Alzheimer's disease

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• March 28, 2010 6:40 p.m.

  My mother is 80 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 6 years ago, though I suspected it several years before her diagnosis. She is still fairly lucid;however, any change in her routine causes paranoia and extreme agitation. Recently, she became so upset about believing that someone in the house had stolen her food, she threatened to kill herself. As of now, she is in a senior psychiatric hospital where they are trying to put her on medication to help with the delusions. She has no memory of the episode. Alzheimer's is such a horrific, identity stealing disease. I struggle with the idea that eventually she will not know me; that she will become little more than a human shell, and that she is no longer the mother I grew up with; however, to see her pain when she realizes that she is somehow not the same, is far worse. I mourn the loss of my mother everyday.

  - Tracy

• March 22, 2010 11:44 p.m.

  Hi there my name is Jane Emerson & my husband is Peter. My mother has got alzheimers she is in a rest home in Hamilton she was dignosied say nearly 4 to 5 years ago. we saw the worseness of it when my dad died she has since then gone down hill so fast she is not eating there is nothing to her we are finding it so hard to see her like this.

  - Jane

• March 20, 2010 7:53 p.m.

  Alzheimer’s runs in my family. During the last years that my mom was still alive, she was not well. She had been losing her mind for many years and for many years she was completely “gone” to me as her son, and her life has been reduced to apparently enjoying moments with her cats and those family members close to her though she has no idea who they were. My aunt is going too; and they too had a mother who suffered the same fate as did her mother and back into time I suppose for who knows how long. Sometimes I feel like I am going too. It has felt that way for many years. As I sit here I feel stuffiness and difficulty of thought. Sometimes it gets hard to concentrate and I get mad and impatient with myself and others. It feels like I’m getting worse. But very slowly. Some of my symptoms include: 1. Fuzzy head, like it’s stuffed with cotton. 2. Inability to think quickly 3. Hard to remember in the short term at times 4. Fear of losing friends and a feeling of being isolated 5. Disappointment, depression and anger with friends, family and people and life in general at times 6. Loss of agility, low libido, lack of energy 7. No thoughts at all, but daydreams filled with nothing 8. Not recognizing certain locations or problems navigating when I drive or walk in familiar areas. 9. Slight difficultly speaking at times, developing thoughts or remembering words. I am 60 years old. Any reccomendations?

  - jon

• March 18, 2010 6:29 a.m.

  My Mother just passed away after living in nursing homes for the past 5 years with Alzheimers and living with me 7 years prior and having had memory loss approximately 10 years before then. Her death came quickly just about a week after Hospice had been notified...she had stopped eating, unable to swallow except for small bites every now and then...before she passed, she had falled and hit the back of her head because she had not been placed in a wheelchair...even at my request due to her weakness...she had stroke like symptoms, unable to move, eyes fixed on the ceiling with her mouth open and gasping for air. Rexinol and Halidal were administered to ease the constrictive breathing. She passed at 10:17 3/15/2010...before she passed, I gave her permission to leave and I know she understood because for not being able to communicate, move, etc., 2 tears rolled down the side of her cheek...I'm going to miss you, Mama

  - Kay

• March 8, 2010 3:00 p.m.

  03/08/10 ~ Today my mom informed me that my older brother (41 yrs) has been diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer's disease. My brother was born with Down's Syndrome, developed Type I diabetes around the age of 12 yrs, and started "hearing voices" around the age of 27 (which I have not know to be diagnosed officially as Schizophrenia, however; I know he has been taking anti-psychotic meds). About a week ago he was admitted to the hospital for pancreatitis, which led to the doctors prescribing Lithium to help balance his meds and attempt to get him stabilized. I am in a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. I don't understand how Alzheimer's could be playing into this? Obviously he has experienced psychotic episodes (hearing voices), and his meds have not been balanced most likely because of the mixture of the diabetes and stress. I would appreciate any feedback. I plan on investigating further, however; it is very difficult to obtain any information from my mom. I suspected something was wrong 3 months ago, and when I approached my mom, she just said she didn't want to talk about it.

  - Jason

• March 6, 2010 7:35 a.m.

