We have had a good chat this morning about the consequences of stroke for M.  As an ex car worker I would liken it to the engine occasionally misfiring: when the spark and fuel don’t quite arrive at the same time.  Older readers may remember ‘pinking’ when the timing was out and the engine would run on, after the ignition key had been turned off.  Oh those happy days with the timing light or a cheap tuning kit: under the bonnet on a daily basis trying to get the old banger to run smoothly.

Hardly being a neurologist my understanding is that stroke could be seen as a bolt of lightening striking the brain.  Lasting damage has been done to a certain critical areas . No one can say with any certainty what the long term consequences stroke will be.  It is possible that pathways in the brain might re route and capacity will be regained.  Uncertainty is the order of the day and the general thesis is that when dementia has occurred decline is inevitable.  Yet there are days when I am astounded by my wife’s lucidity and intellectual capacity.

It would be lovely if I could just get out that tuning kit or timing light and make the necessary adjustments.  Unfortunately my time under the bonnet has long gone: technology has taken over from the mechanic in me – it’s far too complicated now.  When things go wrong with our vehicle now I take it to an expert who plugs in  his lap top diagnoses the problem and sorts out any problem.  So no tinkering anymore for this D I Y mechanic.

I still think it is worth tinkering with my approach to dementia: sitting back and witnessing decline is not for me.  It is clear that having our regular carer back has made a significant difference.  There has to be other changes that we can make to our environment that will impact upon mood and capacity.  Watch this space: there is lots of room for me to tinker with my approach to dementia.