My Dad has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He has always been active, fit, strong, funny, intelligent, full of ideas, enthusiastic, he always sleeps like a log and eats well.

Over the last couple of years his memory has deteriorated, and in the last six months his speech has become unintelligible, he chokes on his food and he's lost the use of his right hand.

This vile misfire in his brain circuits has changed him, almost beyond recognition and the relationship between him and my Mom has completely reversed in terms of who looks after who.

I don't even know why I'm writing all of this down other than the fact that this si the first time I've really been able to articulate what I'm seeing. I suppose I'm thinking that, whilst all of the above is useful information and may help some people, I guess if it's going to get you, it will.

Incidentally, I'm hoping to go on a trek later this year to try and raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society. Anybody interested in supporting, please p-mail me.

Sorry for being a bit self-indulgent.