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49 Early Onset
I was finally diagnosed March 16th after 3 years of trying to get help thinking I was going crazy. I’m really angry that a neurologist dismissed me years ago claiming I was flunking the cognitive tests on purpose for attention. Fast forward and now I’m moderately effective with this nasty disease. So many emotions
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Blood pressure dropping?
DH has had blood pressure readings that have continuously dropped over several weeks. He was having a variety of readings in past years…. from 120/70 to an occasional 155/60… he is late stage 6 and lots of decline. Hospice has been involved for for two months, and the nurse has noted a steady drop ….2 weeks ago was 120/?…
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Ambiguous loss
I haven't been here in a long time, hi to all of you who remember me. Quick background - DH showed signs of dementia somewhere around 18 years ago, before age 45. He's now 62. 4 years ago he moved into memory care, but by that time he was barely walking, didn't know anyone, couldn't eat with utensils, and was peeing…
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Holiday decorations
I see a lot of families decorating their loved ones door or room with holiday decorations. Do people with mild to moderate dementia generally appreciate this similar to how basically any child is going to enjoy decorations for any occasions. Or are decorations appreciated or not appreciated more on an individual basis?
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First week in memory care
I was persuaded to send my DH with mixed dementia to memory care. He is very hard to care for and fights anyone who tries to help him. It often takes two people to change him because he won't cooperate. I miss him. I don't miss the work. I have no idea what is next for me. I have literally spent the last three years…
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Trouble with letting go of desire for control
For a year my brother dealt with stomach cancer. There were signs that my mom's memory was failing, but it didn't seem too bad. With all the attention on my brother, we put a blind eye on those issues. When he died, we couldn't be blind any more. We could handle taking over paying her bills, managing her doctor's…
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Books about Alzheimer's Disease
I want to start a thread for books regarding Alzheimer's Disease and caregiving. I invite anyone with a pertinent book about Alzheimer's Disease or the other dementias to post. If someone has the link for Understanding the Dementia Experience, please post it here, so new members can readily find it. The first book I want…
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Placed mom in AL home last week
This will probably be a long drawn out vent. Back in December 2024 my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. My sisters and I tried to do everything we could for that following year to keep her in her house my mother has begged me and my husband for the last 15 years or more to never never never take…
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Sleeping more
Just a quick question my DH 78 years old VD 6 or 7 non verbal with Aphasia is sleeping more and more particularly during the day is this a sign of further decline. He is only on high blood pressure medication. What are the signs he is reliant on me 24/7.
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Affairs, Divorce, and Dodging a Bullet
Very long post alert. I only come to you all because even if your situation isn’t like mine, I know I will get wise (and hopefully not too brutal) counsel from the other travelers on this journey. I am 64, still working - now 2 jobs. My DH is 63 yo and is: ◦ not diagnosed with dementia ◦ Has multiple health issues…
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Brain Honey
Just watched a video by Bill Gates extolling the benefits of a product called Brain Honey. He claimed it could reverse the effects of dementia in even stage 7 victims. At the end, he was selling a 6 month supply for about $300.00. I see it's on Amazon for under $90.00 for a 5 month supply. Has anyone tried this??? I know,…
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EOAD WHO SMOKES
My LO is 65 who was just diagnosed this past year. He has CAD/PAD/PACEMAKER/DM2. So basically, a mess physically before even being diagnosed with ALZ. He just started smoking a year ago on a daily basis. Before that it was basically just a pack a month. Now his VASC doctor is really pushing for him to stop smoking. I…
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Send me good luck!