  I have been diagnosed with and being treated forr early onset memory loss.( I will be 62 in May) I am waiting for the results of my Head MRI. My problem of not remembering meetings that happened hours before or yesterday are happening more frequently. What research I have done all seem to address the family or the caregiver. What about me! I am not totally gone, I am still intellegent , 61 years old and able to assist in my care and am capable to learn. The condition is indeed frightening, but my reading of caregivers, family and ignoring the patient makes it even more so. Am I going to forget who I am tomorrow? Am I going to be incapable of any intelegent thought within weeks? Let the literature address the issues to me while I can still comprehend them. I am scared about tomorrrow, are my blood pressure medicines, anxiety medicine, diabetes medicine, and cholesteral medicine contributing to my condition? Please reseacrers and medical professionals address the issues directly to me.. I am not ready for a care giver and not going to lose all my reasoning ability tommorrow. I would certainly be interested in support groups for patients by patience who have early onset memory loss.

  - Bob

• March 4, 2010 12:56 a.m.

  my dad is probably his last few days or maybe hours of life he was diagnosed many years ago but now they are saiing lewis body. he has refosed anything by mouth for a week now, they have stopped his iv fluids and he is nsn responsive and now on morphine. it made me sick when i saw him yesterday,total neglect in a hospital.can anyone give me an idea on how much time he might have..THANK TOU

  - pamela

• March 2, 2010 5:23 p.m.

  This message is to Fliss,Please get your mum into a well run care home,yes she will be relucant at first but she will not be robbed or frighten,ask for a respite period, say 2 weeks to see how she cope's.look on the web site CQC, they will give you all the good care homes in your area.People out there do care.

  - Eileen

• March 2, 2010 5:13 p.m.

  I am a care home manager,I understand your fear's of placing your parents into a care home but if you choose a well run one with the understanding of the needs of the service users,It can be a great comfort to you and your parents.We love are service user's and treat them like are family,they are our work mates if you like,the people we spend our working life with.If you love going to work, you'll understand, I love my job.

  - No name given

• February 18, 2010 12:17 a.m.

  My mom has mild alzheimers. I am her and my dad's only caregiver. My dad is a diabetic with heart disease and can not walk without assistance.I moved them close to me, but know at some point soon, I will have to make a hard decision about moving them to a nursing home or to my home. My husband is a great help as far as taking them to doctor's appointments and getting their meds fixed up for the week, but is not supportive of me bringing them to our home. My folks are terrified of going to a nursing home and I just can't bring myself to do that to them. My husband keeps telling me that I need to find a nursing home for them. I don't understand why he can't see that they are my parents and I just can't send them somewhere. I work full time and try to take care of them while juggling time for my one and only granddaughter who is 11....I'm 55, my folks are 78. Some days are really difficult so I have a pity party. This blog is really helpful knowing that others are having the same feelings I'm having. At least I still have my folks and they both know who I am for now. Alzheimers is one of the most horrible disease, I pray for a cure, even if it's too late for my mom, it may not be for yours. God be with all of us with loved ones suffering with this disease.

  - Teri

• February 16, 2010 5:20 p.m.

  Living in the United Kingdom I am struck by the lack of help that there is to alleviate the pain and suffering of my Mother. She is locked in her own little world - suspicious of all those that love her and gives away all her treasured possessions to complete strangers! She lives in her own home at present but it is a struggle. So many people seem to take advantage. The hairdresser accepts £100 for a dry cut - the window cleaner £25 for a couple of windows. I have asked for help so many times from health professionals and each time they quote me the Doctors oath or the Mental Capacity Act 2008. They want my mother to agree to medical help! Sadly that is not something she understands. She is just fearful that people watch her sleeping at night and that "they" are out to catch her! The effect on my family is devastating! She has accused each member of the family of stealing antiques to her best peg bag. All members of my family are suffering but my Mother suffers the most!

  - Fliss

• February 14, 2010 9:18 p.m.

  My mom was diagnosed 10-10-2007. We first noticed something was wrong a few years earlier but Never thought it was serious. My mother is now 67 and is in the late stages of AD. I moved them down the street from me so my father & I can take care of her. Although lately my dad is doing most of the work because my children started to complain they really need me too. I miss my loving and caring mother so much. AD has taken everything from her except her faith. I Thank Jesus everyday for the time I have had with my mother and that no one else has to suffer from this terrible disease. To all the caregivers "A big hug and Thank you" your time and patience is a blessing to all those who suffer.

  - Sandra

• February 14, 2010 1:58 p.m.

