I thought it better to start a new topic re Dancing with Dementia, by Christine Bryden

Nancy B,
I too found it hard to believe that Christine’s husband only steps in or takes over when asked. That’s what I meant by “This is her perspective, in reality who knows…” I think kudos should be given to her husband. Even if that is not the reality, he has enabled her to feel that is happening - a testimony to his care giving skills. Christine emphasizes the importance of the dementia LO retaining their dignity, and continuing to be respected. Her husband has obviously facilitated this in her life. In fact, I feel he must be a saint. I would love to see him write a book and get his point of view, and advice.

When reading the book, there were a number of times that I thought…hmmmm, how can that be? Or …hmmmm, I wonder how much of this is from her, and how much is heavily edited. But I still enjoyed it.

I wish I could be like her husband. I feel terribly guilty for the frustration I experience with my DH. I get so tired of him not being able to handle anything independently, and of most our conversations having that Abbot & Costello “Who’s on First?” tone. I know it is not his fault, but I still get frustrated. And of course it doesn’t help that he usually won’t admit he has cognitive impairment – his diagnosis is just a big mistake, you see. We are blessed that DH is still working (thank God for his support staff because, frankly, I don’t know how he is pulling it off!). And those types of blessings are what I should focus on – but I do get tired…

Maybe one advantage Christine’s husband has it that he did not know her pre-dementia, when she was quick, confident, intelligent and capable. And so he does not have to grieve those losses. He can take her how she is, each new day.