Dealing with Alzheimer's

[River_Rat_459]

I realize the Health/Fitness forum is geared more toward issues specifically for the members. However, I've watched my grandfather take a severe nose dive in the past seven months. He is in an assisted living home now, because he was a threat to my grandmother while she recovered from cancer treatment. He no longer remembers anyone from his family, doesn't eat very much, doesn't "clean" himself, and apparently starts removing his clothes at random times of day. My uncle, who is a physician, says he is likely in or about to be in the "end stages" of alzheimer's, meaning his remaining days are likely few.

He's a WWII vet (artillery) who was diagnosed late in life with PTSD, long after treatment or counseling would have done him any good. They didn't have the knowledge about it like we do now. Nonetheless, this is a trying time for my family. Have any of you dealt with a family member going through this and how did you or your family handle it?

[saviger]

I feel for ya river, My great grandfather died with Alzheimer's. I was 10-12, but what i remember is at first a assisted living home, then a hospice nurse at their home. It was very hard for the family, not much different than whats going on with your grandfather with the memory loss, bathing, eating and taking off clothing. Best thing I could say to do, is support your grandmother and parents, any way you can. Unfortuantly this I think is the best you can do.

[River_Rat_459]

Thanks Sav. Much appreciated. I figure what you're saying is in fact the best I can do at this point.

[HugoReyes815]

I've worked in a health care facility for 15 years and have seen the effects Alzheimer's has on families and my heart goes out to you.It always makes me sad to see people go though the different stages of the disease.Most people just think its about forgetting things but there is so much more to it than that.People with Alzheimer's lose the ability to learn new things and then they start forgetting things they already knew,and I'm sure thats pretty scary to them so sometimes they get so fustrated that they get violent.I've made many friends where I work that have Alzheimers and who they were at the end was not who they really were in their life.I'd say just don't forget the good times.

[Ironhide400]

My prayers are with with you and your family. I personally haven't had to deal with it, but my wife's family has. Very trying times to deal with.

[River_Rat_459]

The thoughts are greatly appreciated. He's in a pretty good facility right now getting about the best care possible.

[toby2533]

My thought are with you. I do Pharmaceutical research for Forest Labs I ran all the Namenda. When I read all the patients charts over the year you start feeling worse for the care givers (who is usually the spouse) and family members. The Patients themselves really have no understanding what going on. If you or anyone needs some info or help with alzheimer's just email me. Even the drug we have only slow the progression of the the diease. The best I heard it explained is think of your memory as a onion the newest experiences on the outer lawers ALZ slowly pulls the onion apart so the newest stuff is the first to forget. Plus it run in my family also. Hang in there.

[River_Rat_459]

My thought are with you. I do Pharmaceutical research for Forest Labs I ran all the Namenda. When I read all the patients charts over the year you start feeling worse for the care givers (who is usually the spouse) and family members. The Patients themselves really have no understanding what going on. If you or anyone needs some info or help with alzheimer's just email me. Even the drug we have only slow the progression of the the diease. The best I heard it explained is think of your memory as a onion the newest experiences on the outer lawers ALZ slowly pulls the onion apart so the newest stuff is the first to forget. Plus it run in my family also. Hang in there.

Thank you very much!

[River_Rat_459]

I wish I had better things to post at the moment, but I got a call last night at about 9:00 p.m. that my grandfather finally passed away. I say "finally" because he was going downhill very, very fast and couldn't really take care of himself any more. He was not doing anything over the last few days other than sitting in his chair. He wouldn't eat or anything. He didn't get out of his bed yesterday, and the folks at the assisted living home found him at about 7:45 p.m. last night.

He's gone now, but at least he's at peace. Thanks to all of you who posted well wishes, and remember to take time visit your grandparents if you can.

[Ironhide400]

My condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.

[indyred99]

Sorry to hear that River. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.