Walhbolts t1_isyq4ik wrote on October 19, 2022 at 5:55 PM

Reply to comment by Mrsheeples1992 in The phenomenology of dementia | As memory slips away, it can take with it language, knowledge and even selfhood. But something beautiful can still remain – the ability to live in a simplified present. by IAI_Admin

It would be more reasonable if it was blissful ignorance, but dementia often means a continuous state of total confusion and fear in relation to both outside factors that you no longer comprehend, and your fading personality. It is like a slow, degenerating process of losing personhood. Absolutely terrifying way to go out.

Mrsheeples1992 t1_isyuk10 wrote on October 19, 2022 at 6:24 PM

I'm aware, one of the few volunteer experiences I have was in helping those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. I did things for the organization on their tech side so they could do what they needed to do, did that for a few months - eventually I finished up the few projects they had and went back to college at the time. Was sad learning how it affects people, seeing those who work side by side with those who have the affliction and their stories.

I was mostly getting that the "simplified present" is used as if it is a tender mercy to think of it that way, it is only for our own benefit would we describe the horror of losing your mind this way. I'm a little shocked that whoever wrote this is in a harsh state of denial - or wants to put spin on the affliction cause it is horrendous. I could hardly think of something worse.

Walhbolts t1_isyvsoo wrote on October 19, 2022 at 6:32 PM

I understand what you are saying. The constant need to spin bad things in a way that makes them look good is a weird thing some people engage in, I would suppose either because of emotional related reasons or maybe for the need to seem original in the eyes of the public.