Confusion

Dickie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004 and
is now looked after in a care home local to his home
in Liphook, Hampshire. His diagnosis came about
following cognitive tests after a series of car accidents,
which resulted in him surrendering his driving licence.
They found that Dickie was experiencing the early
symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. From this point on
he became progressively more dependent on his wife
Jill. Dickie, scared of the prospect of being ill, stopped
drinking and became a vegetarian in a bid to stave off
the disease although he could still be caught eating
sausages and bacon which he insisted, ‘didn’t count’.
The disease began to become more prevalent from this
point, characterising its self in noticeable symptoms
such as wandering, memory troubles and, in particular,
sleepless nights. His trouble sleeping had the most
impact on those around him and took the biggest toll
on his wife Jill. For Dickie, the disease manifested
its self in some of his frustrations and insecurities.
Having never been one to use a credit card, Dickie
always had cash in his pocket, but the sudden prospect
of not having money in his pocket, due to his illness
and his tendency to lose things, caused him to worry
constantly whether he had money to pay for his room
and his food. He also has trouble walking, due to
Arthritis, which fuels fears of falling, resulting in loud
shouting matches as he accuses various relatives and
care givers of ‘trying to kill him’.