Sound mind or sound body: Which is better?

1. 92

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   My dad shot himself at the age of 85. He was in terrible physical condition and experienced much pain, but his mind was as sharp as a tack. My mom was just the opposite - good physical condition, but she had advanced Alzheimer's.
   
   If you had to choose one, which would it be?

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No, you have no choice. You usually get the combination of these traits. So you'll be in good physical condition and as sharp as a tack.

      replyreport
2. 0

   Linton Pressposted 14 years ago

   Habee,
   That's very sad about your Dad. Yet Alzheimers is the big fear for many.
   I think if you can keep fit then there's a good chance you'll also have an active mind through a good cardiovascular system - including oxygen to the brain!! :-)
   But many are not blessed with good health and I very much value mine above all material stuff.
   I do distance running and when I am off the road injured I stagnate, so I know what that is telling me!
   I hope you are very well, very happy - and keep those brainwaves whirring away!
   Best regards,
   Dave West

   replyreport
3. 92

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   Thanks, Dave, for the warm wishes!
   
   I think I would choose a sound mind. At least Dad had a lifetime of memories to enjoy.

   replyreport
4. 0

   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   Im sorry to hear all that Habee. That must be hard on you.
   I knew a man, I visited him once a week in a nursing home when I was a teenager. He'd had a stroke. He was fully there, in his mind, but his body would not respond. He couldnt talk, or move. He would sit in his chair, and weep. Unable to do anything he used to do. He was a farmer, used to being out in the field all day. Working with his hands. Now all he could do is sit usless in a wheel chair. My Grandmother had dementia. She was blissfully unaware that she had lost her mind. She would sometimes have bad days, bite and not know her children, but she never remebered it. It was far harder on us then her. SOOO if I HAD to pick one, I would rather loose my mind and not know it, then loose my body and know. But only if I knew it would not cause loved ones to suffer for my sake.

   replyreport
5. 92

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   I understand what you're saying, Justine, and I agree, in part. The hardest time for Mom was when she was in the early-mid stages. She knew what was happening to her, and she was terrified. I remember her asking me many times to tell her about Dad. "I know your father and I were married for a long time, and surely we had a lot of good times together. But I can't remember a single thing about him. It's as if someone stole my life away - like it never happened."
   
   That was heartbreaking!
   
   In her last stage of the disease, she was happy.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It is heartbreaking. I hope neither happens to me. I am looking at very soon having my mother move in with me. I did not mean to sound callous in any way. (typing is not the same as face to face, ya know?)What I meant is, selfishly I would prefer to not know whats going on. BUT I know how awful it is for familly to watch thier loved ones ....dissapear..and I do hope I wont do that to my familly.
      Again, I am truly sorry for all you have been thru.

      replyreport
6. 92

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   Justine, I in no way thought your response was callous! On the contrary - I found it warm and thoughtful.
   
   Your mom is moving in with you? We lived with my mom for a couple of years to forestall her having to go to assisted living. Email me if you ever want to talk to someone who's been there.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thank you, I most likely will. I need to get going here, in a sec.
      My mom isnt moving in right away, but I see some warning signs and hubby and I have begun to prepare. Its a very complicated situation, as we are not close at all, she cant stand me, and has done some horrible stuff to me, but...my sisters wont do it.she is my mom, and I do love her...anyway...glad all is good and thanks again. catch ya later!!

      replyreport