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Hearing Aid Guidelines - for reference
A very long time ago, while we were Peer Volunteers, Jo C suggested I write a standing post for reference about hearing loss and hearing aids for the person with dementia. Untreated hearing loss is a known contributor to cognitive, social, and medical declines. It contributes to social withdrawal, increases fall risk, and…
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Hygiene, Meds, Diet
DW diagnosed with MCI 7 years ago. Initial vehement denial, everyone out to get her into a home. Neurologist prescribed Donepezil to start. Very shortly she refused to take any med. As condition worsened, tried to add memantine with no luck. After first 2 1/2 years of her believing everyone "knew" about her diagnosis (not…
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When did you give up on doing errands with your LO?
Hello, fellow travelers. I am wondering about something I have been thinking about for a while, and it’s this: At what point in your LO’s disease progression did you stop taking him places with you? DH was diagnosed with mild dementia 6/21. Three years later, we seem to be sliding into stage 6. I have continued to take him…
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My sister is revising all my parents plans - I just can't deal with it
I moved both parents to an ALF three months ago. They both have gone downhill rather quickly. Mom has stage 5-6 dementia. Dad has COPD and was recently diagnosed with CHF. Both are double incontinent. Dad is showing signs of dementia too. Their living conditions are challenging. Ten years ago, they did their Wills, DPOA…
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Hearing Aid Guidelines posted under Caregivers
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Perfect circle, epic fail
My husband had his welcome to Medicare visit today. When it came time for the clock test, he drew a perfect circle, then nothing. Just a blank look when we reminded him he was supposed to put the numbers on the clock. He had no idea what to do. Pretty good description of life at our house. He can complete some tasks just…
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I live two different lives, depending on time of day.
The first half of my day is almost always good. The second half of my day is almost always bad. Today I got a lot of things done, more than usual, but tonight I pay for it. My brain is tired, and I am extremely agitated. And this is the way it goes everyday. I know it is called sundowning. It's hard to talk, it's hard to…
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New diagnosis
Looking for some bedroom gymnastics with curvy delights or pencil thin babes? We'll sort you out. They're all here strutting their stuff in lehenga, sarees stripping down to nothing as they get drilled real good by eager studs who can't wait to spice things up. Get front row seats to sweaty, moaning romps that hit all the…
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Losing my mom...
Hello. I'm 100% new around these parts, but I was encouraged by the counselor I spoke with at the Alzheimer's Association to post my story here in search of those with shared experiences. I (53) live in Texas with my wife, and my mom (83) lives in Miami, FL. Since moving to Texas in late 2012, I've traveled back to Miami…
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Brown Bottom
My BF 45yo EOA has stopped wiping his butt after #2. Which leave marks in his boxers. He says he doesn't know how it gets there. Any suggestions??? We are all in this together 💜
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an awful lot of tears here
Hello dear community, So, um, I am thinking that the amount of tears I am processing through might be considered excessive by others. I am in a support group and in counseling and I have medicines on board as support. Some folks pointed out to me that I clearly need to talk this out a whole lot more than most people have…
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Progression with acknowledging and remembering
Hello everyone, I have noticed a progression with my father’s memory loss. It seems to be getting much worse in the last 3 weeks. He can’t remember to much from one instance to the next. For example he will go to set his keys down and next thing you know he does t know what he did with them and now can’t find them. He…
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What to do with Dad
My parents (Mom is 85, Dad is 82) moved into an independent living apartment (after living in their home for about 53 years) about a year ago after Mom's mixed dementia became too much for Dad to handle. Mom had a stroke 5 years ago and Dad has relied on me to do all appointments, medical decisions, etc). I help as much as…
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Not a good day, steeling myself
My partner hasn't had a bath in a week and she is only eating if I'm there to feed her. She was very combative about a bath yesterday and wouldn't even let me help her get clean clothes on, so i left her standing half naked in her bathroom. I did tell one of the aides what a state she was in. I think I need to let both of…
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Caring for a healthy Spouse
My wife has Alzheimer's, 84 years old with a history of ALZ for 5-6 years. Her memory and cognitive skills are almost gone. She is totally dependent on me for daily living. She takes care of her personal needs. Otherwise she is very healthy. Can handle many tasks given close supervision. Even mows the lawn. She thinks she…
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My DH wants my undivided attention
Please give me your advice here. My DH wants my undivided attention. He can be doing nothing, but if I get on the phone to talk to a friend he always seems to “need” my help. And many times he says that me being on the phone is just when he thought we were spending time together. The truth is we are retired and spend most…
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Sundowning
Hello ! I am new here just looking for advice. My mom is 53 years old and in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She starts sundowning around the time I get home from work and I’m looking for tips and advice on how to deal with it. Im so tired after work and I just want to relax so I get frustrated. She is on meds for…
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Relatively strong appetite in late stage 7?
