Harry’s Lantern on the Dementia Trail

This Dementia Trail is a very bumpy trail with tangles of thistles!! As we go, we can sign-post some of the dangers for those following behind, and I think that is what we do with our writings. Coaches & on-lookers can observe and assist, but we on the Dementia Trail itself have a unique perspective. Someday there will be a cure, and we hope the trail will not last long enough to become a well-worn path. But in the meantime … Thank you, Harry, for continuing to shine the light on your path, in order for us to better see our own paths.

Hole in my Self-Control

Remember when Teepa Snow had us put our hands in front of forehead, then illustrated impulse filter? Well lately I am seeing that demonstrated in my own life; my impulse-control is getting a hole in it. …This is really devastating. My iron-strong stubbornness of self-control is a big part of my personhood. Can I still BE reliable Truthful Loving Kindness .. if I cannot even rely on myself?

This is really devastating. My iron-strong stubbornness of self-control is a big part of my personhood. Can I still BE reliable Truthful Loving Kindness .. if I cannot even rely on myself? As far as talking, it comes back to what I said three months ago; the only secrets I know I can keep … are the ones I forget. So again; if you don’t want me to spill the beans … don’t put them in the pot !

Smell Hallucinations and Dementia

Like many other dementia symptoms, I think smell hallucinations can be a tremendous distraction to thought; whether productive conversation or other types of thought. Another aspect of concern is safety. When I smell “burning” several times per day, I automatically discount my sensory credibility. If something was truly burning, I would not know it unless I noticed smoke, heat, or fire.

Verbal Comprehension Strategies Part 1

Conversation Tips: My problem with communication is once I lose track, everything after that starts to crumble. The following suggestions may help me stay on track and participate in conversations at least in this early stage. … Environment, Content, and Timing. … These efforts took approximately 25hrs in six days to complete written portion, in order to begin graphic.

Hold My Hand ‘n Anchor Me

Now that I have experienced the fragmenting effects of dementia symptoms for myself, I have discovered the GROUNDING and steadying effect from physical touch in that unsteady, fragile, edge-of-the-cliff world. I very much wish I had known this when my maternal grandmothers were walking this path. … (prose attached)

Privacy, Secrets, and My Dementia Symptoms

Sooner or later this frontal-lobe filter will fail; that is an accepted part of this path and almost inevitable. … It is not that I do not enjoy time spent with friends I have developed in these groups. It is not that I do not value their friendship, I just cannot afford extra stress from the “privacy” aspect of group. … if you don’t want me to spill the beans, don’t put them in the pot.