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I lost my daddy to alzheimers on valentines day of this year. I was his main caregiver and we chose to keep him at home.I'm so glad that i did. I miss him so much but I know he would not want to be here in the shape he was in. My question is...will my get this terrible disease? Is it hereditary? need some answers!!!!
My mother has alzheimers. I think she is in stage 5...according to what I can find out from this site. I think my grandmother also had it although it wasn't diagnosed. My uncle took care of her til she died. I work with alzheimer's patients at a personal care home and recognized the symptoms in my mother long ago.
My grandmother is 100 and my mom thinks everything is ok?! I have read this web page and many others. I know my mom is in denial any one have any suggetions how to handle this? According to what I ahve read, my granmother has all 7 warning signs of alzheimers. I want to help but I feel that my mom thinks that her mother(my grandmother) is just minipulating her. Oh by the way we live in an extended family home, I know this will effect my children. Any suggestions are welcomed.
Two... good luck. Your mom doesn't want to believe your grandmother might have altzheimers. But eventually she will have to face it. Until then not much you can prove to her. Living in an extended family situation is very difficult. My parents live with us now. It will affect your kids....everything does..both positive and negative. I suggest sit tight, and learn what you can do to help with the alzheimers...also grandma can be taken into a doctor's (neurologist and have it diagnosed)...
I'm afraid my mother-in law has this. My father-in law does and I believe he is in stage 4/5. I don't know what to do. Her personality has changed. Its very difficult for anyone to be around them. She has become very mean but yet scared of everything. What do I do.?
I think my father has this. I am still trying to figure out what stage. But it is wrecking havoc on my family. He is accusing everyone of stealing from him. He is also getting violent. He can still function normal some days but then he starts getting violent and suspicious of us. Can I have his medical provider admit him for evaluation?
My father in law a couple of years ago started having symptoms of Alzheimers and then he ended up having a stroke which left him unable to see. He is easily confused, does not carry on a conversation but seems to understand the conversations going on around him well. The problem is that he has started to try to prove to his wife who is also his caregiver, that he is still a man. Recently he has insisted on lifting up the diningroom table on end to show her, while the table was set with dishes and he has started to talke 2 and 3 am walks outside to prove that he can...there have been other things but I would like to know is this normal behavoir for an azheimers patient? On the night of the table incident he could not be reasoned with, it was almost like trying to deal with a 3 year old.
It is like dealing with a three year old. Make sure to keep the doors locked at night, with some type of alarm to notify family members of his early am walks. The table incident is somewhat interesting. My Dad likes to try to prove himself too, like walking up the stairs with bags of groceries against my many protests. I'm terrified he is going to fall, which he eventually will. Also I'm usually the one behind him in which he has almost fallen backwards on top of me a couple of times. They have lost all sense of danger for that of themselves, as well as others. Good Luck to you!
Good news for early-onset/ younger-onset Alzheimer's patients: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added early-onset/ younger-onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative. Years in the making, this important advocacy victory will give people with early-onset/younger-onset Alzheimer's expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), meaning claims filed under this initiative will be decided within days instead of months or years. ---Alzheimer's Association Newsletter
I just finished a nite without sleep due to my husband's condition as he stayed up from 7:30 a.m. Yesterday until 5:30 a.m. today. I believe we are into stage 6 from what I read. When he finally crashed in his lazyboy chair he began to twitch all over ---is this somthing to be concerned about. This is the longest he has stayed up and he spent most of the nite walking or I should say staggering around the house.
Joan, This new behavior could be caused by his medication. Is his doctor aware of the nite walking? If not, get him to the doctor ASAP since there are effective medications available that may help. So YES, it is something to be concerned about but does not necessarily indicate that the Alzheimer's is advancing. Also, if his doctor is not experienced treating Alzheimer's and not up on the latest advances, you should consider changing doctors. Many advances in treatment and medications have been made in the last 2 years and General Practitioners do not always stay current unless they have a lot of elderly patients who have dementia or Alzheimer's.
Make sure that your loved one actually has Alzheimers disease. (I used to be an RN and my last 5 years working as such, I was in elder care.) Some other medical conditions or diseases, such as neurovascular incidents and high blood pressure, as well as some meds can cause conditions that "look" like Alzheimers. Some doctors may even misdiagnose.... I'd suggest, anybody concerned with this should take their loved one to a well experienced geriatrician, instead of their GP.
My father has Alzhaimers, it's the saddest thing ever. In my country there is no community support, doctors don't know anything about the disease,, there are no places where the sick person or the relatives can get help. Me and my mother deal with this all alone and there is no help. We are in deep depression because of that. I'm from Bulgaria, Europe. What can we do?
my grandmother is in stage 7, it is very painful all you can do is be patient and touch and reassure them. It is very sad and she cries out repeatedly and occasionally says a word we recognize.
I kept waiting for my parents' doctors to tell them they have Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia, as it is obvious to everyone around them...and then inform us kids, who share the POA, about what is going on. I'm not clear on why a doctor would not share this with the family if the patient(s) clearly have dementia in the more "functional" stages. We ended up committing our parents when their community got exasperated with their independent living situation, and they are not in a nursing home together STILL their docs will not share this info with us directly, however. We are not told of my parents' appointments by the nursing home and find out after they have occurred.
