"And the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep."
On the internet, I read that Dementia with Lewy bodies has a mean survival time of 6 years from the onset of symptoms. Mum first became confused in mid-July 2007, so it's been just under 6 years. Does this mean that all of the supplements I gave her were worthless. Hell, no!
As mentioned in Look after your brain., mum's MMSE score increased from 14 to 26 out of 30 after taking medication and supplements. The medication gave a 3 point increase in MMSE score on average, so the rest of the increase in MMSE score was probably due to the supplements, which had no undesirable side-effects.
On Christmas day 2008, mum was capable of preparing Brussels sprouts for cooking, though she got the knives, forks & spoons mixed up when she tried to lay the table. Here's her final Christmas at home. Roast duck with all of the trimmings. Om, nom, nom!
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| Mum's last Christmas at home. |
People commented on how happy mum always was. Even though she probably didn't know who she was or I was, when I said "Fancy a cup of tea, mum?", she'd reply "Ooh yes, please!" That was the last part of her speech to go.
In conclusion, I believe that quality of life trumps quantity of life, so supplementation for the win.
16 comments:
Condolences, Nigel. Hope all is well.
Best regards,
Bill
"And the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep."
Yes, indeed, Nigel.
"And do not ask for whom the bell tolls: It tolls for thee" (and me).
Condolences.
I hope that family and friends are rallying round and that you may take comfort therefrom.
Beat, Desmond
Bill, I'm fine thanks.
While I'm waiting for paperwork to be done, I'm just getting on with things, annoying people on the internet (as per usual)!
Desmond (is that the first time you've posted your name?), thank you.
I don't have much family, but I've been getting many messages of condolences on Facebook.
Nigel has a great network of friends who care about him, myself included. I never met your mum Nigel but I know what it feels like to lose a mother and I want you to know I'm here if you need me.
Good song choice and nice article.
Ben L
Thank you Ben.
Nigel, condolences. May you be at peace.
You are an amazing son - following what you've been doing for your mother these years has been inspiring, while at the same time providing so much useful information.
Thank you, marie.
Just under 6 years ago, when mum first showed signs of confusion, I searched on the internet and learned about Lewy Body Dementia (as mum already had Parkinson's Disease). I knew roughly what was going to happen 6 years ago.
lol
Carry on, Sir.
all best,
Bill
Condolences, Nigel.
Your approach to the whole situation has been an inspiration.
I definitely agree on quality trumping quality when it comes to life. Here's to figuring out how to get both.
Take it easy.
Quality trumping quality? ****! I really need to lay off the stimulants.
Up next, am I right or am I right?
I thought that you were referring to my post. I re-read my post, as I have been known to pispronounce my worms!
Hahahaha! You know what that post and youtube video go well with? Stimulants!
Steady on! I don't want you self-combusting from taking too many stimulants!
Doesn't the "come-down" give you an almighty headache? See Coffee and brrrup-brrrap!
Belated condolences from across the pond on the loss of your mum, Nigel.
(My hubby's a Cornishman; his dad passed away a little over 3 yrs ago from a slowly debilitative, degenerative neurologic condition & his mum was diagnosed w/Parkinson's the year thereafter... She's doing alright, but my heart cringes for an aging mother missing two of her sons who emigrated!)
You've got a great blog - I'll be back to read more.
Thank you Val.
Thank you Val.
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