Back in the late ‘80’s, not long after Terry, my first husband, had the car accident that left him mentally and physically handicapped, I wrote a screenplay. I called it ‘IT COULDN’T HAPPEN TO US’. The main character was an artist who was involved in a multiple pile-up at the Hanger Lane gyratory system in London. … Continue reading IT COULD HAPPEN TO ME
Day: March 15, 2019
ROUTINE CONNECTS WITH RITUAL
There are two devices that help structure our lives – routine and ritual, and they’re not the same. Routines are habits that bring order to our day – washing, brushing our teeth, changing our clothes, eating, getting up and going to bed at specific times – these are the main disciplines and they require just … Continue reading ROUTINE CONNECTS WITH RITUAL
TAPPING INTO THE UNIVERSAL MEMORY
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece entitled ‘AIDE MEMOIRE’ about personal memories. This week I’m looking back at those events and occasions that have, over the course of our lives, been shared by thousands, if not millions of us. Many will have been stored in our memories, even if we rarely think about … Continue reading TAPPING INTO THE UNIVERSAL MEMORY
THE ANCHOR
Dealing with dementia is trying to keep a small boat afloat on a temperamental sea. We never know what will surface from the depths to overturn us or plunge us into a storm. Daytimes can be calm and manageable while we bob gently with the waves and sometimes, usually at night, a thick fog will … Continue reading THE ANCHOR
EARLY BIRDS OR NIGHT OWLS?
Over time, I’ve read many opinions on healthy sleep. The ins and outs of the daily restoration of our bodies and minds. It’s been interesting to note that nearly all of them stress that we should be in tune with our circadian rhythms. Simply put, our personal sleep/wake cycles. Often we’re told it’s best to rise … Continue reading EARLY BIRDS OR NIGHT OWLS?
D FOR DANGER
When I was about three years old, I was often looked after by my sister, then around sixteen. She would take me shopping, to the park and so on. We lived in Roehampton, South London. One day, when in the chemist, she let go of my leading rein while she fished in her purse for the … Continue reading D FOR DANGER
ACROMANIA?
This post is primarily for Dementia sufferers and carers living in France but could be interesting to those who have other long-term health problems requiring help or live elsewhere and would like to know what’s available here. The below list is for the GERS department. I do not know if the organisations are the same … Continue reading ACROMANIA?
A UNVERSAL WONDER
The ability to make music is one of mankind’s greatest attributes. It can enhance our lives from the cradle to the grave. When I was a teenager, I couldn’t understand why old people loved to sing along to such songs as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’, ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Knees … Continue reading A UNVERSAL WONDER
ORGANS WEEP …
FOR TEARS UNSHED’ (to paraphrase Henry Maudsley) is as big a warning as we can get if we don’t allow ourselves to unleash our pain and sorrow. It’s likely that few of us are aware of the long-term impact of early life chronic trauma and stress. There are many reasons why some people are unable to … Continue reading ORGANS WEEP …
NO HIDING PLACE
In a previous post, I mentioned DAVID SHENK’S inspiring book ‘THE FORGETTING’. As I sped through (it’s that kind of book), I marked pages with sections I found particularly relevant in the hope that DOODAH readers might be inspired to buy their own copy. For those who can’t imagine a book on AD could be … Continue reading NO HIDING PLACE
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