by example...

The love that I have watched over this past weekend has roots that reach so deep there is not a wind that could blow it away, nor a drought that could starve it from existence. Now I do realize that we all have perceptions of our own families that are biased one way or another, but watching my parents, and listening to their problems, reaffirms my belief in the very real commitment that two people can make (not easy/but possible). My dear father is well into his 90s. He is suffering from dementia, and a body that is in decline. My mother is a few years younger and has her own physical ailments, but these two people have weathered every storm (and there have been many), and they are still there for each other in whatever capacity that they have left. I see their lives and bodies shrinking, and their minds struggle not to fade to quickly. It is sad for me to know that I will be saying goodbye to these wonderful people. These two people have been my strength and anchor thru some of my darker moments, and they have been there for me. Never overbearing, but always supportive. In the days to come, I will have them close in my thoughts, and I pray that there is some message that I can give to them that will instill a feeling of peace, accomplishment, and satisfaction with what they have become.



Chapter 40. Dementia
A deterioration of intellectual function and other cognitive skills, leading to a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living.

Dementia is characterized by cognitive decline that occurs with a normal state of consciousness and in the absence of other acute or subacute disorders that may cause reversible cognitive decline (eg, delirium, depression). Dementia is one of the most serious disorders affecting the elderly. The prevalence of dementia increases rapidly with age; it doubles every 5 years after age 60. Dementia affects only 1% of those aged 60 to 64 but 30 to 50% of those > 85. In the USA, about 4 to 5 million persons are affected, and dementia is the leading cause of institutionalization among the elderly. The prevalence among elderly nursing home residents is estimated to be 60 to 80%.