Kelley Irwin

One day in Feb 2022, we were celebrating Mardi Gras and Dad needed help to order the drinks for our table. We were 9 months away from a formal medical diagnosis of dementia.

Mom found a random bar in Columbia SC that had live music and drinks and snacks. We meandered through unfamiliar streets, across railroad tracks, and found the location. As we entered, we realized it was probably a college hangout but we decided to stay and enjoy ourselves.

There were two lines so Mom and I headed for the food line and Dad and my husband were off to get the drinks. Two glasses of wine and two beers so it wasn’t complicated. While they stood in line, Dad repeatedly asked what they were getting and where Mom and I had gone. My husband answered with the details each time. When they got to the front of the line, Dad asked – so what is it we’re here for – and my husband placed the order. Dad smiled and said – oh yes, that’s right.

 Everyone enjoyed the music. Dad didn’t eat much and only had a few sips of his beer. He had always enjoyed a good burger and beer so this was unusual.

 I thought the loud music might be bugging him. Or maybe the fact it was a lot later than he usually eats dinner. We wondered if he had a cold or COVID so we did a test the next day. (negative) He said things just didn’t taste right these days. His comments about the lack of taste in his food increased over the coming weeks.

 Dementia symptoms are easier to see in the rear view mirror. I didn’t know.