Thanks for reading this thread and your responses Ded, Andy, Cheekee, Lordna and GwaPito !


Cheekee’s post, with his practical experience, highlights the cost of dementia to hospitals - in addition to care homes and families. It’s not particularly reassuring that “ a cure could be found within 12 years “ ( David Cameron ). Anyone with a relative or friend suffering from dementia will know it’s not exaggerating to call it a “ living death “.


I lost a 71 years old aunt, peacefully, to cancer last week. It was a rare type with no known cause, and she survived 8 months from diagnosis to death – a blessing in disguise, preferable to years with dementia.


Of course it’s commoner with increasing age, but to dismiss it as an inevitable corollary of ageing is mistaken, in my opinion.


No one, least of all me, is suggesting or trying to dictate, a lifestyle which removes all pleasurable activities in order to live longer - especially in the weeks before Christmas.


But for the increasing number who do survive to 65, it’s never too late to consider how they might increase their personal odds to survive the next two decades and beyond in reasonable health. What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain . Until we understand more about dementia – prevention, early diagnosis and treatment – that’s about all we can do.


In the meantime, let’s hope our Government, and others, don’t forget to invest more in all aspects of dementia .