One day in Nov 2022, Dad got a blood infusion and we thought it could cure him. Dementia is a sneaky adversary allowing hope and pain on a fast track rollercoaster ride.
I am aware the hope was illogical, but the brain sometimes protects us until we are ready for the next step. This 3 hour infusion was 18 days past the formal medical diagnosis of dementia. Dad had been lethargic and uninterested in food, activities, and conversations. That was never true of my dad for 85 years. His blood counts were severely out of range and this infusion gave him energy and enthusiasm.
We made great use of this temporary state over the next five days with a visit to the pool and a short golf competition between Dad, Mom, me, and my daughter Emma. We had dinner at his favorite restaurant, lunch at a cafe, and a tearful send-off at the airport.
Dad said “now that I have my energy back, I’m going to ask the doctor for some help to clear up my memory”. I smiled and said it was a good idea.
Kelley Irwin 
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