Dementia Can Be Haunting, Too!

By Leah, Health Guide Tuesday, October 30, 2007
With Halloween here, I have discovered something new about my current condition. I think by writing about this, I may be able to help caregivers as well as others suffering with dementia/Alzheimer's to know they are not alone with these problems. My husband and I were lounging in bed, doing ...
10/31/07 12:13am
I know when my father-in-law was in the early stages of dementia when he was watching some shows (like the ones on war or the news) he would get upset. We didn't know why and he couldn't communite enough to let us know what the problem was. After reading your post it puts a whole new light on things. There were also after watching some of these show he would wake up very up. Now I can look at this as maybe this was fear in him.
Leah, Health Guide
10/31/07 8:18am

Dear Carla,

I am soooo glad that I may have given you some insight into your father-in-law's difficulties early on.  I hope I am helping others, too.  It helps put a better spin on my disability if I can use it to help others for as long as I am able. 

Thanks!

Leah

10/31/07 7:53am

Dear Leah:

 

I do not know anything about the effects of those suffering with dementia/Alzheimer's.  However, I have noticed for years that what I watch on TV [as well as the music I listen to, the books I read, or the conversations I have with others] affect my moods [as well as my sleeping habits].

That is, if I listen to calming music, watch a heart warming TV show, or read a book that touches my heart--my mood is elevated and I sleep well.

Additionally, if I listen to upbeat music, a great comedy, or talk to a friend about a funny event that happens to them--my mood is lively and I sleep well.

Conversely, if I listen to disturbing music, watch a dramatic or scary movie, or talk to someone with an upsetting problem--I do NOT sleep well.

So, I wonder if we all are subject to a little of this.

Also, I wonder the effect this has on my wee great grandson, Rex?  Rex is almost 2 and he loves TV--I notice that even children's shows are disturbing.  The animals are angry with one another...the children sometimes fight...Bottom line--YES, we need to be aware of how the media affects us all--in my humble opinion.

 

Hang in there--and always keep that wonderful sense of adventure, wonder, and humor! [smile]

Love and Blessings, Cuz

Leah, Health Guide
10/31/07 8:04am

Wonderful observations!  I hope you will share my post and your observations with your granddaughter so that she may become more aware of what her son watches.

Thanks for your continuing support!

Love,

Leah

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By Leah, Health Guide— Last Modified: 06/19/12, First Published: 10/30/07