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how do you say, "You have a form of dementia?"
Sometimes, in moments of clarity, after I've shown DW evidence of something that she's confused about, she'll say, "What's the matter with my brain? Why don't I know that?" Her medical record says she has Alzheimer's, but she says the people who evaluated her are a bunch of quacks, and she's pretty much in denial…
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When is it time to place someone who is in the late stages of EO Alzheimers?
I have a friend who is caring full time for her partner. He was diagnosed many years ago and she has been his sole caretaker (with the help of her children). He is nonverbal, has some anxiety, and needs round the clock care. I think the family feels guilt about placement which I completely understand. What kind of…
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Financial fears
My DH is in the earlier stages of this horrible disease. We have very good days and some not-so-good days but I know from reading all of your posts that this will get worse. I am completely committed to taking care of him until it is no longer possible. In order to do so, we have to sell our home (also a bed and breakfast)…
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New Here with a Wife With Dementia
My wonderful wife of 50 years has developed dementia and is in the early to intermediate stages of the disease. She has no short-term memory and is suffering from incontinence. She loves to walk, but cannot be more than a few feet from the house. Is anyone else dealing with this? She seems to be generally very happy,…
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Once more on driving
We all know that taking the keys is almost always one of the hardest things to do. We try to rationalize that letting them drive just in the neighborhood is the right thing to do. That way we don't take away their independence, and it keeps them less agitated. And we don't want the fight. But get this in your head. You are…
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When you think things can't get worse. . .
Like most mornings my DW is a mess and need to get her in the shower. It takes several minutes for the water to warm up on that side of the house so I start running the water in the faucets and tub while clean her first by hand. I guess it took longer for the preliminary clean up than usual and by the time I had her ready…
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How did you get through the diagnosis?
My partner has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he is 72 and I’m 64. Three years ago last August I lost my 91 year old mother to Alzheimer’s after a 6 year battle and I have no illusions about where this disease is going. I don’t have any friends or family that has lost their beloved this way, apart from my father,…
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Early onset dementia
Anyone else living with a spouse with early onset dementia with kids at home? DH has just been diagnosed, although this nightmare journey started over a year ago. We thought he was suffering from depression and so he's been in intensive outpatient treatment for major depressive disorder. We have three children, ranging…
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pending loss of our beloved dog and my DH forgets she is terminal
We received painful news yesterday that our beloved fur baby has an inoperable large mass involving a kidney and adrenal gland. She could have 2 months or much less. My DH was present to hear this and we discussed home euthanasia when the time in near. When I talked to DH today, he was shocked and terribly sad all over…
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sundowning, yes; moon-downing?
I'm aware of sundowning, and DW does exhibit that sometimes. Last night, though, she was further off-kilter than usual, and I note it's a new moon. Have there been studies of correlation between moon phases and delusions? In the past few days, DW seems to have entered a new level. She's started insisting that her husband…
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Any experience with olanzapine and gabapentin?
DH was discharged from hospital with these olanzapine/zyprexa and gabapentin replacing alprazolam and risperidone. He seems calmer, in some ways more lucid. Doesn’t smile as much tho. Delusions and paranoia are still there especially at end of day. And there are issues where anger and agitation are still quite problematic…
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It's time and I don't know where to start
I know it's time for memory care. I always thought it would be because I couldn't handle him physically any longer, but it's the emotional, mental issues that are becoming too much. Our PCP and several family members are telling me I can't go on this way. The physical danger is increasing, he doesn't recognize me as the…
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Dealing with nonstop silliness
My DH has moderate to severe dementia. A few days ago he started speaking fluently in gibberish and he has kept at it for several days. He uses very little normal language and spends his waking hours with nonsense words and rhyme. It was kind of humorous at first and now it has become somewhere between annoying and…
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Your loved one needs you
You have dinner to make. You have to straighten up the house. You have to pay bills. And so many other things. But your loved one just fell, and it will be about 1/2 hour before an ambulance gets here to help. I have a feeling you would stay with your loved one until the ambulance gets here. No matter what else you had to…
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A new perspective on my situation
I have been longing for a tomorrow where I have freedom to come and go, not have the constant pressure and fear, and I am not constantly thinking about when the next shoe will drop and if I will be able to deal with it. A book I just read offered several profound statements that were "ah ha" moments for me. Maybe these…
