My mom had alzheimer's. We lost her last year. We don't know what specifically killed her. If there are any doctors on line or if this has happened to your family and know the answer, please help me out? Is there anything we could have done? I haven't been able to sleep much since she passed. I miss her so much it hurts! If I had answers, maybe my grief would ebb. a little.
2006-07-14 00:39:45 · 7 answers · asked by lanoire 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I am not a doctor but my parents are so I will try to answer your question as well as I can. Alzheimer`s, contrary to what many people think does not affect only elder people but its signs and the illness is discovered at old age. As you probably know it is not a fast progressive illness but rather one that you don`t even notice because it affects an individual gradually at a very slow rate. In very simple term slowly the body shuts down. The cause of this illness as far as I know is yet to be determined but it causes the body to "degrade". The first signs are forgetfulness and at the end the body just shuts down. There is nothing you or anyone else for that matter could have done except try to make her as comfortable as possible. I am very sorry for your loss and I hope I`ve been of some help. If you need more information or would just like to talk please feel free to contact me.
2006-07-14 00:50:29 · answer #1 · answered by Scooby 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Alzheimer's is eventually fatal in 100% of cases. Sometimes the disease progresses very slowly, and it can take 20-30 years from the beginnings of confusion and forgetfulness until the person starts to have difficulting getting enough nourishment, being able to move around enough to maintain health. But sometimes the person can pass from mild Alzheimer's on through moderate and into severe very quickly.
Alzheimer's effects the brain, and the brain controls all our bodily functions -- breathing, heart rate, movement of food and waste along the GI tract, regulation of blood pressure, internal temperature, whether kidneys store or get rid of fluids and salts, and thousands more. Fatalities occur when the brain can no longer do these things well enough to keep the body healthy.
We know a lot about how to care for people with Alzheimer's, how to keep them safe and comfortable, happy and feeling secure, but we know very little about what causes the disease to happen or how to slow its progress.. Like any other fatal illness, all that can be done is to care for the person until the end. This is all that it is humanly possible to do.
I sympathize with your loss.
PS ... Another respondant mention something about Alzheimer's people being "prisoners of their minds" and suffering". I have worked in geriatric setting with many Alzheimer's people for most of my nursing career, and most Alzheimer's people are happy and content most of the time, until the disease is VERY far advance. True, they may be restless or easily fearful, but in an appropriate environment with knowledgable, skillful staff they can have comfort and happiness right up to the end.
While it is very hard for FAMILIES when Gramma doesn't remember who you are or when she forgets how a fork and spoon work, GRAMMA may be happy as a clam, living in a beautiful dream. It is wrong and cruel to assume suffering is inevietable with this disease -- it isn't.
2006-07-14 07:59:00 · answer #2 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or another dementia. For absolute treatment method for alzheimer and memory disorder, a good option here on this website memorydisorder.genuinecure.info
2014-10-18 00:31:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Didn't the doctors tell you? You should get a hold of them and ask specific questions. There's a reason on the death certificate. Also, you may want to do a little research on the disease. I'm so sorry for your loss. Time is the best healer of the loss of a loved one. Praying should help. My deepest condolences are with you.
2006-07-14 07:49:29 · answer #4 · answered by Howdy! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not your fault and no there's not much if anything you could've done besides making her as comfortable as possible near the end. Being a prisoner of her own mind for so long must've been a terrifying, daily ordeal to bear. By her passing, the torture is over. She is definately in a better place now. Once you've grieved properly you'll be able to let go and move on. Time will heal your wounds, trust me.
2006-07-14 07:49:26 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your mom was not just about Alzheimers.It's a horrible slow way to go(as you know). How do you think your mom would want you to remember her? As a victim of Alzheimers or as a loving ,caring mother. Don't you think she would want you to move on and be happy?Maybe some grief consuling might help
2006-07-14 07:48:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sorry for your loss, my grandmother had Alzheimer's and it is a terrible disease. Talk to your loved ones about this struggle that you are in now. They will help you with your grief and the love that you have for your mother.
2006-07-14 07:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by skinutt_99 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