New diagnosis(4)

AJ333

My relative was recently diagnosed with early stage dementia. Can take care of herself but mixes up words. I am the only relative helping her. How many years does early stage last? Does aricept help? Are that alot of side effects?

Quilting brings calm

Try reading this.  

https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/aboutdementia/facts/stages/

star26

My understanding of Aricept is that some people notice modest improvement, many people notice no change, and some people have to stop the drug due to side effects. My Dad discontinued early on due to side effects. I don't think Aricept is a game changer, but it probably can't hurt to try in case your relative might be one to benefit from it.

Arrowhead

My wife was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago, probably in stage 3. She is now in stage 5. The progress of this disease varies from person to person and over time. At times, it may appear that she is doing better, but it doesn't last. Moments of clarity will happen from time to time, but they will not last long either. While she is still competent, get all of her legal work done. Power of Attorney, Will, HIPPA, and Medical Directive. Brace yourself, you're in for a bumpy ride.

VickieB

My husband was recently diagnosed with dementia.  He can take care of his personal needs but forgets where things are.  My daughter is expecting twins in March and I plan on traveling there to help for two weeks.  Any suggestions on how I can safely leave my husband home during that time? It isn't possible for him to travel with me because he fears COVID.

M1

Welcome vicki and AJ both. Vicki, you are good to help your relative. No one really knows how long the stages last, it varies. Typically early onset (before age 65) progresses faster than later onset. Aricept helps modestly if tolerated but there are many who don't.

An, you will probably need to hire someone to stay with your husband or put him in a respite facility while you're gone. Not too early to start planning for sure and hopefully that can include vaccinations. Congratulations on those twins! 

M1

oops I crossed y'all up, sorry!  vice versa...

AJ333

Thanks for the info everyone. It was helpful.

Iris L.

Welcome AJ.  Now is the time for you and your relative to make plans.  She can try the dementia medications, they may or may not help her functioning.  She can also involve herself in Best Practices to prolong the early stages.  (Nutritious diet, exercise, cognitive stimulation, socialization, avoid stress.)

You both need to think about where she will live as things progress.  Will she move in with you?  If not, begin to think about facilities, from assisted living to memory care.  Read a lot of posts which will tell you the difference.

Work on getting a handle on finances.  PWDs (persons with dementia) have trouble handling their own finances.  There are a lot of good posts about current finances, also about planning for future high costs and qualifying for Medicaid if necessary.

Will you be POA?  

If your relative wants to, she can post on the YOAD board or the I Have Alzheimer's board.  Both are slow, but I am here every day.  

Iris L.

AJ333

Thanks Iris L. Relative is on a diet.Just finished physical therapy sessions and is looking for other exercise that insurance will pay for... thanks for the info.

AJ333

My relative that I was helping is now living with me. She can take herself, bath, heat up food in microwave...check blood sugar etc., but doesn''t remember things like, if she talked on the phone this morning, she gets mixed up which relative she talked to. I made some rice pilaf for dinner, and when I told her the name of the dish, she didn''t remember what it was. After I showed it to her she remembered. Also, she couldn''t remember if her birthday was yesterday or today. Should she be looking for an assisted living facility at this point, or some other help to assist her memory like a senior day program? I''m just not familiar with early onset dementia and not sure what else I can do to help. Doctor doesn''t give much advice.

Iris L.

AJ333 wrote:

. Should she be looking for an assisted living facility at this point, or some other help to assist her memory like a senior day program? 

Doctors usually don't give much help in day-to-day life or future planning.  Also, your relative may not be cognitively able to choose her living situation or to format a care plan for her future.  Has she assigned POA to you or anyone?  Had she told you of her wishes previously?

The best way to learn what to do is to make use of all the learning material.  Read lots of threads.  Read alz.org.  Read about the stages and Understanding the Dementia Experience.   Post lots of questions.  When you post, be specific about your and her situations and you will get more targeted suggestions.  

Iris

AJ333

Thanks so much for the information.