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Stage 6 - How Much Medical Care is Appropriate?
My DH is in stage 6 in memory care. He has afib and CHF which is managed with meds. He has a cardiologist appointment the end of July for a check-up. It has become extremely challenging trying to take him for appointments because he is so confused. I am questioning why I should even take him. He is a DNR and I have already…
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Partner’s Legs Won’t Respond — Is This Common in Later Stages?
My partner is in a later stage of Alzheimer’s, and over the past few weeks, their ability to move has drastically declined. They used to be able to stand with some help, but now it’s like the brain isn’t sending the message to the legs anymore. No injury, just a complete lack of response. This has made daily care really…
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Talking gibberish
My DH is Stage 6 b/c. Physically fit. But he is mostly incoherent, attempting to tell me something or ask me something. I used to be able to figure out what he meant, but very recently I truly have no idea what he is saying. He gets very frustrated with me. Impossible to redirect. We came back from taking our dogs to the…
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Trapped
Well we are at that stage where I’m feeling really trapped! DH has been obsessing about his car on a daily basis.(previous post about that) . I just nod and walk away as he follows me yelling he wants his car. He just finished with home PT and an aide 3 days a week for 3 weeks. He of course was so nice to them. Did…
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Help with getting a diagnosis
My DH has many AD symptoms. I've called his Drs office and notes were made to give to his med team. He refuses to let me accompany him for checkups. His false accusations, hallucinations and "hearing" things are really affecting my health. What more can I do, I'm at the point of leaving.
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What small joy did you experience yesterday?
I’m new to the group, and this is my second post. I’ve read many of the past discussions, and one of the messages stood out to me: Take each day as it comes and recognize small joys. Yesterday, I caught myself smiling. We have a goldfish pond, and I briefly caught a glimpse of a goldfish baby dart from under a rock to…
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Feeling overwhelmed and tired of dealing with this disease
I am so tired of the uncertainty. Whenever I think I can handle the behavior, I quickly fall back into a slump. I want a normal life, NOT this new normal. His hallucinations are off the chain. He gets angry constantly, accusing someone of stealing something or that someone was here. He sees people almost every day. I can't…
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In Loving Memory of “Jo C”
I’m reaching out, again, on behalf of my beautiful mom, Johanna “Jo C” Richardson, a passionate Peer Volunteer for nearly 20 years. Many of you knew that Jo C had been diagnosed with a progressive lung disease a couple of years ago. The disease did progress and Mom passed away peacefully at home the evening of June 19,…
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accept help
How to get DW to accept help with personal hygiene?
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Sleeping excessive amounts
my dh is 83 with late onset dementia and Alzheimer’s. He is sleeping soundly from midnight until I wake him up about 3 in the afternoon. No behaviors issues. Should I let him sleep that long??
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eye exam for late stage
My DW used to wear contact lenses. After EO ALZ diagnosis, she switched to wearing eyeglasses. Her prescription has expired. It is a matter of time before she breaks her current glasses. We barely made it through her last eye exam which was 2 years ago. How are people managing vision care and eye exams in the later stages?
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Family Visit
Our beautiful son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren are visiting next week. Staying elsewhere but I'm a stressed wreck already. Our son and wife are the nicest, kindest couple but this situation with his dad (VD and aphasia) is hard for anyone to comprehend, understand and cope with. He knows that his dad is not…
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book recommendation-Bella - The Little Furry Chiweenie Who Saved Our Lives:
I follow this man on X. Michael Whelan. He is a cancer survivor & is now caring for his wife Rebecca who has Parkinson's. To cope, he writes. He just published a book called "Bella ~ The Little Furry Chiweenie Who Saved Our Lives: An Inspirational Story About Love, Resilience, and Healing." It's for anyone going through an…
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Palliative and hospice care podcast
This is a very informative podcast about palliative and hospice care. Delete is not allowed. https://peterattiamd.com/bjmillerandbridgetsumser/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=250623-pod-bjmillerandbridgetsumser&utm_content=250623-pod-bjmillerandbridgetsumser-podfeed
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The Cavalry didn't come......
