The period 2017-2021 marked the beginning of noticeable health challenges for David Irving, then in his late seventies. While he maintained an active schedule including international tours and daily work routines, various physical and cognitive concerns began to emerge that would influence his operations and family dynamics.
Dr. Dawson Consultation (2017): Irving consulted with Dr. Dawson, who "found nothing or little wrong organically" but did not perform an ECG. Irving specifically discussed aphasia concerns and requested referral to a neurological consultant.
Speech and Memory Concerns: Irving explicitly mentioned concerns about aphasia (speech difficulties) and sought specialist neurological consultation. Bente inquired about his "speech and memory since you got there? Better, worse or the same?" during his Florida travels.
Driving Apprehension: By 2021, Irving wrote "I find even these short drives trepidatious," indicating growing anxiety about driving even familiar routes.
Physical Limitations: Irving began requiring assistance for physical tasks that he had previously managed independently, including help from assistants like Terry Sanderson for storage unit management.
Memory Gaps: Irving noted in 2021 that he had "largely completed" Churchill's War Volume III "in Jan-Feb 2003" but that this "had escaped my memory totally," suggesting concerning memory gaps about major work.
Communication Patterns: Family members began monitoring Irving's condition more closely, with Bente regularly inquiring about his cognitive state during travels.
Reduced Travel Complexity: While Irving continued touring, he began expressing more concern about logistics and timing, suggesting reduced confidence in managing complex travel schedules.
Increased Delegation: Irving began relying more heavily on family members, particularly Paloma, for operational coordination that he had previously managed personally.
Accommodation Requirements: During travels, Irving began noting specific accommodation issues (like washbasin problems in Homestead) that might not have concerned him in earlier years.
Transportation Anxiety: Irving's expression of driving anxiety represented a significant change from his previously confident approach to transportation.
Regular Check-ins: Bente consistently inquired about Irving's physical and cognitive state, particularly during his travels away from London.
Practical Support: Bente managed daily domestic arrangements that might have become challenging for Irving to handle independently.
Business Coordination: Paloma's increased involvement in business operations may have reflected recognition of Irving's need for additional support.
Communication Management: Paloma began handling more of Irving's administrative and communication tasks.
Specialist Referrals: Irving specifically requested neurological consultation from Dr. Dawson, showing proactive approach to concerning symptoms.
Family Medical Coordination: Darius Hildebrandt was involved in medical discussions, suggesting family coordination of Irving's healthcare.
Increased Planning: Irving showed more concern about travel logistics and accommodation details.
Support Network Reliance: Irving began relying more on his US support network (particularly Kathy) for tour coordination.
Delegation Increase: Irving began delegating tasks that he had previously managed personally.
Routine Adjustments: Irving adapted daily routines to accommodate physical and cognitive challenges.
Driving Anxiety: Irving's expression of concern about "even these short drives" represented significant psychological impact.
Memory Concerns: Irving's awareness of memory gaps about major work suggested psychological stress about cognitive changes.
Support System Utilization: Irving increasingly relied on family and professional support networks.
Routine Maintenance: Irving maintained familiar routines and environments when possible to compensate for emerging limitations.