Uhm...my mother has Alzheimer's

[ms71069]

My mom is in late stage Alz at the age of 70, was diagnosed at the age of 57 which is considered early onset. It's been a long journey, has changed my relationship with close family members, some for the better and some for the worst, and has brought every emotion imaginable.

My advice is to read everything you can...there's a wealth of information available on Alz. Even support groups can be a wonderful asset, just to talk to others going through the same thing as you and knowing you're not alone.

Many hugs to you!!! I wish you and your mom all the best!

 

[RunninTeach]

My heart goes out to all of you who have dealt with your loved ones having such a painful disease.

(((HUGS))) to Govtgirl.

 

[lorrayne]

As you can see, you're not alone. My Mom also has Alzheimer's. She was diagnosed a few years ago and still is doing well. I suggest you keep her mind as active as possible. My mom has been using "Brain Age" each day. It is a handheld game by Nintendo that was developed specifically for Alzheimer's/Dimentia patients to help build the mind. I would suggest looking for this. She also plays Suduko daily.

HUGS to you. I know what you're going through. Spend as much time as you can with her.
Lorrayne

 

[Govtgirl]

Thanks everybody, I really appreciate all the kind words and advice. My mother had been in assisted living in Delaware after a series of small strokes a few years ago, but she got better and moved into a senior independent living apartment near me in Virginia. I have been online looking to have her go back to a senior living facility within 6 months. We have to save some more $$ for the move-in fee, and ease her back into the idea. She loved assisted living before, so it's not that, but I don't want her to suddenly start asking "why"? I'm going to start doing the "gee, wouldn't it be nice not to have to cook dinner or do laundry?" type of thing. That will definatey appeal to her,

I wish she would keep her brain active and do stuff, but she never has been that way. She has never exercised a day in her life, and ever since I can remember would prefer to sit and watch mindless TV rather than do anything else. She's not about to change.

We have a follow-up appt with the Doc in a month, so I'll snag some time with him to get more info. Thanks again, and ((hugs)) back to you all facing the same thing!

 

[cockateils]

mom with alz

My mom was diagnosed in 2004 with alzheimer's. She lives with my brothers rotating a month at a time. Their wives do not work so they alternate taking care of her. She doesn't know much now but is very docile and sweet and obedient (previously before her mini strokes she was vindictive, mean, combative - since the mini strokes she has made a turnaround). The house she has lived in for fifty years is strange to her and she doesn't know where anything is, including the bathroom. She still goes out with us to eat and can still go to the bathroom with some help. She knows my name but doesn't know I am her daughter. She thinks I am her mother - she gets confused - she also thinks her sons are her husband. She doesn't remember my dad who died last year at 91. I worry about the future, as I am her POA and pay her bills from her accounts. Eventually she will need to go into either assisted living or nursing home, dependiing how long my sisters-in-law can care for her. We put her house in a life estate and go weekly maintaining it right now. The whole situation is a strain on us but right now my brothers do not want her in a home. She is so cute, tiny, sweet and not hard to manage right now. I worry about getting her on medicaid as I heard it is a nightmare and all her money has to be gone. Very scary. And she says she is happy, never sad. So that's a good thing. I miss my dad, who worried so much about her. maryann