BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia

Subject: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Nov 21 - 07:33 PM

We all have heard about the person who is not coherent in the moment but with music they remember all the words/notes. I met a lady today with severe dementia and could not recall very much but in her early knowledge of yiddish she spoke with memory, speed and comprehension.
She even translated an old yiddish song for me that I only knew the words and tune. My eyes were open that more than music can bring a consciousness back from being disabled.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 03:42 AM

apparantly,for some forms of dementia diet can have an effect too

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 04:36 AM

Recent research suggests that exercise releases hormones or enzymes (lets say stuff) that promotes brain cell growth. Just the act of walking. Which can only make dementia worse when older people start to loose mobility.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 05:19 AM

What is hailed as breakthrough may be snake oil
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/12/biogen-alzheimers-drug-and-the-new-battle-over-dementia-treatment-.html

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 05:22 AM

My mum is in a dementia care home, my mother in law became completely lost to Alzheimer's before a fall finshed her off..

If it's hereditary, me and the mrs are going to have a right old time of it together - if we live that long...???

We're already looking at each other suspiciouly for signs of going doolally...?????

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 10:29 AM

Dad had some dementia tests a few weeks ago. The verdict was that he had two forms. I think one was vascular and I can't remember the other.

One bit of advice I remember was to try to keep his mind active. Reading, doing crosswords (must get back into printing off the daily Guardian Quick for him and mum btw), jigsaw puzzles, card games.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: meself
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 11:42 AM

Just remember this list - extra points if you get them in the right order - and you'll be all right: "person, TV ..." - darn! I can't remember the rest - look'm up .....

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 12:27 PM

Don't move to a bungalow, you will lose the ability to climb stairs. It's another aspect of losing activity and mobility in an ever dereasing spiral (speaking from observation).

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: leeneia
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 01:36 PM

Two months ago my brother seemed to be going downhill mentally - confusion, memory loss, dizziness, getting lost in his own neighborhood. It turned out to be caused by a bladder infection.

If a loved one seems to be "losing it," take him to a medical doctor. Don't jump to conclusions.

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: meself
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 01:54 PM

A bungalow's okay - if you have a bar in the basement, which should necessitate a few trips a day down and up the stairs .....

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 02:29 PM

Urinary infections are the danger to be looked out for.

My mum was in slow decline into dementia, until she got wiped out by sudden onset urinary infection.

She was very ill for a few days until the antibiotics worked on the infection.

But that episode made the dementia far worse, and left her with double incontinece..

These effects were permanent.

That's when we learnt how devastaing unrinary infections can be in old age.

Since then the infection has reoccured a couple of times, but been dealt with quicker;
as she has carehome staff keeping 24/7 watch on her health.

The first time though, mum was in the house on her own, and not letting anyone know how ill she was becoming,
until a cousin found her sat in the kitchen feeble and delerious...


Yes.. definitely watch out for symptoms of urine infections in older relatives and friends...

Subject: RE: BS: Bypssing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 02:51 PM

Leenia, the same thing happened to Bill Clinton 3 weeks ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 02:55 PM

To be fair, Clinton had a UTI but as far as we know he isn't battling dementia.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Nov 21 - 05:05 PM

He was suffering mental deficits from the infection. Thats what prompted family and staff to seek help for him.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 13 Nov 21 - 06:06 AM

I first noticed I was experiencing memory issues about seven years ago. My neurologist referred me to a neuro-psychologist. There followed three testing sessions, each a year apart. I also had a DAT brain scan. The results were reviewed last week. I have Amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment, a pre-morbid state that frequently heralds the onset of Alzheimer's. The greatest irony for me is that I have lost all desire to engage in music, be it playing or composing. I can still string sentences together, but overall, my world is slowly, very slowly, shrinking.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Nov 21 - 06:15 AM

"We're already looking at each other suspiciouly for signs of going doolally...?????"

Watch it, mate. An early indication of the downward piral is a tendency to drop the letter s when typing. Thank God I'm nowhere near that tage myelf yet...

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 13 Nov 21 - 08:12 AM

A lifetime of likes will make even a shrinking universe more loved and appreciated. The lady who was fluent in Yiddish expressed her appreciation of opening up that old galaxy of experience. She said "I like this", "I like you".
In an expanding universe of matter, more and more of it crosses the visible horizon into the invisible. We know its still there but we won't see it.
Its normal for an expanding universe to leave behind a shrinking universe. It may even have unique advantages.
My morning uke practice keeps improving in tone and technique and sometimes a new tune, all strung together in an ever changing medely.
With steel strings a ringing sustain is up to 5 seconds.

PS in an expanding waistline there is an amazing shrinking belt.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Nov 21 - 02:50 AM

I think dropping apostrophes comes before S's

Which means the English speaking world is collectively on the helter-skelter.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 14 Nov 21 - 05:13 AM

Another danger sign, Mr Red, is forgetting to put full stops at the ends of sentences

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Nov 21 - 10:06 AM

Playing who's more far gone aside, it ain't virtue signaling to wish our friends like Kendal well.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Nov 21 - 06:53 AM

Testing trials have begun on the nasal spray version of the anti Alzheimers drug.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Nov 21 - 07:28 AM

Dear Donuel,
                   I've read & re-read your 13th Nov. post. Your allegorical approach took a while for my waning white matter to decode, but the effort was worthwhile. I'm left with new images & thoughts, from which I derive comfort. Knowing that you understand is probably the greatest comfort of all,
                      Most Sincerely,
                                              Nigel.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Rain Dog
Date: 17 Nov 21 - 08:03 AM

The BBC had 2 part series last month called Dementia & Us

Episode 1

The first in a groundbreaking two-part series following four people with dementia and their families over the course of two whole years, exploring what it’s really like to live with the condition over a period of time as we follow the families through the ups and downs of life with a changing brain. 

The series is narrated by Dreane Williams, who herself lives with vascular dementia

Episode 2

This episode looks at the effects on those with dementia as the pandemic hits and Britain goes into lockdown. As social interaction helps keep the brain active, it proves to be a very difficult time. 

BBC - Dementia & us

++

Sorry to hear about your condition Nigel. Wish you well for the future.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Nov 21 - 06:33 PM

Migraines have a up and down similarity to the one way only vascular dementia to the extent that the upside of wide open blood vessels is welcomed over the restricted narrowing of blood vessels. While there is no pain after 60 the vascular pattern still presents itself enough to be aware of it. I see it as a biorhythm pendulum swinging from smart to dumb.

I need to check out Rain Dog's links.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 18 Nov 21 - 03:05 AM

Rain Dog,
               Thank you for the BBC link. I may have viewed both programmes, but in all honesty, I can't remember. I will endeavour to watch them, assuming they remain available on iPlayer. Many thanks for your good wishes,
                                                         Nigel.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 19 Nov 21 - 01:04 PM

Nigel we have all watched old movies whose plot we have forgot.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 21 - 01:22 PM

It's a bit different when that 'old movie' is your own life...

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 21 - 02:59 PM

I used to lead a group that sang "carols" for Fourth of July and Christmas in various nursing homes in town. I think we sang at 14 nursing homes at most. I remember visiting a memory care home one Fourth of July. At the start of our performance, I announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, our National Anthem. I was dumbstruck to see all those people stand up, place their hands on their hearts, and sing the Star Spangled Banner with us. They knew all the words, and sang with gusto. I was almost in tears.

Subject: RE: BS: Music Memory Bypassing Dementia
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Nov 21 - 07:25 PM

Should you watch Tony Bennet perform with Lady Gaga you may be reassured.