1/10/2017 0 Comments A Hidden Agenda.We go through life thinking our bodies and mind are indestructible. We imagine a bright future ahead with nothing to worry about, not a care in the world, apart from bills, rent, mortgage (the list goes on).
As a society we have learnt to be blinded by certain illnesses, when we hear that the neighbour has just been diagnosed with a serious condition, or a family member has been given some terrible news. We secretly think… “it will never happen to me”. We never believe that one day you could be the one sat opposite a Doctor being told that you are in the early stages of Dementia. The word Dementia surely sends a shock to our system. The thought of not understanding the world like anyone else. How you are going to forget the most important things in your life. How you will eventually become confused and scared when the lady or man you have been married to for almost 50 years is a complete stranger in your home. By 2017 there will be 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. There’s no cure just the the rocky road ahead of stability and familiarity. We assume Dementia is an illness only for those who are elderly. One in six people aged 80 and over have dementia, however that’s not just the case. Young children and Adults can succumb to this disease too. There are over 40,000 younger people with dementia in the UK. Sadly 60,000 deaths a year are directly attributable to dementia. In the year 2016 this has become one of the biggest killers to society. Shocking stats right!- Dementia is vastly becoming recognisable and society is becoming more understanding. When we see someone walking down the street looking confused and talking to themselves quietly, we don’t laugh, we don’t stare we become a concerned citizen. With the fact that Continuing Dramas, T.V. Adverts and Hospital flyers are promoting the awareness of Dementia has given us the choice to turn away from it or face it head on. Not only is that person suffering from this, their families are having to deal and come to terms with the idea of loosing someone that hasn’t passed away but their memories have faded. You may be a Son or Daughter, Mother or Farther, Husband or Wife. A life time of sacred times vanished and blemished with this incurable disease. Family and friends become an Army. Routines, round-the-clock care and many appointments to attend. Dealing with characteristics never seen before. Regular routines, one thing at a time, small steps and distractions become apart of everyday life. You have to remember that Dementia isn’t something that happens over night. It can takes years to diminish your functional skills and mind. The change in someones personality becomes more greater. Highlighted the fact they may forget a name of someone they have known for years, the constant loosing of keys or any other personal item that they usual keep with them. Years of the unsure, whether or not that the person you love is slowly becoming ill. You try to deny it, keep it hidden away. You try to deal with this but as we are only human. Eventually you seek the help you both need. Tests and medication can only reduce dementia. Your powerless to stop it single handily fighting the unknown. There are many types of Dementia however unfortunately not one of them have an happy ending. Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia. Dementia from Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders. Dementia with Lewy bodies. Frontotemporal dementia (Pick’s disease) Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A lot there isn’t there! you wouldn’t of thought so many years ago. Thankfully there are so many charities and Medical Professionals that can ease this suffering just enough to hold onto life. Dementia Research fight tooth and nail to end this once and for all. Their dedicated fundraisers and Charity holders become our soldiers in battle. We need to be Dementia aware this isn’t a Taboo that we have to keep tight lipped about. Speak out, seek Help.
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January 2017
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