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Gracybell, why won't your post on home care options for AD people show. I've gotten the unable to post since your first day of posting.
Could you possible repost????

I have a question for the group. My Mom has never been a great conversationalist, but these days, at whatever stage of dementia she is at, we cannot carry on a conversation. I'm having such a hard time dealing with is. I sit with her, my mind racing, trying to think of things to say, of things to talk about, but it's just sooo hard. Most of the time if I ask her about the events of the day she just says, “I don’t know, I don’t remember.” It’s almost as if she really does not even try to “remember” anymore – it’s just easier for her to give me that answer.

I noticed when my Mom was in the rehab that her roommate’s daughter just sat with her and they never spoke.

How do you all deal with this? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Kathie

This is part of a story I am writing about some of the episodes that took place this past summer as I spent time caring for my husband of 35 years whose cognitive functions were rapidly deteriorating from Alzheimer's Disease. My characters have been given different names, for I find it easier to write down the incidents that way. Essentially, however, this took place sometime in July, 2009. His obsession with finances were distracting and they continued every now and then up until the time he could no longer communicate outside his AD world a few weeks ago. I hope it might help others who are dealing with loved ones suffering the symptoms of Alzheimer's or Dementia.
See the first reply.

I just joined as my Father is in the early stages of Alzheimers. He is at the stage where he is forgetting people and things that happen. A couple months ago he got off of the elevator in his apartment building and turned the wrong way and tried to enter the wrong apartment. After a few minutes he was able to work out where his apartment was.

My 86 year old mom (Who has
nph/shunt/mild dementia) was recently hospitalized for a uti and now that she is back in the group home she is wandering, hallucinating (at night). Any thoughts?

This episode took place in early July. I would say this depicts the middle-stage/moderate Alzheimer's, or approximately what is called "Stage 5" out of seven stages. Things were becoming much more difficult to manage at this time. It's not a happy writing, but then, experiencing the progression of AD is not a happy time in life. I'm sure those Caretakers out there will identify with this and agree. I can only wonder what is going through the mind of the AD victim to cause their action. It's good to be positive and upbeat, but it's necessary to be practical, too. I tried to be all of those things and can only hope I was moderately successful.

See the first reply:

Below is a wonderful link to Alzheimer's Reading Room, and a great article. view link

Carole, I thought this answer to a post warranted a post of its own.

I will check out the website. Thank you very much for posting and showing us that you can still live life even though you have a diagnosis of dementia. I am sure there is a world of information on your website and we thank you so much for sharing.

Thanks again, Vicki

I also have dementia, but I am more advanced than "early stage." I have had a diagnosis of dementia since 1995, and as you can see, I am still alive, on my computer every single day, and planning to be living here in my own house for years to come.

Eight years ago I helped to found a nonprofit corporation that advocates for people with dementia, and particularly for people with early-onset dementia. We try to help change the horrible stigma attached to the term dementia and to reach out to others in our condition who feel lonely, confused and isolated. We are a Yahoo group (unfortunately, because I hate Yahoo), and we have an independent website (http://www.dasninternational.org), and we hold chats twice daily.

If I can be of assistance to you or your dad, please feel free to write to me at csaxonm@gmail.com

Carole

posted by hscounselor

It is with great sadness that I tell the group that dlly's husband, Jim, passed away about 3:30 this morning.

Julie, our dear, dear, friend, our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We know how very sick Jim has been, but we are so saddened by the loss of the love of your life.

May God bless you and your family.

Sunny

view link

Please read Hippygirl's blog. This is a trying time but one where Hospice can afford you great relief and help. Please come here to cry on our shoulder or vent or just to share anything with us in the next few weeks.

God love you and keep you and give you the peace that passes understanding.