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Dad is newly diagnosed

Neej75
Neej75 Member Posts: 1 Member
in Caring for a Parent

My dad has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia. I’m all to familiar with this disease, my grandmother, several aunts and uncles, and my cousin have had it. Some starting with early onset. I have been so emotional and had such anxiety since hearing the actual diagnosis about my dad. I know how this disease works, what the progression looks like, and how it takes away the person you love. I am devastated to think my dad will be withering away. I am having a hard time coping. Any tips?

Comments

  • SusanB-dil
    SusanB-dil Member Posts: 962
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments 250 Likes 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Hi Neej75 - welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason.

    Maybe you could find a support group near you? Sometimes a local hospital holds meetings for caregivers. You can check hospital websites, or your area's resources for aging. Some here have utilized therapy.

    You can come here and vent, too. We understand. (all too well, unfortunately) MIL also has vasc and alz.

    So sorry about dad's diagnosis. ((hugs))

  • JulietteBee
    JulietteBee Member Posts: 620
    250 Likes 250 Care Reactions 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member
    edited August 7

    @Neej75, welcome to the group no one wishes to to join.

    As far as coping, I would suggest joining a local support group. My library system is amazing. They list what they have going on each month. I just found out they offer an in-person and an online support group.

    You did not say if you are dad's inhome caretaker. If you are, please find someone who can afford you weekly respite.

    I moved my mom in with me 2 months ago and I just started getting help; 2 days per week for 4 hour shifts. Yesterday was ber first day and it was already my best day.

    All the best! Yes, the disease is awful, its effects are diabolical. The only good thing is that you do not have to go through it alone. You have found your village, here. Check in when able, update when possible, and vent at any time.🫂

  • April23
    April23 Member Posts: 211
    100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes
    Member
    edited August 7

    I found a local in-person as well as a virtual support group on this site. I read two books: The 36-Hour Day and Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey and found both very helpful. I also watch webinars periodically as for me, learning about the type of dementia my dad has (LBD) has helped me cope. And of course, this forum has been a tremendous help as well as the LBD group I’m in. It has been a rough 3 years and I’m still sad but it’s much more tolerable now. I also plan to seek counseling once he passes as I know I have repressed grief that I’ll need to deal with.

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
Read more

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