Memories (a story of neurological conditions)

I am deathly afraid of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Dementia and everything related to these. I became even more afraid when I read on what ailed Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. These are great people that were global leaders that contributed to the world. Everyone will have their opinion on what they were responsible for, but I prefer to touch on t6he issues related to these neurological issues.

Parkinson Disease Symptoms from Stanford University

Reading about their conditions all those years ago led to a conscientious decision to teach my parents on how to use a computer. They quickly progressed from computer to laptops, to digital PDAs and these days, smart phones. The idea was remarkably simple, I feel that engaging with the computers and smart phones engages with all their cognitive abilities, using all their senses. Just like anyone of us they used the smart phone for everything. From searching about the latest recipes, following up on politics, communicating with friends and family and even playing games. My father does his Sudoku puzzles with a pen. My mother still plays vocabulary games on her phone.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alhamdulillah, at their advance age they are still very lucid with their memories and their cognitive abilities is still in terrific condition. Both also follow on YouTube the various religious sermons and frequently share anything new they learnt online.

Alzheimer's vs Dementia from Alzheimer's Association

I am getting to that age soon and I remain deathly afraid. I saw first-hand the dangers of these neurological issues. First with my aunt, my mother's elder sister that had dementia, previously she was a wonderful entrepreneur and a great chef. I then saw Parkinson's on my wife's grandfather. He was a renowned academician, the author of a well-known Malay Dictionary. Now I am seeing the signs on my mother's elder brother, he is still lucid, but he tends to repeat himself. Previously he was one of Malaysia's captains of industry. The aunt of a very dear friend also has something similar except for that it is more violent thus is no longer capable of being exposed to society.

We need to continue engaging with our loved ones and our friends. We should not leave them alone for even one second. It needs to be a two-way communication, forcing them to fully utilise all their cognitive abilities. Everything.

For my father I also encouraged my father to write his life story. It is fairly complete and one day I will publish it. I need to start writing my own memoirs. Both of us have our share of national and political intrigue that should be shared with everyone someday. For that reason I started my Blog. I have been active on Facebook but I felt I needed a more personal and permanent outlet. One day I will leave Facebook and friends and family and maybe fans? will still be able to get me on my Blog. Reading my thoughts of the day, the week or month.

The sad part of these neurological conditions is that they lose their memories, they move around in a fog, absolutely relying on others. That's scary. It is as if they are dead. They are alive and yet at the same time, they are no longer there. Sometimes they no longer remember and recognise their loved ones. And even worse they can no longer remember how to live.

We are not an island. I know, I live alone in Kota Bharu, missing my wife, my children every single day. But not much choice for the moment. Thus, I immerse myself in my work, meeting people, engaging with my team members, communicating with my friends, finding something to do every day. That's why I cook. I don't want to take the easy way out, by ordering every day, which doesn't challenge me. I need to be constantly and frequently challenged so that my mind, my brain, my self remains active, each day, every day, every hour, every second. Friends that need help, I will be there. I have my own challenges of course but that doesn't stop me from helping out.

https://www.parkinsons-research.org/index.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQiAi8KfBhCuARIsADp-A54uABdkNffzxud_bF7LaOT2dQFN-tMq3bT2UIMHZk8MVIH6eyJ4nHYaAqH4EALw_wcB

I hope we can continue to advance in our research to prevent these from plaguing our aging society. It is thus important for us to place our next focus on geriatric care. We need to maintain the aged's dignity at all times. Some may not be as lucky as others. And as I continue to age, I need to start considering such without imposing and placing a burden on others.