I have been asked, several times over the last few years, the same question by some of my students.  Would you rather lose your mental capacity or your bodily control and functions?  What a question! 

It is, for most of us I guess, a moot point.  Who gets to choose and how would you?  When pressed I say I would rather lose my mind because at least in your own world you may not be aware of what is going on but, having been in, and seen, this process with family and family members of friends, it is not easy or a nice process for those around the affected person.

Being mentally alert but, trapped in a body you cannot control, or which is letting you down is beyond my vocabulary.  Those people out there who are suffering due to accidents, illness or war injuries deserve respect and admiration for their courage and endurance. 

My point is, none of us knows how we would react unless we were in that situation.  None of us knows what is coming and not many of us take the time to be thankful for our bodies and minds.  Take stock of what you have, be grateful and then look after it, look after yourself.  We are, in truth, richer than we know; we just don’t take the time to see it.