Posted February 5, Reviewed by Davia Sills. As a career journalist, a political and investigative reporter, I chose not to hide in the bunker but instead to come out punching at this hellish disease in full faith, hope, and humor, refusing to give in, refusing to give up, as experts race for a cure, and as I read the wrenching obits of others who have died from this disease. Many people in the earlier stages of dementia—and even into the middle stages—can learn new routines and habits.
Most importantly, during all stages of dementia, people are capable of giving and receiving love, able to share moments of joy and laughter. Dementia can be demoralizing. We see how it affects our kids, our grandkids, everyone. We have served in the military and taught school and raised kids. Community is a plural. A pity party, after all, is just a party of one. Those fighting dementia today are in a public petri dish of sorts.
We can either assist the research in terms of early diagnosis, clinical tests, pursuing brain health models, figuring out new pathways, and the like, or we can just surrender. I could feel the tears running down my face. My pathway, when feelings overcome, is watching a stunning sunset at Skaket Beach on the bay or a serene walk along the ocean at Nauset Beach in Orleans, where I follow the soothing surf, tossing like a little boy, small flat weather-beaten beach stones into the surface of the sea, then watching them bounce—flinging concerns away.
Then, I follow the path back to where I started. I observe the single footprints in front of me, reflecting on the allegorical poem Footprints in the Sand —God carrying me.
There are many coping mechanisms. Caregivers can also help find new pathways for loved ones with a better understanding of the disease. The biggest obstacle, though, is often stress. When this happens, your brain releases stress hormones throughout your body, further contributing to your experience of emotional exhaustion.
