A new study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging predicted that 15% of people over the age of 70 will get dementia (NEJM, April 4, 2013). The cost to society both financially and in terms of human suffering is enormous. But just because you’re forgetting names, losing track in conversations, can’t remember where you left your keys does not mean you’re getting Alzheimer’s dementia.
The media and pharmaceutical company advertisements are telling us that if you’ve lost a bit of your edge better see your doctor because you could be suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s. Referrals to neurologists and neuropsychologists will increase, we’ll order more brain scans and we’ll surely order more drugs (that don’t work half the time and don’t slow the disease.
What ever happened to the days when Uncle Morris was forgetful but still reasonably well functioning, and we attributed it to hardening of the artery’s.. Just because you’re losing it doesn’t mean you’ve lost it. We are all losing it, that’s what happens as we age; we lose hair, hearing, sight, muscle mass, sexual urgency, because we’re getting older. The critical issue is finding a way to come to your losses appreciating what’s left and deal with it.
I’m losing a bit my balance, in part due to the acoustic neuroma in my brain, but mostly because my left leg and foot are weak as a result of disc disease and multiple back operations. I just finished working with a physical therapist who was very helpful; who at the end of our sessions told me that if I continued to do the exercises to strengthen my leg I’d be able to maintain my balance long into the future. If my foot did ultimately drop and I needed a brace, it was no big deal. I could still keep doing what I liked doing best.
My ego can’t imagine my needing a leg brace, but it’s getting tamed enough to appreciate that whatever helps me continue to celebrate who I am, I can live with it.
We are all losing it, but if it’s not enough to immobilize you, I say ____ everybody lighten up, celebrate whatever you have and surround yourself with friends and family that love you.
We really love you and miss being with you even after all these years!!!
I love your talks.
Of to Guatemala again(thanks to you, a long time ago) to help those less fortunate than us.
Love
peace
&
Happiness
Ken
Love you both too and sending warm regards and happy travels. :O)
Beautiful story. It is one that speaks many treasured languages of the soul. With love from Paris, Your Butterfly Sistah J
Carl…
Every so often I watch your presentations – all at one time. I laugh, cry, gulp, sigh… but sit back and TRULY enjoy your candor, humor, insights and “huckspa” (don’t really know how to spell the darn thing!). Specifically, the comments of “we’re all losing it” hit home. I’m in the process of being “tested” for dementia. You’re right on! I’m completing the final round of EEG, Holter Monitoring after several other tests – all proving negative up to this point. I’m aware that 74 might be the reason for forgetting names, stumbling for words (since I really don’t have that many conversations any more; tend to lose all those “erudite” words I used to use when I was a “professional”). But the process of “ruling out” the onset of Dementia for the sake of calming the concerned anxiety of others in the family is worth the proding, poking, waiting…
Love your spirit
Jerry
As long as everybody is less anxious it’s good, and delighted we are on the journey together, Warmly, :O)