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New Here, sort of:)
This is my first time posting but have used this platform for information and sometimes guidance. I thought it was time I posted as well. My DH was formally diagnosed in 2021 but had been diagnosed with MCI in 2014. I think he is around stage 4. Unfortunately, as a result of the diagnosis in 2021 he had to retire earlier…
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Shelf life feelings
As I leave his facility it feels as if he is left and just sitting on a shelf. He is not orientated to time or place or recalling what just transpired. When addressed he speaks in proper British etiquette, a gift of early imprinted Victorian social grace bestowed upon him by his upper class English mother whom he dearly…
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WAY, WAY off topic
The epitome of low class (in my opinion). We recently lost a long time resident, and the funeral home handling the service is asking people who buy flowers or other things from their "store" to leave a tip (18% default). Let's face it. If you buy from a funeral home, you will pay much more than you would for the same thing…
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Stopped Aricept
So, last week my DH stopped taking his Aricept. He had been on it since July and it made such a difference for him. He got it in his head he wanted to stop it, he does not want to try anything else. So I am dreading the slide backward. With Aricept, the repetive questions stopped, his short term memory improved along with…
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Early onset
Hello, this is my second post. My DW has been dx with alzheimer's at the age of 53. Her mom died of this at 59. She is a candidate for Leqembi and we are waiting on insurance approval. I have DPA and going to have her make a Will and I will be getting healthcare PA soon. Does anyone have advice on what we can do with her…
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Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this
For some time now, I've been having trouble remembering a certain word that I use every so often. That word is "subjective". When I can't think of that word, it bothers me, and I might dwell on it for a day or a week before it finally pops in my head again. Sometimes when I can't think of it I might say "That's a matter of…
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New to group - Early Onset Alzheimer's
I'm new to this group, and am looking to connect with others that have a similar situation. I get the impression that most of the members are caring for someone in an advanced stage of the disease, and for that I am so sorry for what you are going through. Is there anyone that is dealing with a new diagnosis, and their…
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Has anyone shared with the local Police about pwd
I was wondering if anyone has shared information about there LO with their local police or 911 In case thier lo wandered off. I have been thinking about it and was looking for the feedback from this group. We are small town nothing is online. I talked with the sheriff without a lot of detail and he gave me the number of…
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My beautiful wife!
I know we don't share many photos but I wanted to share this of us about 15 years ago. One of my favorite pics of us. We were watching TV tonight and a song came on she was moving to the music and looked so happy and beautiful. These are the times that make placement so hard.
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An Old Question With Many Answers
When I took care of both my parents at home, I certainly did not always make the right decisions for them and for myself. I understand everyone here must find their own way and no one should criticize. I tried to do my best and certainly there are many here who are doing the same. I often write about and admire loving,…
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Organizing files, anyone?
I am working to revamp and organize our files...employment history, car title, birth/death/marriage certificates, house....etc. I'm wondering if someone might have a filing system they would share? Alphabetical? By Subject Matter? I think I get overwhelmed just looking at the stacks and old files! Suggestions welcomed!
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young onset
My 55 year old husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 11/2023. We have will be married 31 years this April with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Previous we had were separated for 2 years due to him checking out of life with everyone. We got back together last March 2023 for one last try. His behaviors were more bizarre,…
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Man, so much trouble getting a urine sample.
My DW most likely has a UTI and I've tried for weeks to get a good clean specimen for the lab. Each time something goes wrong. I place a bucket in the toilet bowl to catch a sample because there's no way to get the urine cup between her legs as she sits so closed legged and freaks out when I try. She never puts the TP in…
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For the eagle watchers
I know some of you like to view the bald eagle couple in Big Bear via camera. Ms Jackie and Mr Shadow now are nesting two eggs. The gestation period is about 38 days. I don't have a link but the camera can be found on YouTube. Iris
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Cocked the hammer on placement. . .
but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I am putting a 2800.00 deposit to hold a small private room for my DW but I have 30 days to change my mind and get a complet refund of the deposit. Move in date is Feb 1, 5800.00 per for higest level of care. Seems like good place with staff that know what they are doing. There goes our…