My mom is in MC and on hospice in what I would say is late stage 7: in a wheelchair, no communication, no facial expression, rigid limbs, super skinny (her hands look skeletal—there is no other word), little or no vision in her left eye, semi-sleeping most of the time, etc. She is in her early 70s, diagnosed with EOAD more…
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Scratching, Scratching and more Scratching
It never quits. She has scared herself and I just keep plugging the leaks. I have tried EVERYTHING. Dermatologist said it was a part of the disease. Googled it and yes there are a lot of Alz patients that do this. I have tried lotions, oils, pills, changed washing detergent to hypoallergenic, don't bathe by 3 times a week,…
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Sundowning
Hello ! I am new here just looking for advice. My mom is 53 years old and in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She starts sundowning around the time I get home from work and I’m looking for tips and advice on how to deal with it. Im so tired after work and I just want to relax so I get frustrated. She is on meds for…
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Support
Hello, I am the youngest of my mother’s 3 daughters. I am taking it the hardest but I am able to be there for her on the weekends, as I work full time. I need some opinions. I feel depressed and sad because she doesn’t want to hang out with me sometimes when I have my daughter. She is 7 years old. They say that my mother’s…
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Suggestions please
my g.m. In law is the one I am helping to take care of. She is 75 and getting more age spots. She believes she is being abused when she sees them and thinks they are bruises. Any suggestions on how to deal with false abuse claims?
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Hospice during hurricane
We just had a hurricane hit. Over 2 million people were without power. I'm impressed that the hospice chaplain, CNA and RN all called to check on my parents. They said to feel free to call the hospice agency if they need assistance. I thanked them for being so thoughtful. My parents have low battery on their phone and my…
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Memantine
My DW's neurologist increased her donepizil dosage from 5mg to 10 mg and she was experiencing nausea. We reduced the dosage back to 5mg and the nausea stopped. The neurologist has now prescribed 5mg memantine twice a day to supplement the 5mg donepizil. Do any of you have experience with memantine and possible side effects?
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Just need a hug today
My DH is in Memory Care since January. I have been going thru chemo & had surgery 4/25. I'm just now getting where I can drive & go visit him on my own. They had to medicate him due to agitation & aggression. The last 3x I visited him he slept except to wake up to eat, then went right back to sleep. The doctor is gradually…
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All necessary input relative to the initial discussion about my Aunt received. None further needed.
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Seeing things
My wife has been seeing things for a few weeks now. Sometimes she knows they aren't real, and other times she insists they are. It's sometimes hard to know which it is sometimes, and I sometimes say the wrong thing. Any suggestions or comments?
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Dad with dementia, COPD, CHF now in renal failure-wants no treatment
I moved both parents to an ALF three months ago. Both with AD. Dad has COPD and had been hospitalized to treat new onset CHF three months ago. When he was released from the hospital we moved him straight into an ALF with my mom. The ALF called last night saying dad now shows signs of beginning stages of renal failure. They…
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Needing to Vent
I'm having a really rough go of it. Mom with MD has gotten SIGNIFICANTLY worse in the last week. No infections, UTI, nothing on the "surface" level to have caused it. I called 911 last week so they could check her out when she refused to get into my car to go to the ER or UC. She's also sundowning pretty regularly now.…
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Automatic Stove Shut Off Device
Hi all, My DH left the gas grill on all night, luckily, with no damage. I’ve ordered an auto shut off timer for it. While I’m at it, I’d like to get one for our electric range as well. I’m seeing a CookStop advertised, that looks like what we need, but I can’t actually find it available anywhere. I also see an Iguard…