I often try to explain to people how I go along on any given day, having no trouble with my dementia symptoms. Suddenly, though without warning my brain becomes fatigued. The fatigue overtakes that I can be full of energy one moment and the next be exhausted and needing to rest or sleep. My husband and I talked about this just this morning as the fatigue hit yesterday afternoon with a thud. I hate when these things happen, but I have learned they are part and parcel with my dementia.
Wayne watches me closely, I don’t have to tell him, he keeps an eye on me without ever being intrusive or without making me feel like I am being monitored. I feel so fortunate to have the kind of support and help if I need it. I appreciate that he doesn’t try to stop me from doing things, he knows I won’t do anything ( at least at this stage), that would be unsafe, or that I didn’t feel it was manageable from simple things like cooking to driving. It is also because of his willingness to help me that I can be doing so much of what I always loved, like cooking. This past few days, we spent a full day in the kitchen, we filled the freezer with healthy home cooked neaks, soup, chili, roast beef dinners, chicken dinners and muffins. Days that I don’t feel up to cooking we are covered, and having a husband that is willing to navigate the kitchen with me allows me to continue doing things. So yes, it’s true love makes all the difference.
Fall/ winter is also more challenging for me and my brain, the low pressure systems create headaches, brain fog, 🧠, so having the support to get through the winter months, means I will likely do better this winter than in winters past.
So it’s important that people understand that yes even weather can effect a person’s brain, and for those with dementia we are and most are aware of how it effects them even if they may not be able to explain it.
Our brain is our operating systems and when something causes it to not operate it the way we want, it can be frustrating for the person effected as well as those who care about them. I am just hoping to get through the winter without it causing too much chaos for me, and I am grateful for the love of my husband, who makes it all easier.
Chrissy's Journey 