I wanted to know if anyone here has a family member, or if they themselves, are suffering with Alzheimersa dn what do you do to help slow the disease from geting worse? How do you cope or fight this illness? My dad was diagnosed with it a few months back and he is in the moderate stage, so he still has memory but many things have changed and I wanted to know what can help slow the disease or what are possible cures for it. I know there are "no" cures, but I think there must be some type of cure for it around.

Clough

When my mom was deeply in the midst of Alzheimers, my daughter wanted her car. I made it clear to my daughter, that I would need to ask my mom about that. My mom had not been able to drive for a couple of years. I asked my mom about my daughter having her car. My mom's response was that it would be okay and for my daughter to "Be very, very careful!"

I believe, that even when a relative is into the deeper stages of the disease, that it's good to share as much as possible with them. We never know when doing so will get a response from them that might be like the "old" person that they were!

Thanks!

Golden_Girl

I agree, your so right. I notice when I discuss planets and solar sytems with my dad he seems more like his old self and will discuss with me. That's far from my specialty, but hese good at that kind of stuff science, computers and other electronics, mathematics. So I try to spark a conversation and just listen.

Clough

When you say things to your dad, do you ever try to see, moment's later, if he can remember what you've said?

Thanks!

Golden_Girl

Sometimes. Sometimes he would remember and ask me why am I keep repeating myself or asking the same thing over. And sometimes he wouldn't remember the previous conversation.

Clough

Then it doesn't sound like he is yet to the stage in the disease where my mother was when I would test her. That's good!

How is his over-all disposition, please? Does he ever have bouts where he gets really mad because of his loss of memory?

Thanks!

Golden_Girl

Yes, that would happen. Especially when we try and mention a puzzle or bingo, or something. He would get furious, so we stopped suggesting it. His appetite has been not so good, for the past few weeks he eats and drinks very little. But he did eat a bit more today and it's great that we have family to come over and visit today and tomorrow.

Clough

Do family members visit with him on a regular basis, please?

Thanks!

Golden_Girl

No. The family that came down are my stepmother's relatives. My dad's sister did come to visit for a week about 2 months ago. His brother, other daughter, and son haven't came yet but say they will be coming this year..but this year is now almost over. I think if they at least call more than three times this year would be better too. I give them updates from time to time so they don't have an excuse, this is one of the things that bothers me with them.

Clough

So, are you basically alone with caring for him?

Thanks!

Golden_Girl

It's mostly my stepmother caring for him. I come Fri-Mon to help relieve her a bit during parts of the day and for her to run errands or anything.