I'm just popping out

Is it socially acceptable to laugh at someone who is probably suffering from quite serious dementia?

As I have mentioned before, I have a Grandad. He's old, forgetful, tempestuous, forgetful, miserly and old. We have plenty of frustrating conversations with and about him. But really, he's loved too much for us to stay mad for long. Especially seeing as he doesn't stay mad for much more than the five minutes he can remember your name for.

I visited today with the children. He and my Gran had popped out and so had left a note on the cooker. It read...

Emma, 
          We have popped out to Mark's & Spencer. So we will not be in. 
If you call, the back door is unlocked. We will be back at 4pm (Friday). Don't stay long as Gran doesn't feel well and there's nothing for tea.

Grandad.

Maybe it's just me but I hadn't already discovered that the back door was unlocked, I would have not found his note. He informed me that they had popped out, then continued to let me know that the afore mentioned activity would mean that I would find them 'not in'. He TOLD me to come at 3.15pm, told me they wouldn't be back until 4pm and than asked me not to stay long. And there's nothing for tea? I'm sure that part of the message was for someone else.

I am aware that I notic even the tiny things because I'm aware there's a bigge problem. But how does one person get to the level of confusion that they can write such a letter? Did he not read it back and think "no, this doesn't make sense" or think to stick it to the back door?

It got progressively worse...

When they came back, he said it was a nice surprise to see us. He said that they had been to marks & Spencer's. And he asked if I got in OK and got his note. He offered me a cup of tea and asked ME where my Gran was.

Grans not getting any younger and if he marches off in the shop, she will lose him. He will forget her and go home.

She was waiting in the car as he told her he wouldn't be long.

I couldn't live with him or care the way she does. I have punched him on the nose and checked myself into a home a long time ago. But she loves him, although she will never admit it. And she doesn't want to admit he is disappearing anyway.

He bought 2 shirts in the sale. That he already has, so he can take them back with his original receipt and save money. So his brain still works well in part!

He also bought some cheap socks to give to the hedgehog. But he wouldn't be there until dusk and I can't be staying long because he's nothing for his tea.