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Dementia

My father that is almost 70 has recently been diagnosed with mild dementia which was shocking for me because a year ago he was diagnosed with psychosis so I assumed his case has developed to schizophrenia but turns out I was wrong. He refuses treatment and therapy in every way. I try my hardest to support him with my sister but I also have a disabled mother that I have to take care of and I have been for 10 years now and am only 23. I feel so overwhelmed and he’s been like this for almost 2 years now. He makes his life and ours miserable everything to him is a problem and everyone is bad and he doesn’t do any of his daily tasks and refuses to take showers eat drink and he thinks were poisoning him and want to kill both him and my mom which is so overwhelming. My father was such an educated and cultured man and I hate how he became and I know he can’t help it but accepting his faith and literally waiting for his death every day and saying we will all die today is such a terrible feeling to have every single day with no rest. He won’t go out he won’t even go to the balcony because he thinks people are watching us and filming us and i don’t know how to help him when he doesn’t want to help himself. The two times that he got checked were at home and it was very expensive and he still doubted both psychiatrists and I really can not take it anymore and I can’t stop myself from being frustrated or angry cause I want my father back. My backbone. It’s so weakening to see him like this that I get angry at him and I try to convince him but he runs off to his room. I don’t know what to do. Can someone help me please.

Comments

  • Watson1
    Watson1 Member Posts: 45
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Insightfuls Reactions 5 Care Reactions
    Member

    Meme I am70 an have alzheimers i go to a good memory clinic that puttee reality front and center and this is what we are going together to adjust to your new reality. at 23 you shouldn't have to deal with your fathers sever issues. he may need a medical stay until he becomes a believer. meds doctors what ever you shouldn't have to deal with his bull crap. find some services to help. sending extra support vibes, unlimited usage….

  • Lchen
    Lchen Member Posts: 1
    First Comment
    Member

    I went through a lot of similar situations as you. I hope you already have completed your POA and Healthcare directive forms for your dad. According to my mom's neurologist, some medicines like Ativan and Gabapentin are not suitable for dementia patients. My mom took Olanzapine(for psychosis)and donepezil (for dementia). My mom's behavior was gotten a lot worst, so we took her off of these two medications. Now her behavior is a lot better. She is able to enjoy herself and she is a lot calmer. My mom is taking Magnesium L-Threonate to help her sleep. She is also taking probiotics, B1, D3 +K2, and multivitamins. In my situation, I have learned not to argue with her and also be very patient and calm with her. I don't ask my mom which doctor she wants to see anymore, I just make the appointments and take her there. You are so young, and I am sorry that you are having so much on your shoulders. Since your dad is in his early stages, there are two new drugs called Leqembi and Kisunla that might help your dad to get better. Maybe you can try to take your dad to see a dementia specialist to find more information on different drugs for dementia when he is calmer. I hope everything will get better for you soon.

  • easy23
    easy23 Member Posts: 317
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Likes 100 Care Reactions 100 Comments
    Member

    To me, it does sound like he has psychosis. Maybe you can find a psychiatrist that does telehealth appointments and you can discuss putting him on an antipsychotic.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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