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My first post - coping as a young person in a family with a history of alzheimers

Hello, I am a 24 year old woman who helps to care for my grandmother who has alzheimers. I live about 3 hours from her, my mom and grandpa are her primary care givers. I make trips to visit about once a month. I have joined this forum in hopes of finding folks to talk to about my experience as a young person who has witnessed alzheimers from a very early age. My grandmother's mom (my great grandma) passed of the disease when I was 11. I helped care for her until the end. Now, I am taking care of my grandmother who I just helped move into a care facility where her mother passed about a decade prior. I can't help but feel like I am watching history repeat itself. I am an only child and my life has been consumed by the anxiety that one day my mom and I will meet the same fate. I am wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation in their family? Being so aware of this disease from such an early age has immensely impacted my life and caused many years of intense depression and anxiety. I know the fear will never go away but I am hoping chatting with folks who have gone through similar experiences may bring me some peace of mind. Thank you for taking the time to read :)

Comments

  • heather2help
    heather2help Member Posts: 1
    First Comment
    Member

    Hello, bless you and thank you for taking this on. One day at a time and deep breaths helps. Caring for others is a very selfless act and may you know that you are loved. Seeking out a local support group to share stories and ideas is also helpful. I find that having a bag of helpful, comforting things (heatable/freezable eye mask, hand lotions, nail polish, Calm magnesium gummies, healthful snacks, calming herbal teas, calming essential oils) are great for when you need something extra for the ones you're helping. Starting a gratitude journal is a good way to draw attention to good things big and small. Make time to care for yourself as well. If I were there I would help you. Blessings ❤️🤗 A book that has helped me beyond words is "Stronger than stress" by Barb Roose

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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