My mother's neurologist told me that Alzheimers has four quartiles. And also only one form of Alzheimers is hereditary (early onset). My mother is moving from the third quartile to the fourth. He says this last stage is like jumping off a cliff. Also her reminded me that an infection will make things worse and clearing the infection will bring the person back to where they really are. The most common of infections is urinary tract infection. It is very treatable.
The more they (ubiquitous they) try to slice up progressive steps of an ailment poorly understood, the more they get it wrong.
I personally believe that Alzheimers has a link to additives in food and lack of nutrients from food. In the USA the soil is so badly depleted even organically grown food lacks the nutrition is had 100 years ago.
I have been caring for my mother for over eight years in her home. She is now in a facility rehabing following a dvt. I am concerned that she may not be able to return. I feel overwhelmed with guilt for failing her and I feel lost as a caregiver.
Jim76, I don't know what a dvt is, but I'm pretty sure you haven't failed your mother. Perhaps you are feeling something akin to the "empty nest" syndrome of parents when the last of their offspring have gone off. You spent a great deal of time attending to your mother's needs and now she is not there. You probably should consider her illness and whether or not this was not an unexpected turn of events. Some things just can't be helped no matter how good a job we do as caregivers.
Now, spend some time visiting her (she might come home, after all!) and taking some time to regather your own strength.
This article and all of the comments are terrific and have helped me so much today. My 74 yr old Mom is in early to mid stage 7 and I've been trying to decide what is best. We have a live-in caregiver and wondered if she would be better in assisted living around more people. Sounds like the one-on-one is better since she has frequent UTI and is getting the meals she likes when she wants and our caregiver takes her out often to shop, visit.
I do want to offer my experience, as in hindsight, I feel I should have been more pushy. 5 yrs ago, Mom had discussed her memory problems, but would not seek help. During the next year, she stopped eating healthy, often cancelled social and family functions, and eventually became incontinent. She was very coherent and stubborn enough to object to our advice and deny problems. We started taking meals over and tried all the "tricks" to get her care. Two years ago, she was rushed to the hospital after collapsing. After a week of testing, found she had a severe UTI and virtually no iron in her blood. Once home, she was never the same and has steadily deteriorated. I believe that her lousy diet was a major contributing factor to the acceleration of her illness as well as inactivity and lack social interaction. But who knows? I am simply baffled that at 74, she is so impaired. She truly has always been such a great Mom. I think I'll enjoy the good moments now while I can. Best wishes to all of you and thanks for your advice.
While this series is interesting, it lacks longitudinal input. My wife is 69 and she has not been walking for about 3 years. Her cognition level has been quite low for about 10 years. She does keep eating and her weight of about 140 lbs. remains constant. When she was diagnosed a little over 17 years ago, the neurologist said that she could live anywhere between 1 and 20 years. It has been an expensive and lengthy illness, but I guess it is still not her time. I post this to let people know that this is a terrible disease that can strike the middle-aged as well as the elderly and it can go on and on.
My mother is a moderate stage of this disease. We had to put her in a skilled nursing center until the medicaid goes through. Although this was a difficult step, it made sense to have professionals care for her. She's eating much better, getting her meds at regular intervals and they have her socializing again... My mother lost that ability living alone and this was a person who was the life of the party before the disease set in. Our next step is assisted living where she will have more activities and a roomate. I am finally at peace with our decision and know that my mother's quality of life will be much better. She won't be alone and she'll be not far from where I live either. It's a scary disease, but once you know the facts and find care for your loved one, the rollercoaster ride comes to a halt at that point. God bless everyone going through this...remain positive, pray and give yourself some quality time for yourself...take care...Jenifer
The only form of Alzheimer's known to be hereditary is the early onset version (where early onset means, I believe, under 50 or so and I think the youngest case was 17!). Contact the Alzheimer's Association for more information.
My mother's neurologist classifies Alzheimer's in 4 quartiles. When a person hits the last quartile the decline takes on a rapid descent much like jumping off a cliff. That's where my mother is now. I, of course, am stressed out and kind of a wreck.
According to the article my husband is in late stage 6 early 7. I know this sounds really terrible but how does anyone know about how long he will have to suffer with this? I take care of him MYSELF no help at home and some days are really bad, but I really look at him and hope he will soon stop suffering with this. Does this sound bad on my part?
One of the biggest problems I found when I worked in the Alzheimer's Units was that families were not educated. We would try to tell them about wonderful workshops that would help them to learn and understand more. The other big problem was when they would not understand or try to understand that it is the disease and not the person that they know and love that can be so mean and cranky ( and they can seem really mean) . Everyone needs to know as much as they can , it would save a whole lot of pain when that person who normally was always so sweet and never a harsh word starts sounding worse than a sailor.
