home. He used to chat with my mom at least once a week or so and they kept in touch until she passed.
The sad part is he still calls to talk to my mom. He called yesterday and left his usual message on my voice mail...."hi Mary, it's me Les. Guess you're out working and not there to answer the phone. Call me back when you have time to talk".
I've told Les many times that my mom has died and he always feels bad when he hears the news as if it's the first time. I've even sent him a prayer card from her funeral with a note saying she passed away figuring maybe he would understand that she is no longer with us.
When he called again yesterday I wasn't home and I felt bad when I listened to his message. Usually when he calls I try to talk to him and we have a nice conversation but he doesn't understand why Mary isn't here to talk to him.
My mom had dementia but not as bad as her cousin Les. I know many of you here are dealing with or have dealt with parents that are stricken with this terrible disease.
Maybe one day we'll have a cure.
I just pray that I don't get it.
17 people like this
15 responses
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
25 Feb 17
My husband's brother developed it shortly before he passed away. When my husband called to chat, he thought he was talking to David, the middle brother who passed away. My grandmother lived well into her mid 90s before becoming what we called senile. Our older son volunteered at our local senior center. One of its citizens thought he was her son paying a visit. I certainly hope you don't get dementia. It's important to keep your mind busy, which you seem to do with all your reading.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
25 Feb 17
I guess dementia has touched us all some way. I do try to keep my mind busy and myself involved with my children and grandchildren. Yes I love to read and have at least 200 books on my kindle not to mention actual books I have on my shelf.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
25 Feb 17
@Marilynda1225 Good for you! I love to read as well. Perhaps that's why we are so smart! Lol! I also love to do brain teasers, crosswords, and word searches.
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
25 Feb 17
I am not sure if it's okay to just leave Les with good memories and the thought that he's beloved cousin is still alive and just leave him as he does since efforts had already been done, again I am not sure if this is the right thing to do.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
25 Feb 17
I'm sure Les is happy to keep calling and remember the good times until the day he no longer remembers to call
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
25 Feb 17
@Marilynda1225 for sure it will come to that but just let him be happy for now and let him enjoy pleasant memories, don't think it would do any harm
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
25 Feb 17
The advantage....those with dementia generally don't realize that they are afflicted. My daughter works with a lot of clients who have physical or cognitive impairment. She decided she'd rather lose her mind then sher health.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
25 Feb 17
You are right that those afflicted don't realize it. It probably is better to get senile than say cancer
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
25 Feb 17
Its extremely sad and it breaks my heart every time I have to say it
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
26 Feb 17
I pray for you, me, and the many others that are worried that they too will get this dreaded disease. It is so difficult to see our loved ones go through this. We sit and watch and worry. Big hugs to you lady.
1 person likes this
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
26 Feb 17
How sad that a person in his old age has to go through this terrible disease. Yes, I do also pray we will have a cure.
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
25 Feb 17
Thank God neither my parents or my husband's mother had that. It's a horrible disease. Les will continue to call and you just have to play along with him.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
25 Feb 17
I'm sure Les will never know that my mom is no longer here. Sad for both of us
@Tampa_girl7 (48929)
• United States
1 Mar 17
It is the cruelest thing. My mama has Alzheimer's and will be 76 in May and daddy has vascular dementia and is going to be 77. They seem too young to have this.
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
27 Feb 17
Perhaps you could speak with a caregiver to help him. How sad for all concerned. I hope they find a cure soon.
@almostoveryou (4189)
• Philippines
25 Feb 17
I dread that too because my father had it. It's sad how the body degenerates in that way. I hope researchers find a cure.
1 person likes this
