A Cruel Joke

 There's no definitive timeline for what aspects of 

the brain's abilities will be affected by dementia. 

But one influence for the order of  events seems to be 

'malicious humor.'


To have a person lose the ability to reason, to remember,

to use language, to conduct themselves properly...but yet 

they can still drive? So that they can go and show off to 

the world how poorly they function now? 


So they can become humiliated? Make themselves a target

to all the criminals and con-artists looking for a vulnerable 

mark?


The disease is bad enough, but the fact that the 'timeline' 

for 'what capabilities go at what time' isn't more conducive

to allowing a dignified progression is just an extra slap in

the face.


My loved one is currently ignorant as to the humiliating

things she's saying and doing in front of others. But an

awareness of it--and crippling shame and self-awareness--

could kick in at any time.


That ego and defiance will surely be the last things to disappear.


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