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• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

• January 22, 2009 4:19 p.m.

  I understand where you are coming from Del L. My mother in law would go back in time too and not understand why she could not call her husband, who passed in 93, and have him take her home. This is a natural part of this disease. Also is she getting more aggressive after the sun goes down? My beloved mother in law who would not hurt a fly normally would get angry and go back in time after the sun went down and way diagonised with "Sundowners". The Dr perscibed some meds and she was much calmer. She is in a home now and doing really well, she is happy and healthy. She knows she loves us but I don't think she knows I'm her daughter in law. You are not alone in this and I am thinking of you and praying for you.

  - Pam

• January 18, 2009 10:56 p.m.

  Hi, I take care of my 87 year mom who is in the advanced stages of alzheimer/dementia, not sure which. I would like to join the Tues 7PM chat posted by Kathy Hatfield on Nov 30, 2008 The link that was provided did not work for me. My e-mail address is jones@sbcglobal.net. If you could send me an e-mail with more information on how I can be a part I would surely appreciate it.

  - Irene Jones

• January 9, 2009 5:53 p.m.

  Del L. This is in regards to your situation. Is your wife on any anti-depressant medication? My sister was extremely angry and at times violent and her husband took her to a psychologist who put her an anti-depressants. Her husband calls them the "anti-bitch" pills. He said it was the best thing he ever did. It has leveled out her emotions and she is much more laid back. She still gets mad sometimes, but the rage isn't there anymore.

  - Jill C

• January 9, 2009 5:48 p.m.

  Hi, I am 47 years old and my sister is 57 and has early-onset alzheimers. On top of that my father is 79 and he says he has dementia, but I am pretty sure he has alzheimers. My sister is actually worse than my father, but I think this was the most depressing Christmas I have ever had. I see my dad often, but my sister lives out of state so I only see her about 3 to 4 times a year. She came out for Christmas and I had just seen her about 3 months ago. She is definitely worse now than she was 3 months ago. I don't really have anyone to talk to, my mom feels the same way I do, we want to be strong for eachother so we can't show how we really feel. My husband, well, he tries, but sometimes he just doesn't get it. Sometimes, he says, well you know they are going to get worse. Well yes, I do know that but you don't have to say it like that. I like the "let caregivers feel what they feel." That really hits the nail on the head. I don't want anyone to fix it, they can't. I just want someone to let me cry and give me a hug. They don't have to say a word!

  - Jill C

• January 5, 2009 8:42 a.m.

  I just finished reading a new book "MEMORY LESSONS" - by Jerald Winakur, a geriatrician. He eloquently and poetically describes the challenges faced not only taking care of the elderly, but also in taking care of his own seriously failing parents. It explores both at home and institutional care, but does it in a very personal empathic way. As a psychologist who deals with the elderly and their families, I found this beautifully written and very helpful. Dr. Charles Merrill

  - Dr. Charles Merrill

• December 18, 2008 11:44 a.m.

  I am my wife's care giver and the past year has been one of going downhill. Last night was the worst we have had. She becsme so angry at me that she struck me across the neck in the area where I have carotid atery surgery, She seems to want to go back in time to when her parents were alive and though we live in her old home thinks it isn't her old home. She looks for her Dad's phone number in the book to call to get her out of this situation and take her home even though he has been dead 43 years. Iam 80 and she is 79 and I think I am getting near the end of ability to handle the situation. Perhaps someone has a suggestion as to what I can do.

  - Del L.

• December 16, 2008 6:00 p.m.

  Hello friends, my name is Frederick, I am a person addicted to Vicodin, as it is a very powerful painkiller for the constant pain I have for the disease, is painful to see how my life is finished and I lose sensitivity, time and Many people do not understand what they feel, I hope you can find a cure for my illness, and thus fail to suffer and also stop making a lot of people who suffer want me, here http://www.findrxonline.com/rss/articles/school-alzheimer.htm may understand our problems and also learn about this disease, so they said they understand people like me because some times lose track of time and where more support is needed ..

  - Frederick

• December 14, 2008 9:31 p.m.

  Is it possible to develope early onset alzhiemer's without a family history for it?

