<Stages of Decline series outline: fifth installment. Please subscribe to be alerted to each post and video in the series, and to help generate search engine publicity.>
I am shifting the order within each stage of decline to present “Triumphs” last. This better represents our mission of living well despite Alzheimer’s. Every stage represents two steps backwards in terms of decline, yet there remains a step forward for making the best of the situation. Some of the previous outlines will be adjusted for this new philosophy when the video podcasts are presented.
Once we knew that Cindy’s dementia was irreversible from the official diagnosis, we experienced the following “Tribulations.”
- Cindy attempted to divvy up her belongings for her daughters to inherit.
- Attempts at pursuing her hobbies with the help of others ended up in frustration.
- We faced economic hardships as we adapted to our new life.
- In anguish over her cognitive shortcomings she suggested I get a mistress.
- Unlike our ADT journey, our Pacific Crest Trail journey would bring no improvement.
- Early obstacles meant Cindy would not fulfill her dream of completing the Triple Crown.
As a caregiver I learned from these Tribulations what the secret is to living well under the circumstances of irreversible dementia, indeed, the secret to living well under any circumstance. I will share that secret in the next installment: Cognitive Decline – The Triumphs.
The video podcast of this installment will be posted in a few months. Please subscribe.
