Relatives with Alzheimer's???

Question

My grandpa was diagnosed with alzheimer's last year. It began by him just forgetting things like where he put his keys and not being able to give directions very well. My grandmother passed away in June and it got worse then. Now, he tells me the same things over and over and gets confused pretty easily. When he is stressed about anything it is worse. He and I have always been very close and I saw him yesterday for about an hour and he doesn't remember seeing me. It really upset him that he didn't remember. It upset me a little too becuase I can see it progressing so fast. I'm not sure how to handle this. I don't know if I should tell him he's already told me these stories 500 times, or if I should just listen to them again. When he indicated last night that he hadn't seen me in a while...should we have just let it go instead of telling him? We are new to this. If anyone else is in this situation...what do you do?

Also, what do I tell my children if he ever doesn't remember them b/c they are very close to him also? They are 6, 4, and 3.

Answer 1

i used to visit and feed alzheimer's patients in a nursing home. i fell in love with these people. but i know it's totally different for families. i would suggest when your grandfather keeps repeating things over and over that you have heard so many times before, just listen to him as though it was the first time you heard it. i don't know how your children would take this. kids are so open and honest. if you can convince your children to just pay attention to greatgrandpa and smile and say okay that would be wonderful. i know it seems difficult for you now, but enjoy it as long as you can. that way you won't have regrets when he's gone. i wish you all the best

Answer 2

I work on an alzheimer's unit in a nursing home. In my experience it is best to not correct him or tell him that he already told you something. It makes them more frustrated if you correct them. it is best to just go along with whatever they are saying at the time. Another big thing is to validate what they are thinking and feeling even if it may be contrary to the situation at the time. This helps them get less stressed and frustrated. I hope this helps. If you have further questions please feel free to contact me.