And last but not least - I send this out one more time , hoping it will help - What a Person With Alzheimer's Would Say -
I had an earlier post in which I described the long ordeal that my wife went through with Early Onset Alzheimer's disease. Four months ago, she passed away and I believe she is now in a better place. Prior to her passing , I told staff at her nursing home that in the event she contracted pneumonia I did not want it treated.. They did not treat the pneumonia and they allowed me to stay in her room with her as they administered a morphine drug to help her with the pain. My wife was in a Catholic nursing home and it might surprise some that my wishes were followed. As I indicated previouisly, my wife was bedridden for a few years and the quality of life was gone. I found the time my daughter and I spent with her prior to her death to be quite spiritual. It was a long struggle, but my wife died with dignity surronded by those she loved.
winkpc, your loss is sad but the fact that you and your daughter experienced positive moments and your wife had her dignity and didn't suffer are heartening. Thank you for sharing this.
winkpc, I am truly sorry for your loss, and realize you have been living through the loss of the love of your life since at least 2000. Your devotion is remarkable. My Dad died after living through the same broken heartache. I appreciated your earlier post which kept pushing me to be sure I had covered all possibilities for my mom. Our primary care said 'don't try to be the hero' and finally our neurologist agreed that alzheimer's disease is so cruel and that it is the long goodbye. Know that I am sorry for your loss and sadness, and hope that you feel comfort with many happy years ahead to share with your family and friends, in loving memory.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
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You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
98 Comments
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The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Oh by the way we live in an extended family home, I know this will effect my children.
Any suggestions are welcomed.
good luck. Your mom doesn't want to believe your grandmother might have altzheimers. But eventually she will have to face it. Until then not much you can prove to her. Living in an extended family situation is very difficult. My parents live with us now. It will affect your kids....everything does..both positive and negative. I suggest sit tight, and learn what you can do to help with the alzheimers...also grandma can be taken into a doctor's (neurologist and have it diagnosed)...
Cindi
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added early-onset/ younger-onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative. Years in the making, this important advocacy victory will give people with early-onset/younger-onset Alzheimer's expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), meaning claims filed under this initiative will be decided within days instead of months or years.
---Alzheimer's Association Newsletter
This new behavior could be caused by his medication. Is his doctor aware of the nite walking? If not, get him to the doctor ASAP since there are effective medications available that may help. So YES, it is something to be concerned about but does not necessarily indicate that the Alzheimer's is advancing. Also, if his doctor is not experienced treating Alzheimer's and not up on the latest advances, you should consider changing doctors. Many advances in treatment and medications have been made in the last 2 years and General Practitioners do not always stay current unless they have a lot of elderly patients who have dementia or Alzheimer's.
Make sure that your loved one actually has Alzheimers disease. (I used to be an RN and my last 5 years working as such, I was in elder care.) Some other medical conditions or diseases, such as neurovascular incidents and high blood pressure, as well as some meds can cause conditions that "look" like Alzheimers. Some doctors may even misdiagnose.... I'd suggest, anybody concerned with this should take their loved one to a well experienced geriatrician, instead of their GP.
The more they (ubiquitous they) try to slice up progressive steps of an ailment poorly understood, the more they get it wrong.
I personally believe that Alzheimers has a link to additives in food and lack of nutrients from food. In the USA the soil is so badly depleted even organically grown food lacks the nutrition is had 100 years ago.
Now, spend some time visiting her (she might come home, after all!) and taking some time to regather your own strength.
I do want to offer my experience, as in hindsight, I feel I should have been more pushy. 5 yrs ago, Mom had discussed her memory problems, but would not seek help. During the next year, she stopped eating healthy, often cancelled social and family functions, and eventually became incontinent. She was very coherent and stubborn enough to object to our advice and deny problems. We started taking meals over and tried all the "tricks" to get her care. Two years ago, she was rushed to the hospital after collapsing. After a week of testing, found she had a severe UTI and virtually no iron in her blood. Once home, she was never the same and has steadily deteriorated. I believe that her lousy diet was a major contributing factor to the acceleration of her illness as well as inactivity and lack social interaction. But who knows? I am simply baffled that at 74, she is so impaired. She truly has always been such a great Mom. I think I'll enjoy the good moments now while I can. Best wishes to all of you and thanks for your advice.
My mother's neurologist classifies Alzheimer's in 4 quartiles. When a person hits the last quartile the decline takes on a rapid descent much like jumping off a cliff. That's where my mother is now. I, of course, am stressed out and kind of a wreck.
I know this sounds really terrible but how does anyone know about how long he will have to suffer with this? I take care of him MYSELF no help at home and some days are really bad, but I really look at him and hope he will soon stop suffering with this. Does this sound bad on my part?
And last but not least - I send this out one more time , hoping it will help -
What a Person With Alzheimer's Would Say -
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me til my life is done.
- Author Unknown -
Prior to her passing , I told staff at her nursing home that in the event she contracted pneumonia I did not want it treated.. They did not treat the pneumonia and they allowed me to stay in her room with her as they administered a morphine drug to help her with the pain. My wife was in a Catholic nursing home and it might surprise some that my wishes were followed. As I indicated previouisly, my wife was bedridden for a few years and the quality of life was gone. I found the time my daughter and I spent with her prior to her death to be quite spiritual.
It was a long struggle, but my wife died with dignity surronded by those she loved.