I'm transferring my parents to another memory care across the country this so I can monitor her care closer. I'm nervous about all the logistics and praying the airport isn't a disaster zone. And of course we have the actual drop off which I'm praying is ok. And then there is the weight of being solely responsible for a…
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I Feel I’m loosing my mind…
My aunt has dementia I care for her she has no kids. My mother just got diagnosed on top f this last week ( she’s in denial) I’m the only daughter I care for her as well . My husband is terminal ( multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia) I need advice , tips… ideas I’m in a whirlwind I can’t loose control I’ve…
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Hospitalization
My mom (87YO) in MC tried to escape yesterday. She was severely agitated and combative with the staff (pushing the doctor and squaring up against nurses and people trying to help her). My sister and I were called to see if we could come by to try to de-escalate the situation. Long story short…we couldn't (In fact I think…
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My DH is in early stages and I live far from family
My DH is 67 diagnosis MCI due to Alzheimer's. From the scale provided by someone on this site I would say he is stage 3. I live in South Carolina and my kids as well as his brother all live in upstate NY. My daughter a NP wants me to move back. I'm not totally against the idea but am not sure when would be the right time.…
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Dementia needs
My DH was diagnosed 9 yrs ago with early onset dementia and just recently with Parkinson. I've made the following purchases which have made both our lives better. A small,lightweight wheelchair from Amazon, adult bibs, washable mattress pads, a bedrail, satin sheets and silk pajamas to help him slide in and out of bed. I…
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Interested to know what Elder Law Attorney provides
My 69 yr old DH (I am 69 as well) was diagnosed last fall with ALZ. Guessing he’s in stage 3 with some stage 4 like unable to take care of finances, which in our marriage has always been my domain. Six or so yrs ago, we completed our wills, durable powers of attorney, a revocable living trust, etc. I am still his person…
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My Bestie
My best friend has developed delusions and very confused/rambling speech. No stroke or neurological issues. Her mom had Alzheimers. I'm at a loss as to how to support her through this journey. Her husband, who has dementia says she is "just fine". Any wisdom out there for an outsider?
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Bank Doesn't Recognize POA
Hi, What to do when credit union won't allow me to use the POA? I haven't contacted the atty who drafted it yet, full, durable $$ and medical/general POAs. So far my PWD can still come with me or talk to reps on phone but that could change anytime. USA SSA won't accept either- wondering what other agencies don't and how…
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VRBO VS Hotel
I know our traveling days are winding down but DH wants to go see his father in Florida. All his family live in Florida. I think it will be ok because we have family all around. The only change is his father is now in assisted living so we can no longer stay in his house when visiting. DH was very familiar with the house.…
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how to tell others of my diagnosis
I was diagnosed with mild Alzheimers last month. I told my immediate family members (none of them were surprised). They are incredibly supportive. But I feel like I'm in a pressure cooker. I want to tell others and did tell two lifelong friends. Their responses were not helpful—one said tough diagnosis. She clearly didn't…
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Taking away beloved pets
My mom, with mid-stage alz, is currently in an Assisted Living Facility. We placed her there because she is extremely attached to her 2 dogs, and pets aren't allowed in memory care. We were trying to ease the transition so we chose AL. We have been here a week and it is painfully obvious she won't be able to function in…
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Newly Diagnosed Physician
I am a 60 yo newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I am a retired Family Physician who noticed issues approximately 18 months ago and was diagnosed with MCI. I stopped practicing medicine and was given disability benefits. I am fortunate to have had that option but despite all my expertise the process of getting a definitive…
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Information on Alzheimer’s drug therapies
https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/fda-approved-alzheimers-therapies/?lb=off&utm_campaign=fy26_adr_2603_stewardship_ea3&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_nkdjBJkPvm4VWCnPwnGjONHFAekf_gU1RC8UsDiBDIWDn_G4y-QM7fD0lpzB1nHZPoC3QwY5H1IBL1aQ5G3R3pyUYljmyARdkFx47haZTfFbvhw&_hsmi=411116446&utm_content=donor&utm_source=engagementTh…
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Working Through This New Diagnosis
I am now 57 and was diagnosed officially earlier this year. The doctors had an idea a few years ago, but after suffering the first Covid in 2020, they were unable to tell what cognitive impairment from the virus compared to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. I had a 3-hour cognitive eval, the doctors agreed to wait to…
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Sleeping 12 hours a night
DH was diagnosed two years ago, but has likely been impacted for 6 years. He was quite accomplished, so he was able to “cover” for many of symptoms as he declined. While ALZ runs in his family (grandfather, father, aunt, uncle, but not his brothers - yet) DH was able to make it to age 60+ without symptoms. For most of our…
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Lip-smacking, teeth-chomping turned out to be seizures
I want to share something I’ve recently learned that might help others… Seizures are much more common in PWD than many of us realize, and they often don’t look like the typical “convulsive” seizures we think of or see in the movies. They can be very subtle—things like brief confusion, staring spells, or small repetitive…
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Asking for car incessantly!!!
DH has been asking for his car every day multiple times a day non stop and it’s driving me crazy! We told him it’s being fixed .. he doesn’t believe us, I change the subject works for a bit then ask again. Continues to call our 3 children and lately the grandchildren asking for his car! It’s been almost a year! Help how do…
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Financial Ruin
My mom has Alzheimer's and is in memory care, and we are running out of money. At the same time, my dad is quickly declining with dementia. They do not qualify for Medicaid. What does a person do when they can't afford care and nothing is available?