Factors Contributing To Dad's Dementia

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO SCIENCE OR RESEARCH IN THIS ARTICLE. IT IS MY OPINION AS A SON WHO LIVED WITH AND WATCHED OVER MY DAD'S HEALTH DURING HIS LAST YEARS.

There has been enormous research on the broad range of dementia illnesses and Alzheimer's disease, and while medical developments, testing and treatments show promise, we know that we're not "there yet" with regard to prevention or treatment of the disease. Dad was 80 when his neurologist noted "mild cognitive impairment", age 81 with "mild memory loss and forgetfulness", and age 82 with "mild cognitive impairment likely progressing to senile dementia." While many factors contribute to the disease's onset, genetics are believed to play a role too. My dad's family through his father, also including extended relatives, were known for longevity of life, but several of them also experienced late-in-life memory issues, including his grandfather, older sisters, uncles, and cousins.

While Dad may have inherited a pre-disposition to the illness, other factors likely contributed. He experienced significant hearing loss in the last 15 years, declining to minimal hearing in his left ear only. He tried different hearing aids, but eventually gave up on them and threw them away. He experienced additional vision loss, typical for his age, but he stopped using his reading glasses, and reached the point where he couldn't pass an eye exam to obtain new ones. Add hearing loss and vision loss to memory loss and the result is less conversation, less interaction with others, and less reading.

That's significant and further compounded by the emotional and physical toll on him while he cared for his terminally-ill wife Peggy. He never quit. He cared for her. He drove her to many out of town doctor appointments and cancer treatments. He stressed. He grieved. He lost a lot of weight during that year (2013).

What did I learn? Monitor your hearing. Conversation is important. Social isolation can contribute to dementia. Read and keep reading. Make sure you have eyeglasses that allow you to read comfortably. Stay active. Deal with stress. Meet your needs. Balance your diet. Maintain a reasonable weight.

Then having done all you can do, wait on the Lord to do what He will do, knowing that He does all things well.