Dementia, once the fear and anger have dissipated, offers enormous capacity for joy, fun and hilarity – and breathtaking rudeness/vulgarity (causing much of the above) whilst wearing a very innocent expression.

One can deal with the same question every five minutes if you have had experience with a toddler.

Frail, elderly people need regular naps and snacks otherwise they get crotchety.

It is possible to maintain their dignity with a little care and compassion but extremely easy to reduce them to an object of nuisance. They notice both and care a lot about this.

One does need a break, and catching up with an old school friend to reminisce is perfect. It is inadvisable (although great fun) to go on a massive bender with another old friend and suffer a two day hangover.

Wish I could stay longer.