Dear LPG, 

Nearly half a lifetime ago something happened to me that really worried me at the time.   It only happened once but I will never forget.  

I was out shopping while my children were at school and, as usual I had loads planned for the day.  I remember being in the checkout line with about three people in front of me but the next thing that I remember was sitting on a chair with two members of the shop’s staff telling me that they were going to call an ambulance because I had fainted.

A few minutes later I felt fine and, chose not to bother them and the incident was all over. Those were the days when you could find a free parking space in Lewisham and, as a precaution I took a bus home and came back for the car a bit later, but it occurred to me that during the few minutes that I was unconscious, anyone could have taken my money, keys and so many other things of value.  I was not in control for the first time in my adult life and the only time in my life so far.

That experience was short but absolute and it happened a long time ago but, now that I am in my eighties I sometimes find myself experiencing that feeling of not being in complete control from time to time.  Many of my friends complain about forgetting this and that and I am no different.  We put things down and forget where, we forget the name of a place or which day of the week it is, and I have even missed the odd appointment.  I have to say that the thought that some sort of dementia might be taking over is perhaps my biggest worry.

The thought of going to a doctor worries me too because I would not want to do that unless there was real cause for concern, because I think that independence is the single most precious thing that a person can lose.  I looked online and found a couple of simple tests that you can do.  I am glad to say they show that I don’t have to worry too much at this time.  

I also found a piece of information that explains that dementia is not all about forgetting things.   One of the best ways to keep it at bay is to keep your mind active and keep learning.   

They say that having found something on the internet you should share it, so I hope it helps… 

EW, Penge.

EW has found a simple test that you can try with a bit of help…

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… and offers a little online advice worth learning…

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