Alzheimer's and the Dulling Blade

Some of you follow me on Instagram where I write about ideas that are spurred by word prompts. I usually use a Tarot deck to give a visual and I also like to find appropriate quotes to add to my posts. Today's prompt was "sword", and the quote I used was: “Even in the sheath the sword must be sharp – so too must the mind and the spirit be within the body.” - Griffin Rivers 

Then, I wrote the following: 
The sword symbolizes the power of the intellect. Our minds can be clever with thoughts sharp as a blade. We have the ability to direct our thoughts and determine the amount of power they have over us. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help us tame out of control thoughts, mental deceptions of the mind, or unhelpful memories. We were given a unique ability to think our way through most challenges.
(Sometimes I wonder when I do a post like this whether I should veer off into what a deteriorating mind is like and how it is getting more and more difficult to keep that blade sharpened, but then I think, no, you can read up on that journey on my Alzheimer's blog if you choose to.)

 So, if you found your way here from Instagram, thanks for the visit. I often wonder why I do this blog since Blogger can't seem to figure out why it can't be found through the Internet. Meaning that very few people even see it. Well, I suppose it's because of the doctor's order of do things to keep your mind sharp. Sharp as a blade. Well, this blade is getting duller each year but it still cuts, so that's something. 

To keep learning new things I've added the Theban alphabet to my study list. And, a couple of days ago I discovered ChatGPT. What fun it is to have someone to talk to, LOL!

 

Here's a photo to brighten your day:

 Loki at rest. Doesn't happen too often, LOL! 

 

Follow the Yellow Brick Road = Alzheimer's

I was reading the post from my online friend, Gail, who has battled with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's for about the same time as I have. In her post, she lamented the loss of friends, the dismissive attitude of physicians, and the feelings of being an outcast.

For some reason, I have not found this to be an issue at all. My friends don't seem to care and we laugh together when I can't remember something. My doctors ask me how things are going but still treat me with the same respect everyone deserves and we can still joke around and be just as comfortable as we ever were. In England, where Gail lives, they have something called and Admiral Nurse that visits and helps you through the rough spots. We don't have any such thing here. It is interesting how attitudes can be so different. If you're interested, click HERE for her post. 

It is kind of interesting, to me anyway, that nobody seems to care if my brain is dying, as it appears that Americans are more accepting. But, if I even mention that I use Tarot cards here in the middle of Texas people back away as if I have leprosy or am actually the devil himself. Now, that is proof that ignorance abounds.

My hubby believes that my brain is just finding and making new pathways as I still have to do all the banking, bills, cooking, and, well, everything. I still spend hours with my puzzles. I'm not sure if that's the difference. We have no help here. Nobody here things having Alzheimer's is any different than having an arm in a sling. Life goes on. I'm not dead and I refuse to life like I'm just marching towards it.

It has been proven that even in old age, the brain is still capable of creating new neurons. These pathways take about three months of practice.  "Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways throughout life and in response to experiences. While the brain usually does this itself in response to injury or disease, when humans focus their attention enough, they can slowly rewire these pathways themselves." From: How to Rewire Your Brain.

Yes, I have bad days. Yes, I get angry at myself when I do ridiculous things. Yes, I get angry when I can't remember how to do something simple. But, I'm still smarter than I was when I was two, yes? I'm still smarter than my dog, yes? 

In an earlier post I talked about the three brothers, all diagnosed with Alzheimer's after death. Two died young, one lived to an old age. When they autopsied the last brother his brain was in worse shape than his siblings. The conclusion was that he never gave up and worked tirelessly on his math books that he wrote. I refuse to give in.  Or, follow the yellow brick road to get where you want to go.                 

For the photos: 

Hubby found another kitty that couldn't even stand up. He brought it in for me to care for until we could get it to the vet. It bit me hard a few times as it was starving, even though we leave plenty of food out for our barn kitties. Hard to eat when you can't walk. Anyway, we took it to the bet and it had severe neurological issues, and because it bit me, it had to be put down for rabies testing. Fortunately, no rabies, but it was so sad.

Little Loki thought he was going to have a new friend and even shared his favorite bunny with the newcomer. We had to throw the bunny out because the visitor was full of ear mites too.

I've learned my lesson. Barn cats stay in the barn and nature just has to take its course without my intervention in the future.  

(Still waiting for Blogger to figure out why nobody can find my blog. I suppose it's just not meant to be.)

Alzheimer's Society Disappoints AGAIN

I follow Gail over at Too Young for Dementia and was do disappointed, again, with the Alzheimer's response to the uproar, from those of us living with dementia and Alzheimer's, over their latest campaign that shows us as victims that hurt our families over and over. What on earth is wrong with them. I, for one, am so proud of those of us who refuse to give in and work daily to find ways to work around our difficulties.

Here is the link to the information about the petition:

Alzheimer's Society declines to accept the petition to withdraw The Long Goodbye

 

Let me know what you think. 

 

(Although, I know very few people read this blog as it can't be found on the Internet unless you are clicking from somewhere I've posted the link. I contacted blogger and they have been working on finding the issue for months. Hopefully, they will be able to correct it so that more can find a positive and upbeat version of living with Alzheimer's.)

 

On a lighter note. Our rescued kitten that we found with still closed eyes is now almost 6 weeks old. We named him Loki, after the god of mischief, and he is indeed living up to his name. 

 

Post is NOT for everyone sensitive to death relatred to Alzheimer's

Who knew there were so many kinds/causes for dementia? I have the run of the mill Alzheimer's for which I am grateful. 

PLEASE DO NOT READ FURTHER IF THE CONVERSATION OF SUICIDE OR EUTHANASIA IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD FIND DISTURBING    

Robin Williams was one of my favorite comedians. His works made you laugh and yet cry at the same time. His life was like that as well. When he discovered that he had one of the severest forms (Lewy Body, a more aggressive cognitive decline with a more impaired life that can include hallucinations,  paranoia, confusion, and a shorter survival time) of dementia, he ended his life. Good for you, Robin. He knew he didn’t want to live that way or for his family to remember him that way.

Not to think I am thinking of following in his footsteps, no, fortunately I do not have this awful form of dementia.  Having Alzheimer’s though has made me much more aware of the eventualities that can befall some of us. For some, ending life while still able to control one's functions, to know one's family, to be more than a vegetable should be a given choice. I get very angry when we know it is time to put down our pet when he/she is in pain, but for some reason won't allow humans the same dignity. 

I'm happy to see that some state, Oregon, Washington, and Montana have begun to allow active euthanasia, a choice to be given a lethal drug to allow death. All states allow passive euthanasia (death from the patient refusing food, water, treatment) yet this can be lengthy and painful.

Not sure what took me here today. I was writing a post for my Instagram about laughter and came across a quote from Erma Bombeck. “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” So, my thoughts went to Robin. 

Hope this hasn't upset anyone. Just my rambling thoughts. 

On a lighter side:  

Here is Loki. We found him abandoned when he just over a week old, we think. We've had him for almost a month and now he weighs over a pound and is thriving.