Dementia is often worse on the families than the actual patient, at least from an emotional perspective. My dad does not know who I am, cannot recall my name, or that I am his son. It's pretty hurtful.

My mum died when she was 59, of cancer, in a really terrible fashion...It was a terrible time, but with my dad it's been a long slow decline and so the pain is drawn out. I work to give him the dignity he deserves, to keep his pain to a minimum, (He has a terrible wound that will never heal and that cannot be treated - It is truly horrific to behold) and make his last moments as comfortable as possible.

I'm pragmatic, death comes to us all, but whilst I can I will make the end of my dad's life as respectful and pain free as possible.