Shakespeare and Dementia

To many of us dementia is a modern day disease brought on by the stressful and fast paced lives we all now lead (and some more extreme theories of cloak and dagger conspiracies).  Although this is probably an attribute to the rise in health problems that can possibly trigger off varying forms of dementia, it still remains a natural disease which has been with us throughout history.  If like me you are a bit of a history nerd you will already know that many famous historical figures have suffered with 'the madness of old age', Kings and Queens included.

The fact is that medical and information technology advancement has highlighted the disease (not all to the good) and our awareness is growing day upon day so we think of it almost as a new invention.  To prove my point here is an except from William Shakespeare's 'King Lear' when the King who is suffering from 'the madness' wakes up and see's his daughter Cordelia.

 

Lear: Where have I been? Where am I? Fair daylight,
I am mightily abus'd. I should e'en die with pity, To see another thus. I know not what to say.
I will not swear these are my hands. Let's see.
I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd
Of my condition!
Cordelia:O, look upon me, Sir. And hold your hands in benediction o'er me.
No, sir, you must not kneel.
Lear:Pray, do not mock me.
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less; And, to deal plainly,
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
Methinks I should know you, and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful; for I am mainly ignorant
What place this is; and all the skill I have
remembers not these garments; nor I know not
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;
For (as I am a man) I think this lady
To be my child Cordelia.

If you are a carer or know of someone with dementia, I'm sure the above will sound all too familiar!