Alzheimer's Association | Townhall

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Replies below: 9

Gail from Michigan, diagnosed at age 70

April 30, 2008 — I would like to respond to Gloria from Minnesota and her situation. My mother was diagnosed about the same age as your husband and has been in assisted living for 2 months. My father was also becoming too stressed with caring for my mom and it was affecting his health. My mom's illness really does not permit much socialization, which we were hoping for. She also is very confused about why she is there and wants to go home or buy a house that she and my dad can live in. I do think this is the best place for her right now.

Jeanna from Ohio, diagnosed at age 86

April 24, 2008 — Pick your battles, my attitude is reflected by him... try another approach... It used to be a battle to get my Uncle to change his clothes to fit my thoughts of cleanliness. I had to stop and consider his normal habits. He didn't change everyday or even every other day, and and with my unsucessful approach became defensive. Now I give him a haircut, never in a hurry, and explain hair has gotten in his clothes, get a wash cloth and wash his upper body, apologizing and talking before I know it, we're done. Blessings.

Lety from Florida, mother diagnosed

October 30, 2007 — When my mother was diagnosed and her condition was deteriorating we sent her to a community center that had a part of the building for AZ's patients. At that time, she could still articulate and dress herself well. When met w/ AZ patient's that were worse than she, she soon became depressed and refused to go saying that she was not as bad as they were which in truth was correct at that time in her life.

Insurances cover this sort of social interaction/ daycare center where the patients are brought back home every afternoon to their family, enabling them to go to work w/out worrying of the dangers @ home. while she was still mobile we got her a bracelet from the assoc. in case she wandered. Many insurances also have a Home/healthcare component which provides an hour or two a day for the basic needs of the patients such as taking them to do groceries, doctor's appt.'s, and light housecleaning. These agencies also provide the family with respite time so the family member who takes care of the AZ patient can go out w/out fear of leaving them alone.

Richard from Virginia, diagnosed at 69

October 11, 2007 — I'm closing in on 70 and was diagnosed about 8 months ago. Initially, I went with my wife to an Alzheimers group which was more oriented to the non-alzheimer person in the relationship. Little was said about me and more about the care-giving aspect of things. I appreciate the info that has opened up this type of forum. I think the GPS is an excellent approach. One thought that might be helpful is if the Alzheimers Association could work with the GPS Manufactures for a limited range version which could cut the costs. Any feed back will be appreciated.

As a separate note, I received little info on controlling my diet, etc. since being diagnosed. Thanks your for the "heads up".

Barbara from Alabama, husband diagnosed at 77

October 11, 2007 — My husband of fifty nine yrs. has had Alzheimer's for at least three yrs. He is taking Namenda and was taking Aricept until the Dr.in Bm.put him on the Exelon Patch. He is easy to control now if I let him have his way. He was a Coach and a Principal for forty yrs. so he has always had to tell everyone what to do and now he does not have that ability and it is killing him not to be in control of a situation. We are going next week to Bm. to a Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Clinical core(NACC) study and I am hoping they will be able to help with a lot of my questions. I will let you know later.Thanks for letting me email you.

Gloria from Minnesota, husband diagnosed at 64

October 11, 2007 — My husband has been diagnosed for over 4 years with AZ. I worked full time and kept him at home for 4 years. Then the stress became too much for me for now he is in an assisted living community. Suddenly he has become depressed and all he wants is to come back home. He is sure that would fix everything. I haven't been able to articulate yet what it would mean for him to come home.

As I ponder it I think of safety especially with the stove, gas fireplace, etc. He doesn't wander yet.

I then think of the lack of social interaction. The assisted living community provides him the social interaction which I strongly believed helped him. I fear that would be lost if he came home and it was just me there and I am working during the day.
The other thought is what happens to me. Will stress and anxiety become unmanageable again and I get sick?

If there is anyone out there who has had similar experience, I would love to hear from you.

Rich from California, diagnosed at 48

August 9, 2007 — One of the best things has been a GPS (Global Positioning System) for my car to allow me to get from Point A to Point B without the fear of getting lost. This is invaluable! I do a lot of "self-talk" to get myself through basic routines and when I make a mistake to not "catastrophize" it and just go on and forgive myself for making errors. I think my family could be more forgiving of me when I don't remember things instead of saying, "I already told you that!" I don't forget to annoy them. As far as professionals, keeping things fairly simple so they don't involve a lot of follow-up. My mail-order prescription drug plan assigns one representative to persons with dementia so I don't have to deal with countless people. She knows my situation and resolves issues quickly. My bank also has it in their records that I have Alzheimer's and when I have to call they don't charge me for needing phone assistance (I don't abuse this privilege but they have been very accommodating).

Eugene from Oregon, diagnosed at 70

August 6, 2007 — Diet and exercise has been critical in my ability to cope with Alzheimer's. Getting rid of all obvious sugars (especially fruit juice and desserts) has sharpened my mind and reduced my anxiety levels.

Socialization is an important component also. People need to meet and greet one another in order to maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth. For me, much of my socializing is combined with exercise (e.g., golf, badminton, weight class, walking).

I'm also not afraid to use our local bus system, even though I'm 72 years old. My wife and I stay connected via cell phone, so I can feel independent and continue to do my favorite things. We each wear Safe Return bracelets. I'm not shy about telling people of my disease and asking for help.

My family can help me cope by maintaining a normal relationship with me and helping me maintain normal connections to others. They can also help by knowing that I still have many skills and abilities left...I'm still here!

Professionals have to use diagnostic tools that lay people can understand and appreciate. I'm fortunate in that my doctor has not deserted me and keeps abreast of my progress and AD research. Doctors need to direct us to new treatments, drug/activity studies and non-traditional therapies.