Living with Early Onset

Mcinque5

 Hello community,

 My father has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. As you all may relate to, times get rough. I live with my father and 2 other family members with a brother who has recently moved out. At the age of 23, I have a lot going on - with a full time job and hobbies. I love my father and would do anything for him and my family. I am looking to connect with other families who are or who have been through a similar situation for as you may imagine, times have been very confusing and sad for myself. Thank you.

Regards,

Matt

jmorones

HI Matt, My father just got diagnosed as well. Like you, i'm in shock, fearful, mad, all sorts of emotions going on. I live in CA, and he's in FL all alone. I get sick of people telling me..."everythings going to be ok", cause its not! There's alot that needs to happen very soon, and it's stressful... 

Jo C.

 Hello Matt and a very warm welcome to you.  I am sorry to hear what is happening with your dear father; he is blessed to have such a caring and loving son and can imagine the heartache and changes this is causing.  It will also be important to find ways for you to continue to have your life and move forward with that too.  It takes awhile to get up to speed and get things set into place.

The Alzheimer's Assn. has a 24 Hour 365 day a year Helpline at (800) 272-3900.  If you call, ask to be transferred to a Care Consultant.  There are no fees for this service. Consultants are highly educated Social Workers who specialize in dementia and family dynamics.  They are of much support for family and those helping with care; .they listen to us and it is a good place to bring our concerns, our emotions and even to vent.   They have much information and can often assist us with our problem solving.

I wonder if your father has applied for the compassionate fast track disability that is available to people with Young Onset Dementia through the Social Security Administration.  Not everyone knows that exists.  If he has not already done so, it would be good to get him to an Elder Law Attorney to get all his legal papers in order; this will save much disruption in the future. Elder Law is the specialty best suited to your father's situation despite his age.

We are permiitted to post on any and all Forums, so do take advantage of that if you wish.  The Spousal/Partner forum is also well attended and if you read there, there is a lot of information.  Some of the Members there are dealing with Young Onset.

I send you best wishes and am glad you have found us; you have found a good place to land and get much input from others, it can be so helpful as time moves forward.

J.

French

Hi Matt, 

Sorry for your father and you.

My partner is 51 years old and diagnosed 2 years ago. One of his sons, who lives in the same city, is the same age as you but very rarely comes . I care for his father while still working. The few times I asked for help (minor tasks) he answered ok but didn’t came. 

I tried to explain that his father is loosing a precious time and that he would like to spend this time with his son... I had a little more success.

Your father has chance to have such a son. 

We can understand that you need to keep time for you, and one challenge will be to keep this time for you  (is also a challenge for me at almost 50), it is important for your balance. Don’t feel guilty of that.

People here will support yo, answer your question, suggest tips...il helps me a lot.

abc123

Dear Matt, I’m sorry you have to be here. I’d like to suggest you read as much as possible about this disease. Knowledge is power.

christinatiberi

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/57129/living-with-early-onset

hi, I realize your post is quite old but I just wanted to send some love. I’m 35 and my dad with early onset Alzheimer’s dementia is 66. I really feel for you, being that you and your dad are both so young. One of the most frustrating parts of all of this for me is just that- the age. I often feel both isolated and bitter when I talk to other people about Alzheimer’s because usually it’s someone’s parent or spouse who is in their late 70s-80s or even 90s. As a younger person caring for my younger dad it just feels awful. But… I try to be as hopeful as possible. Hang in there! We will get through it somehow. Life never ceases to surprise, for both good and bad causes. But we’re here, so that’s something. I really hope you are finding some support and peace through all of this.
Christina