  - Parmalee

• December 12, 2008 11:13 a.m.

  I always enjoy your blog.

  - Alzheimer's Team

• December 5, 2008 3:28 p.m.

  Point blank, my mother died of dementia a few years ago. It was very difficult to watch and participate in the process and I have to say I'm scared that I'll get it too so I'm very motivated to find a cure. I've noticed as I get older, my short term memory is a little sketchy at times. My brother and I have started a project called "I'm Tired of..." bracelets that are designed to raise money for charities supporting some serious world causes. The I'm Tired of Alzheimer's bracelet is one that I wear every day and I want to get the word out. These bracelets are eco friendly, made out of recycled tires and metals, and they cost only $10. Half of that ($5) from each bracelet sold is donated to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research, which was called out by Oprah as the single best Alzheimer's charity in the country. I hope you will check out our bracelets at www.ImTiredOnline.com.

  - Carrie

• November 30, 2008 3:03 p.m.

  My name is Kathy Hatfield and I am the primary caregiver for my 80 year old Dad who has Alzheimer's disease and lives with me in North Carolina. I am writing a daily blog on my caregiver website that shows the lighter side of caring for someone with dementia. There is also lots of information about dementia and caregiving, as well as a LIVE CHAT every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time for caregivers who need support, but cannot attend a “live” support group. Please pass this link along to anyone you feel would enjoy it. www.KnowItAlz.com Thanks, Kathy

  - Kathy Hatfield

• November 30, 2008 3:02 p.m.

  My name is Kathy Hatfield and I am the primary caregiver for my 80 year old Dad who has Alzheimer's disease and lives with me in North Carolina. I am writing a daily blog on my caregiver website that shows the lighter side of caring for someone with dementia. There is also lots of information about dementia and caregiving, as well as a LIVE CHAT every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time for caregivers who need support, but cannot attend a “live” support group. Please pass this link along to anyone you feel would enjoy it. www.KnowItAlz.com Thanks, Kathy

  - Kathy Hatield

• November 6, 2008 9:37 p.m.

  I just put my mother in an Alzheimer's facility today. She cried and screamed and collapsed on the floor as I left. I feel so horrible and guilty.

  - S. Baker

• November 4, 2008 2:53 p.m.

  Thought some of you may be interested in choosing Alzheimer's Association to receive a percent of all your holiday gift sales. You can do this by going to www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com and shopping from their list of over 250 retailers. Easy way to fundraise just by doing your usual holiday shopping!!! ENJOY + Pass it on...

  - katie

• November 2, 2008 5:10 p.m.

  I have a close family member who is suffering from Alzheimers and is having a hard time dealing with it. I am always reading articles about dealing with alzheimers. The articles would be useful to anyone who is or knows someone who is suffering from the disease. Feel free to check it out. http://www.thirdage.com/alzheimers

  - Jeff D

• November 2, 2008 7:25 a.m.

  Amber, there is a genetic test for persons who have had two immediate family members with early onset Alzheimer's. It doesn't have anything to do with ApoE (Late Onset Alzheimer's). I am 46 years old and am currently waiting results of this test myself as my father died of dementia in 1971 at age 50 and now my 60 year old sister is in a nursing home with ALZ. I've been under a neurologist care for over a year. I am very nervous about getting the results. It takes three weeks from the time the blood is drawn to get the results. There are three markers this tests for and if found you're considered to be destined for early onset alzheimer's. I did not have counseling prior to my test, at this point though, I've spent 40 years wondering if my dad's condition was hereditary so it's time to find out. I have an autistic 19 year old and a 15 year old. I had another sister who died of ALS 10 years ago.I can't help wondering if the Autism, ALS, Alzheimer's are all related. I'm a single mom. I'm scared and need to know how to proceed.

  - Kris in Illinois

• October 29, 2008 10:57 p.m.

  Kathy, I am in a similar situation, I am 49 and my husband 50 was just diagnosed with ALZ in September. It is tough to deal with this disease at any age, but I find it is really hard when we are relatively young. We have 2 kids,16 & 18 and my Mom lives with us too. I find I can't let myself think too far ahead, just think day to day. Luckily he is still working. Sending good thoughts to you, stay strong and just make it through the day.

