Dad Afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease

[senile1]

I've been away from the forums for the most part for the last 7 months and I'm not sure if I am back now.  It is kind of hard to get back in the groove with posting when more important things are going down.  I plan to try and be a part of things around here but only time will tell.

 

My Dad is now 79 years old.  We discovered in a startling way around Christmas that he was afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.  We were leaving his home, and he decided he and my Mother were leaving too, because to him, it wasn't his house.  I had to drive him around for a while and humor him until he recovered and then we returned to the house.  I thought I had detected some minor signs before, but since I live 7 hours away and our Mom wasn't telling my sisters and me everything that was occurring, we really didn't know how bad it was getting.  By the end of January, he was placed in a nursing home because he was a roamer and my Mom could not control him.  Two months ago he fell at the nursing home and broke his hip.  Fortunately, he seems to be recovering well from that.  He knows us most of the time but he is living in a different time quite often and thinks he is still working on the farm.  Between traveling to see him and assist my Mom with financial issues, my work as a network engineer, and making time for my wife, children, and grandchildren, it has been difficult to find time for fishing.  Below is the last picture I have of Dad on the water in 2016.  I know I am not the only one to deal with this, but I wanted to let everyone know why I have not been around.

 

 

 

 

[Choporoz]

Sending good thoughts.   AD can be just as excruciating for family.  

[Tim Kelly]

You have my sympathies. My mother is currently absolutely crippled with anxiety. Still waiting to get some sort of worthwhile diagnosis from the doctor and trying various drugs to make her feel better. My poor dad has to deal with her 24 hours a day and is doing a saintly job, but he's 11 years older than her and it's not doing him any good. Luckily I live very close by, so I go over and cook dinner for them and see them every day. Some day moderately OK, others, like today, just miserable. 

[lo n slo]

we dealt with this too brother and it wasn't easy. God bless you and your dad. mom too

[Sam]

Senile, I have been through this horrible disease two times: my mother and my mother-in-law.

 

Brutal disease and it just gets worse as days go by.

 

One day he will not know who you are, which is gut wrenching and very upsetting.

 

Just be there for him and be strong for the entire family.

 

There are books on the disease and it takes you through the various stages. I know you don't have the time to read but the books are a lot of help in understanding what is going on.

 

Be brave and strong. All the best to you, your father and family. Hang in there.

[Dwight Hottle]

My condolences. I have a good friend who is dealing with his wife's dementia and it hasn't been easy. 

[whitwolf]

I'm truly sorry Senile. I can't say I know what you're feeling  but I do know It's not good. As for the family here we'll be here whenever you need us. 

[XpressJeff]

My condolences for sure.

 

My wife is exhibiting signs of early-onset and I am scared to death.

 

My prayers are with you sir!

[A-Jay]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. 

Went through that with my own Dad.  It's a tough deal.  

Do what you can & remember the good times.

You'll both be in our thoughts.

A-Jay

 

[Bluebasser86]

Sorry to hear about that. My wife's grandma is currently dealing with it as well. 

[senile1]

Thanks for the support, everyone.

 

 

12 hours ago, XpressJeff said:

My condolences for sure.

 

My wife is exhibiting signs of early-onset and I am scared to death.

 

My prayers are with you sir!

 

 

That is sad and quite an obstacle to face.  My thoughts are with you and your wife.

 

 

14 hours ago, Sam said:

Senile, I have been through this horrible disease two times: my mother and my mother-in-law.

 

Brutal disease and it just gets worse as days go by.

 

One day he will not know who you are, which is gut wrenching and very upsetting.

 

Just be there for him and be strong for the entire family.

 

There are books on the disease and it takes you through the various stages. I know you don't have the time to read but the books are a lot of help in understanding what is going on.

 

Be brave and strong. All the best to you, your father and family. Hang in there.

 

Thanks, Sam.  I actually did quite a bit of reading once I discovered Dad had the disease.  I also did a lot of research on the financial requirements and the ins and outs of using Medicaid in Missouri.  My parents have very little and this was the only way they were going to pay for his nursing home care while leaving something for my Mom to live on. 

[Oregon Native]

Lifted you all up.....I have walked this walk and it's painful.  Believe it's more painful for the family than the one who is stricken.

May God Bless

[Redlinerobert]

Currently dealing with onset on my mother.  It's a tough situation.   My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[N Florida Mike]

My mom had increasing dementia the last several years of her life.Her sweet disposition never left her though, which was a huge blessing.We had her living with us the last 5 years of her life, for which Im thankful.

You and your dad will be in my thoughts and prayers.