  My Mom has been ill with Alzheimers most of my adult life- pretty much since I graduated college. She has been ill for 18 years and the last three she has been in a nursing home. I am just beginning to understand the impact this slow death has had on my life beyond the economic drain and time drain. Prior to placing her in a home I took care of her in my home for a three years and that was the most difficult thing I've ever done; I really thought she would quietly pass while in my care but she is still going though in decline and I couldn't care for her (and hold down a job or have a life) . The loss is palpable every day and i miss her so much. Maybe it is a pity party though i am not one to give into pity, but I can't get past a feeling that I was robbed of having a Mother when I needed one the most.

  - lourdes

• February 12, 2010 5:57 p.m.

  I am about 5 days away from hopping on the plane to say "goodbye" to my beautiful father who has been diagnosed with AD when he was 70. He is now 78. He has just been placed on "Hospice" care and they say that he will pass fairly quickly. My emotions are everything between sadness, loss, to the relief that he will not have to suffer with this wicked disease any longer. He fought the good fight. I try to remember my father as he used to be, not the way he is now. We had many happy days when I cared for him till he had to go to an AD facility, and I dwell on those happy days, not the dark days happening now. For all of you out there, not matter how hard it is and I know it is somtimes very hard, keep your chin up, laugh with them, watch the same movie and act like it is the first time you are watching it (even though it may be the 100th) and make them feel loved, because that is what they need the most, but most important of all, hold their hand because that it what you will miss when that hand is gone. Treasure and remember the "good days".

  - Rachel

• February 8, 2010 10:24 a.m.

  My father is 75 and suffers from Alzheimers, though he will not admit it nor seek any help. He and my mom life with me and I am having great difficulty dealing with all of his needs at this time. We are wondering if there is any help available to caregivers? Mom and I would love a night off...but can't leave him home alone after dark. Also, are there resources avaliable for him? Any ideas?

  - Alice

• February 6, 2010 12:18 a.m.

  my dad has parkinsons, with alzheimers, the road is tough, in a moment on sunday he said something to me that summed it up for me, he was in his awake mode and he told me that he feels like a ice cube that is melting, that sums it up for me, wow he hit it on the head

  - joyce

• January 18, 2010 8:10 p.m.

  My dear Mother died with Alzheimers at the age of 71. She was in a nursing home for 5 years. I watched her loose all of her capabilities. I was devastated at the age of 27 when I helped ambulate her to the first long term care facility which was 20 miles away. I had 2 babies at the time and was not able to help my Dad very much. I am now 60 and healthy, but every time I can't remember a name or forget something I am immediately taken back to the days when my Mother first started getting sick. Once when she was visiting me she turned her coffee cup away from her instead of toward her. Another time she didn't have a clue how to eat her sandwich or what to do with it. When I was assisting with her bath she didn't know how to lift her feet up to get into the tub. These were symptoms that occurred at home in the first stages. She died because the nurse dislocated her G-Tube and the food went into the wall of her stomach. She went into shock and died. I then knew what people meant when they said there are things worse than death. My Dad only lived 5 years after that. I think part of him died slowly as he watched the person who he loved more than anything else in the world loose every possible function she had. They were married 50 years and raised 10 children. I am the youngest. I wish she could have lived longer. My children don't even remember her and what a wonderful Mother she was to me. I will always love her. Reta

  - Reta

• January 15, 2010 4:48 p.m.

  Dear Lou: For your sister, get a second or third opinion for treating her depression. God bless you and best of luck and love.

  - Gracie

• January 15, 2010 4:29 p.m.

  I'm a clinical social worker who currently is a part time caregiver for an 86 yr. old female dementia patient. I'm at a loss for activities to offer her as she is high functioning yet disinterested in former activities such as puzzles and card games. Prior to her illness, she was very active physically and socially, but now resists situations where she might meet old friends. Ambulation is problematic with a hx of falls yet she refuses to use a cane , walker or scooter.Any suggestions for possible activities?

  - Gracie

• January 13, 2010 7:43 p.m.

  Where does one begin living with a soulmate who was diagnosed with AD at 64--although I tried to hide his "forgetfullness" for a long time, everyone knew something was wrong.-When I was 69 I had to have triple bipass (stress???) and a mastectomy. My husband was in respite care while I was going through my surgeries. I insisted (against everyone's advice) on taking him home six weeks after my second surgery. He was at home for another 9 months until I could not lift him up after falling, wandering, Depends, etc he could not do any personal hygiene I have had and still do much guilt about getting angry as I tried to cope with Mike's behaviour. I would not take an antidepressant and still am sad much of the time but not always crying. I still want to be in control of everything, question everying, although Mike is in an incredible home. I vist him every other day for about two hours just being with him, touching him, just loving him. He cannot stand, or even move his body, all food is pureed and liquids thickened. His body is stiff as a board. Recently he was prescribed a duregesic patch for pain (which has helped) I often leave the home crying if I think he is in pain which is mostly when they try to move him from the wheelchair to bed. It has been the most devastating 10 years I could ever have imagined. Mike was just too nice a person for this to happen. Wonderful, dad, husband and friend. My only desire he have no pain and I stick around to be his ad

  - Pat

• January 7, 2010 1:50 p.m.

