It's been awhile since we discussed this - here's an older thread.
https://elsaelsa.com/forum/relationships/dementia-other-neurological-disorders-or-conditions/
I am surrounded by this at this point. My mother-in-law is impaired; my friend, Ben, had a stroke and addresses himself, when emailing me.
My retired nurse friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about two years ago. She's really gone downhill fast. I'm trying to arrange a lunch date with her... there is a random, remark, "Still look lovely" in her text back. No earthly idea who or what she's talking about.
I also spoke with, Scott. His mother, his sister and his aunt all have or had it and died from it. It's chilling.
I don't think this percentage of elderly people developed these problems in the past, but I can't say for sure. We have a population bubble, of course, so who knows?
I've also worked with numerous clients, caregivers for their parents and a significant number of people who are caregivers for a demented spouse.
Can I just say, what the hell?
I see "conspiracy theories" about this now; beyond the idea people feel they've been poisoned. I guess I better stay away from that, though if we're ever talking privately; it's possible this goes a bit deeper.
Are you dealing with dementia in any form, in your life? Have you dealt with it?
I have a theory about alzheimers but it's probably very taboo, to do with the soul and identity, issues regarding the false self.
@sophiab I would be interested in hearing it. In my personal experience and observations I noted that it seems like a type of dissociation triggered by a “broken heart”. Like an extreme coping mechanism. At least that’s what I always thought with my stepfather.
@libra-noir There could be overlaps in how we are thinking. If we consider the soul or consciousness as the true self, not an I but an energy, yet a true identity of sorts then if a person develops so that a mentally constructed false self dominates and there is disconnection from the soul, to the point it can't be retrieved, then I think that when aging, there is no real centre of truth, and the false identity and it's roles are not sustainable. I think this is why people forget who they are, and who other relatives are. It's because it's actually meaningless and abstract because it hasn't any roots in the soul. It's a fragile construction that easily falls apart. The utter dominance of a false self without spirit means there is no person, say called Carol from x, y, z place, married to Bob, with 3 children, Joe, Susan, Tom. She isn't a mother, wife, sister, daughter, whatever, she is a construction through other people and nothing else. The forgetting of who she is, is actually a truth because she doesn't and never did exist. So what you said about a broken heart, yes it could relate because the broken heart is the undeveloped soul for which the heart is the vehicle. If an attempt at rehabilitation was made, at source there would be a broken heart, an abandoned soul that never got to be. It's a sad result of how our human societies work. We are all constructed through others through relating but it's variable how much consciousness survives and thrives, it often needs conscious support to do so. It's an unusual theory but it was given to me, by my own consciousness and I think it has some traction.
In regard to autism, I see this as developmental and I'm curious about the impact of the increase in planned caesarians because autism is connected to issues regarding primitive experience of boundaries, of self and other, and this starts in the body very early. Passing through the birth canal is a sensory experience of the body and skin which can be later built upon layer by layer through touch and handling by the mother and gradually a baby starts to distinguish self from other, finds their outline (that's why they self explore, play with hands, fingers, they're trying to establish themselves spatially) I think caesarians take away a fundamental experience that if followed by other factors can impact the development of self embodiment, which of course also affects mental development as they are intertwined. So I'm not saying it determines it solely but I'm curious if it's a factor in the increase.
I'm 66 years old and distinctly remember 'hardening of the arteries' in some old folk. I worked in a lock-down Alzheimer's facility years ago. I can tell you unequivocally that they are not the same thing. I have had so many people tell me that there has always been Alzheimer's but that they just called it 'hardening of the arteries'. I call bullshit! on that. And the same goes for Autism. There was no such thing as Autism. I distinctly remember the first time I ever heard of it was on an episode of St. Elsewhere. Back then, statistics were something like 1 in 10,000 or 5,000.... pretty rare, in any case. Now, it's like 1 in a 100. I've also had people try to tell me it's always been around but was called mental retardation back in the day. Again. I call bullshit! I babysat and worked with true mental retardation children and it is not the same thing at all. What would you attribute the rise in these brain injuries to? Could it be the difference between 8 childhood vaccines and 70 childhood vaccines? You tell me.
Alzheimer's is a terrible brain injury where the brain slowly dies in sections. Absolutely terrifying and horrible for the afflicted. I told my children if I'm ever diagnosed with it that I will have the best weekend ever with them and it will be the last time they see me. I will not lose myself while alive on this realm.
@sage6911 Yes, it’s absolutely tragic. I would not accept losing myself whilst alive either. I value quality of life.
Well the rise in Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimers has been connected....to such a degree that Alzheimers is being called Type 3 Diabetes.
@jana yes I have heard that too. My dad had Type ll Diabetes and had a bit of dementia though he was fine up to 87. My mom did not have Diabetes but I took her to a neurologist who gave her a test. He said she had advanced Alzheimer’s though I only thought there was beginning dementia! She got to confused with her pill schedule. I’d go over to fill up her A.M. P.M. pills tray and she’d have skipped days. I asked my dad to remind her but he couldn’t deal with it. Luckily neither had to go through the terrible last stages of this frightening disease. I’m 66 and worry if I should be next.
My nurse friend got back to me; I am picking her up for lunch next week, but wonder if it will happen. She has really gone down, quickly, unfortunately.
@elsa I’m so sorry Elsa. That’s sad. Does she live alone? Have family who can be with her or arrange care for when she will need it 24/7?
@dawn thanks. Her husband is taking care of her. Their son is also on hand to help, as are her grandaughters. She's definitely being cared for.
Recently, I have witnessed cognitive decline in some people who are 50 and under. I’m hoping it’s temporary and as a result of the collective trauma from the pandemic, potential war looming and interest rates. Together of course, with problems of a personal nature. It’s quite understandable that people may be struggling to feel like they can think straight. At least though, when stressors are minimised, people will have a chance of feeling like their old selves again.
“Use it, or lose it” is my philosophy concerning retaining cognitive function. Read, write, learn and problem solve regularly. Many swear by crosswords. I think a change of routine, like exploring a new walking track or location is good for us too. Gotta keep stimulated.
Sadly, alzheimers disease can happen regardless of our brain exercises. Many, great active minds have\are afflicted with this degenerative disease. Much more research is required to assist/slow down and cure it.
My in-laws have had dementia symptoms for many years. Fortunately, these haven’t rapidly progressed and they have been cleared of Alzheimers. It’s still not something one would wish to have. If only we could live long, without mind/body problems.