How to handle early onset

edolphs

My SIL was just diagnosed earlier this month with Early Onset Alzheimer's. How do you handle it when they are convinced that they aren't having any issues. I am helping her and my BIL. She gets angry if we contradict her. I had to sneak a note to her dr how things really are. She's only 51 and has 13 year old twins. She did start Aricept a couple of weeks ago. I feel lost at this even though my mom had Alzheimer's when she was in her 70s.

Iris L.

Welcome edolphs. Your SIL, along with the majority of PWDs, has anosognosia. This is a characteristic of dementia that keeps her from understanding that she has dementia. If you confront her with reality, she will become upset, as you have noticed. So don't mention dementia or Alzheimer's to her again. You will have to learn the work-arounds that the members use. There are articles and videos about anosognosia for you to read and look at.

Iris

mommyandme (m&m)

edolphs, first let me say I’m so so sorry for this turn of events in your LOs life. They are all so young, it’s heartbreaking and maddening. I’m sorry for the loss of your mom to this disgusting disease too. Anosognosia is likely her issue in the beliefs there’s nothing wrong, as Iris said. Trying to reason with a person suffering from dementia is futile and leads to frustration for all.

Im glad you made your way here even under these unfortunate circumstances.