Helm's has dementia...Hi Gang! From Chip Gerber

[Guest guest]

In yesterday's local newspaper it was reported that former U.S. Sen.

Helms, age 84, has vascular dementia and has moved into a convalescent center

near his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. News that mde me sad.

His wife, Dot of 63 years of marriage, said that " has good days and has

bad days. That he still sees friends and that company is good for him. That

she and a small group of friends visit him daily. " She said " he seems to

recognize people, and is still signing his books. He hopes to resume going to

church

as he gets stronger. " Dot went on to say that " His manners are always

intact. He is very gracious when people come to see him. He is his same self in

a

lots of ways. He just doesn't always remember. "

Vascular dementia is considered one of the most common types of dementia in

aging people with symptoms that may appear similar to those caused by

Alzheimer's disease.

Although Jessie was not my favorite politician, he was colorful during is

time in politics. I pray that both he and his wife Dot find comfort and the

strength they will both need to deal with dementia. As one affected with

dementia

personally, I feel for the Helm's and hope that they will find the support they

both need.