  - Deirdre in Minnesota

• October 24, 2008 8:28 p.m.

  Amber make sure your client has had all the blood work to rule out anything else that could cause dementia. B12 deficency, syphilis, heavy metals, parkinsons, carbon monoxide. The only real way to dianose Alzheimers is by process of elimination of everything else and tracking of decline, "MME" Mini Mental exam, our neurologist pretty much suspected alz right away then it was just a process of elimination, best of luck

  - Kathy in Indiana

• October 18, 2008 5:51 a.m.

  Not a comment but a questiion from a first time user of this blog. My 75 year old wife was diagnosed 3 years ago with Alz and rapidly declining. Of great medical concern, she has lost 20% of her weight (22 lbs) in the last 4 months. Doctrs tell me weight loss and diminished appetite are common and 'there's not much we can do'. Has anyone out there experienced this and have some suggestions?. I'd be really grateful. I'm challenged at how to get her to eat. Thank you , anyone.

  - Bill - ON Canada

• October 10, 2008 10:12 p.m.

  I am a social worker and I have a client who is 47 years old. She was diagnosed with Alz. when she was around 43. We live in Idaho and there doesn't seem to be any specialist who have a strong emphasis in treating or diagnosing Alz. She, as well as myself, wonder if she has been misdiagnosed. All of the Drs. she has seen give her these answers or opinions that are not certain and are "swishy washy". Are there any tests (besides MRIs and EEGs) or genetic testing she can have done to ensure she has been accurately diagnosed? Can medications cause symptoms of Alzheimer's or are there other health problems that could resemble early onset Alz? Any help would be great!

  - Amber

• October 2, 2008 9:21 a.m.

  Hi everyone, I am not sure how this might fit in with all of the other blogs, but I felt a need to share my recent experience. I (in my twenties) had to put my elderly father (79) into a nursing home after my mother battled cancer and could no longer care for him. He was recently transferred to a new home after the one he was in closed down. He was there barely two months when I just got a call that he had been attacked in the middle of the night by his roommate-another elderly man in the same condition. He apparently was struck many times in the face with a piece of a wheelchair and did not survive in the emergency room. The roommate is now awaiting sentencing on charges of homicide and no other home/place wants to take him in. He may end up in a psych unit of a prison till he dies. The home was a very good one and I never thought this would happen-never occurred to me that another patient would do something. We always worry about the staff hurting our loved ones, but we shouldnt assume that other patients are never a danger either. It was shocking for everyone and quite an eye-opener for me. Maybe someone can take something away from this-I don't know! But thank you for letting me post.

  - Sofi

• September 21, 2008 11:07 a.m.

  I am 45 and my 53 year old husband was just diagnosed a month ago. He is now out of work and cant drive. I need to chat online with someone in my situation. I dont mean to offend any one, but, everything I read is Elder care, aging parents and so on. Im having trouble relating and feel alone. HELP

  - Kathy in Indiana

• August 27, 2008 Noon

  August 26, 2008 My suggestion to any caregiver,is to get your loved one on Nemanda as soon as possible. The combination of Aricet and Nemanda has a calming affect on my husband. My childern were the ones that called my attention to strange actions of my husband, before I guess I wanted to admit there was something wrong. He has been with Alzheimer's for about seven years. He has speech problems now, where you would swear he is speaking pig latin. Our childern understand, but it is hard when we are out in public. He goes everywhere with me, and I believe it is wonderful he can. He was such an inteligent man,always helping people with projects in carpentry.

  - Lucy

• August 25, 2008 8:41 p.m.

  My 85 yr.old husband has early stage Alzheimer's. Under care of the Geriatric Psych. Dept. of the V.A., he has been taking Aricept and receiving an outside prescription for Namenda because he does not qualify for the Medicare qualification. A new director of the clinic refuses to give him a written prescription so that he can have it filled at a local pharmacy. Some studies have reportedly shown a benefit from taking Namenda in early stage of the disease. So far he has remained fairly stable for 6 yrs.

  - Susanna Owens

• August 9, 2008 9:13 a.m.

  Does anyone have expeience that they have been misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's because of their medication?

  - Judith