Look in their eyes- seems to be vacant. A discussion of Alzheimer disease amongst Freepers.

[KC Burke]

I hope that a full neurological evaluation can be worked up. There are some drugs that are helping slow the progression of this illness that can make life easier for all involved. Likewise, if evaluated early enough there are some therepies that can be of help later if started now can still possibly give techniques that your sister can use as the disease progresses.

If she is zoned out from anti-anxiety drugs, the techniques are hard to aquire and a good neurologist can help.

I have been through this with family members. You have my prayers.

[aroundabout]

I am told but do not know if true that those with the disease do not know of their ailment when it’s in its’ later stages and so do not suffer with the knowledge of being aware of what they have lost.

Is this true? Seems as if it would be difficult to know about this given the nature of the illness.

[aroundabout]

A NY disc jockey, Harry Harrison said it best (at least it is from him I first heard this). “Every day should be unwrapped like a gift”

How sad it is for many of us to have to see something like this happen to others in order to appreciate how wonderful life is and how lucky we are if we have our health.

[Sauce]

The hardest part is seeing someone so vibrant and full of life slip away, and there is nothing you can do about it.

I take care of mom 24/7 except for three days a week when we have a CNA come in for four hours.

The blank stare is hard to take, not knowing who I or my sister are.

The morning is the best time, because she can stand using both arms and legs, but I have to stay calm. If I get anxious, she get’s confused and nervious, then it can go south.

Can’t change the routine or throw something new at her.

Thank you all for the support and kind words. I wish modern medicine could find a cure for this horrible disease.

[roses of sharon]

Please ping me or PM if you ever need to vent.

Take care of yourself!

[ThanhPhero]

My mother died with it as did her brother and her father. I pray that it has not come down another generation.

[El Whino]

I don’t think it’s currently possible to know about that for sure. In my Mother’s case, I always hoped she was not cognizant of her ailment and it’s effects.

What I know for sure is she was a proud, fiercely independent woman...and would not have wanted to live the way she did her last 4 years.

[El Whino]

Yes, she had that “vacant” look in her eyes for the last 3 years of her life.

[mojo114]

Your deeds everyday are not going unnoticed. I share your anxiety and helplessness. My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and was always a vibrant person. My Mom was just confused and nervous but died at 92 being happy or perhaps peaceful. Don’t understand this disease at all but certainly understand your duties.
God Bless you every minute of everyday for what you do for your Mom.

[Sauce]

Thank’s, but thing’s could be worse...I could be a DemocRAT ;)

I always try to look on the bright side; I’ve still got her, lost dad in’85 to lung cancer.

[Sauce]

Yep, the confusion and the blank stare. I think the real trick is a calm and soothing voice, and alway’s try to use the same words, like “take a drink mom” while I hold the cup for her, or “lift your arms dear” while I give her a shower and dry her off.

We have a chair and safety bar in the shower for her. Have a “Potty chair” over the toilet that has handles, helps her to stand up after she uses the toilet.

God knows, the old girl sure gives it her best.

I’ve been at this so long I can even tell when she’s getting a UTI.

[mojo114]

I pray that the disease hasn’t come to the next generation. I am with you.

[pandoraou812]

~Prayers~