  I am 50 and lost my husband to cancer 2 years ago. During the past 4 years I have experienced memory loss and can not remember appoinments. It is becoming more difficult for me to follow through with anything at work or complete simple task. Headaches are a daily occurance. I have also experienced a paronoia and drastic personality traits. I am very agitated and feel overwhelmed most of the time. I have to avoid certain situations because I do not not how I will react emotionally to simple daily activities. I am confused and can not make simple decisions. This is a drastic personality trait. WHere should I begin to get help. I mentioned this to my Internist and he doesn't seem to be alarm. I am scared.

  - Cathy

• January 6, 2010 9:42 p.m.

  My mother in law has Alzheimer's stage 4-5. My father in law suffers from mild dementia. We moved them up close to us this past summer. It is very stressful if you dont do some research first. It is hard when you want to have them live at home vs a facility. We are lucky, they live in the apt right across the hall from us. I can see them everyday, yet still have my own life as they also do. They would never agree to a nursing home, And I dont think my father-in-law will last another year. He also has COPD. For the most part, it is not to bad. Then there are days it can be very stressful with the mood changes and sundowners. Thankfully, they are no longer by themselves. It is not easy, and support is a must for when you are trying to take care of them at home.

  - Phyllis

• December 28, 2009 1:28 p.m.

  My husband began showing signs of AD at 49 yrs., and was diagnosed at the age of 52. He's 56 now, retired and lives at home. Since he gets exercise (walks the neighborhood), he's doing pretty well and seems content. He's unable to read very well, cannot write or drive, yet can mow the lawn, do the laundry, even groom himself. Fortunately, I became a teacher at 47, so I can support us. Finances are a major concern though, admittedly. I guess I'm in denial a bit about what is to come ... so much to arrange, so hard to believe how things will inevitably deteriorate. Patti

  - Patti

• December 27, 2009 7:52 p.m.

  My father passed away on December 12. He was diagnosed with alzheimers approx. 2 yrs. ago. He got became sick and started trembling so he was admitted into the hospital on Nov. 1 with a temp of 104.5. He was first diagnosed with H1N1, then it was the flu, then phuemonia and finally infected gall stones. He became septic and was near death. He finally recovered and was released but the hospital said that he would require care that we couldn't give so they recommended a nursing home. He left the hospital the day before Thanksgiving and stayed in the nursing home for approx. 10 days. Then he quit eating and drinking. We don't know if it was due to the alzheimers or why this happened. We didn't want a feeding tube installed so my dad was moved to hospice. He passed away on December 12. I miss him so much and I keep wondering if I would have insisted that they bring him home, if he would still be alive today.

  - Ivy

• December 16, 2009 3:34 a.m.

  My husband's father had Alz. and lived with our family for the last 5 years of his life. His death was from cancer. My husband also had a sister and two brothers that died with Alzheimier's. So, ten years ago when I saw symptoms; paranoid, couldn't remember how to get to our daughter's house, driving difficulties I told his doctor - which made my husband very angry. As well as can be confirmed, with numerous testing, it was determined to be Alzhiemier's. My husband was in denial and angry with me. After is serious issue with guns and the police I was able to get him on some serious medication. Today my husband is still living at home with me and most days are pleasant. He is still a very sweet man and tries his best to help me - even if I have to take the folded towels out of the refrig! I still ask him to help me fold clothes, run the vacum etc. I play cards with him after we have our evening meal. This last summer was a good one. I read about "light therapy" being used in Europe and so I set up a patio in the back yard with a lawn swing, tables, pretty pillows and flowers. He could sit outside with his coffee thermos, a book (he reads the same two or three pages over and over) and watch me work in the little garden I made a few feet from the patio. His moods were much softer and happier. In talking with his doctors and even his physical evaluations they felt this therapy was beneficial and were able to get a light for indoor use during the fall and winter.

  - Norma