Non verbal clues

George knows how to show exactly what he wants without saying a word.

Towards evening George often feels it is time for tea. He will go and sit at the table with an expectant look on his face. I admit it often makes me feel pressured.

At the weekend I had made arrangements to meet an old friend who I had not seen for twenty years. We arranged to meet in Brighton which is a pretty quiet place. The Main Street has a 'slow', one way street with judder bars going down. This makes it very safe. There is a park straight across the road and a crossing for us to walk across. George wanted to come so off we went. We sat outside in the sun which was lovely. George ate his cinnamon scone and drank his drink. He was obviously bored with our conversation which of course was a catch up. He quietly stood up with his walking stick and moved over to the crossing. He looked to see if there were any cars and sauntered across the road. He then stood by the car. It reminded me of kids getting fed up with a game and 'taking their bat and ball and going home' when they aren't winning. Naturally I had to leave. Both Mum and George want the attention centred around them and have trouble if it isn't. They need the attention and stimulation. Admittedly there are plenty of people without Alzheimer's who expect to be the centre of attention. It is something you get used to but can be irritating when you are trying to do something for yourself.

They are quite demanding of your time and energy without meaning to be.