Last week, my DH had a mini-stroke. He has been declining quite rapidly, and the stroke made his decline even more significant. I have been struggling with all of the emotions surrounding a loved one who is dying such a sad, prolonged death. I broke down completely, and cried out for help from my DH's brother, and his…
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Communication/mis-communication frustrations
My husband with FTD, early stages, sometimes brings up a topic and I'l respond in a normal way, mild and "neither here nor there." Yet he'll take it as an attack of some kind and respond in an angry tone as if I've created an argument, or as if we're in an unpleasant debate about something. When this happens I leave the…
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The anger issue
My DW’s dementia is progressing to the point where she will need to move out of our home to a MC facility. She gets increasingly angry with everything, and I can’t imagine how she will handle the move. Will the anger subside as her dementia continues progresses? Can medication help?
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Vascular Dementia diagnosis
hi, I’ve been around here awhile. My LO (hubby) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 5 years ago although he has had clear symptoms for 8 years. I didn’t realize this at the time, but two years ago he had a heart attack which is most likely due to his vascular issues. We had an MRI two weeks ago to get this conclusive diagnosis.…
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Seroquel and Lorazepam
My DH had his doctor appt this week. The doctor added Lorazepam (for anxious episodes) to be taken as needed. He told me not to give his Seroquel (he takes 50mg am and pm) and Lorazepam at the same time or he would be extremely drowsy. Is anyone else’s LO on both of these meds? How far after the Seroquel do you give the…
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Meet N Greet
Hello, We are Scotty and Rachel. Married for 41 years. Rachel has been diagnosed with Mild Dimentia. We are new to this community and look forward to interacting , supporting and sharing. Our journey started about 3 years ago. With trial and error we have been coping on our own. Now that we have a community, we know we are…
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Increased Saliva with Donepezil
Good morning! My DH was diagnosed last year with White Matter Small Vascular Disease and earlier this year was also confirmed with Alzheimer’s by blood test and Nuclear Pet Scan. He started the Donepezil in February. A lot of fatigue, a little nausea but manageable. However, it also seems like he has increased saliva…
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When do you decide to place your spouse in a Facility
My husband is only 61. The confusion started 3 years ago. In the last 7 weeks he has decided fast - no longer uses the restroom, does not eat, have to force him. Can stay up for 2 to 3 days with our much sleep (cat naps - 15 to 30 minutes), constantly pacing, has left the house in the middle of the night with no shoes,…
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New hospital visit
my DW just went into hospital with pneumonia. She is now back at home with in home hospital care. She had this once before two years ago. 24 oxygen and daily nurse visits. It is demanding for me but better here than going to hospital. Another part of this journey.
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The Long Goodbye
My beautiful, sweet husband passed away a little while ago. I was sleeping, and I don’t know how I will ever forgive myself for not being with him. I have to comfort myself knowing that he is free from this awful disease; the pain and confusion. He was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I know this world is a…
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Newly diagnosed DH
My DH 57 years old just diagnosed. It was a long taxing diagnostic process of tests as I’m sure most or some can relate. My DH exhibits a terrible loss of emotions/cold/distant-he becomes mean and harsh- curses. It’s been difficult to let go, but he seems happiest at least for him, when he is alone doing yard work/watching…
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Total Hip Replacement?
My DH is diagnosed with severe hip degeneration and is in need of a hip replacement. DH was always active, but now has little interest in anything but radio and tv and his phone. He started Leqembi 2 weeks ago and I am in a quandry of what to do… He has had steroid injection and intra articular with no relief. He is now…
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Dating while still married and caring for my wife
I've been taking care of my wife for the last six years, and moved her into a memory home three months ago. I'm ready to move on with my life and start dating. I met a woman, but she's concerned I'm still married. I know there are other people out there successfully dealing with this situation. And I've even seen articles…
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Therapy?
My DH is probably between stages 3 and 4. I am mourning the loss of my life partner, stressed by my new responsibilities, and dreading what comes next. My sister wants me to see a therapist, but I view this as another task to complete in an already-busy day. I would appreciate anyone willing to share their experiences,…
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Keep Putting Off MC Visits
Placed DW in MC four years ago, and it was the right decision. Moved her from a deteriorating for-profit facility to a public facility providing excellent care. She is happy in her circumstances - still aware enough to interact on a limited basis with others, feed herself with assistance, and so on. As her early-onset AD…
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Sleeping Patterns Changing
Hi All, I’m noticing my LO isn’t sleeping well at night and now sleeping most of the day. He has severe sleep apnea and we have tried every gadget to help him sleep but he can’t handle the mask at all. He wakes up all night because of dreams that he interacts to. I finally moved to another room so I can get sleep but I…