Social support?

Bonnie McCay Merritt

I just had confirmation of my suspicion and fear that I have an early stage of AD, and like so many others I decided to look for a support group, online or in person. I don't want to go through this alone as the symptoms evolve. At the age of 84, I am caregiver for both a life partner and a daughter with dementia; however, I have no one currently able to be MY caregiver when I need one. Hence the need to reach out. I browsed the comments from the last few months and found some very helpful notes, especially about experience with prescribed drugs. But nothing about getting social support from people in a similar situation. Ideas?

jaycey

I'm also struggling to find a support group. I'm in my mid-60s, am not married, have no children, and live alone. I was diagnosed one year ago with a rare form of AD that begins with neuro-visuel issues and will ultimately progress to the usual cognitive issues of Alzheimer's. I'm still at the neuro-visual stage, with nevertheless some word-finding and memory issues, and I feel tremendously alone. My friends don't really want to hear about this, and I don't want to burden them if they are not showing the desire to hear the gory details.

There seem to be tons of different kinds of support for the caregivers. And yet, it's particularly important for those of us who don't have caregivers, for wharever reason.

GEH

Hi Jaycey,

It sounds like we might be kindred spirits. I just turned 68, been struggling with cognitive issues not married, no blood relatives, no children etc. live by myself and no caretaker. I do have a small but loving circle of friends who are my family but they have lives, children etc. I too still struggle with isolation and lack of support for the person with Alzheimer's or other neurocognitive issues just because I don't have a caregiver. I haven't quite figured out why that is. I drive, go to Dr. appointments alone, pay my bills, totally self sufficient and a burden to no one except my cat 😆 For example, in my area there are Memory Cafes, I think where peeps with cognitive issues can meet and socialize, share coping skills etal I guess. I don't really know what goes on there because I cannot come without a Caretaker. Very annoying. I apologize for not having an answer for you. This group you found is pretty supportive, helpful, and may provide some solace.

lfaust58

Watson1

support i am a 2 year plus alzy, am part of 2 zoom groups with other alzys plus once a month local alzy group get together with care partners as well. its very important to reach out to this kind of support because those of us in the alzy boat need to get together with others that understand us no matter the stage. its totally heart warming the kind of honesty and compassion that we share in our alzy journey with others…….

GEH

Watson1 ... "i am a 2 year plus alzy, am part of 2 zoom groups with other alzys plus once a month local alzy" 😂😂😂😂 absolutely hilarious "alzy" !!!!! Love it!!!! ♥️♥️♥️ We your permission I would like to adopt your "name tag" also please. Thanks for the laughter. .. we all need more of that. 🥰 GE

Dorse

Would you share any groups or support that I may not be familiar with? I was diagnosed with Alz 3 mo. ago.

Thank you

Dorse

Michele P

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74272/social-support

Reach out to the number on this website for the Alzheimer’s Association. They should be able to recommend a group in your area.

Dorse

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255226#Comment_255226

Dorse

Watson 1

How are you doing 2 yrs. after diagnosis?? I was diagnosed 3 months ago. Of course, I'm concerned / insecure about the future. I try to just focus on the present, but it's difficult after an Alz. diagnosis. I am 80, and have, just today, decided against having the infusions. What do you think about the infusions?