he is 81 this year. he also has prostate cancer which hes getting chemo for.
Alzheimers is an awful disease, he doesnt go out anymore, cos he gets lost, he no longer phones out, as we think he doesnt remember how too.
Now, he cooks everything under the grill, forgets to wash and wears dirty clothes!
BUT THEN, when i speak to him, he sounds fine,denies all knowledge of getting lost etc..
its like hes a chameleon..the mental health nurse says hes better now than hes been.. but they cant see him acting while they are there.. is this normal alzheimers behaviour!
2007-04-23 22:56:24 · 16 answers · asked by tiny_lou1965 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I sympathise with both you and your father, as it's so sad to watch the degeneration of a loved one and the havoc this disease causes to people's lives. Your father is going to need lots of patience and support and, in turn, you will need support. I think the website below, 'The Alzheimers Society' may be helpful to you, and they do have local branches whose support can make all the difference when faced with this (details of which are also on the website). This is the opening paragraph from the 'Carers' page: 'If you are caring for a person with dementia, you may sometimes find their behaviour confusing, irritating or difficult to deal with, leaving you feeling stressed, irritable or helpless. By learning to understand the meaning behind the actions, you will find it easier to stay calm and deal effectively with the challenges that arise.' It cites lots of behaviours that are common with this diesease, and it may help to know that what your father is experiencing is not unusual, but the nature of the illness. I do hope this will be of help to you.
2007-04-23 23:09:54 · answer #1 · answered by uknative 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
then you must phone him everyday - offer to wsh his clothes for him (collect them up if necessary.) - get a family rota going so someone drops in everyday including the weekends -
also remebemr that the time of day you see him will create different impressions as people with Alzheimers are usually at their best in the morning nad gradually dteriorate as the day goes on so if the nurse is seeing him in the morning and you are seeing him in the afternoon you will have different impressions of how he is.
I fit gets to the point where he cannot remeber what things ar or where they are then you will need to put large printed labels on everything.
Also, if you tell him anything you may have to repeat it 3 times , each time immediately after fininshing the time before to ensure that the info passes from short term to long term memory.
Contact the Alzheimers society , if you have not done so already, and ask for leaflets on how to support your father and about the possiblity of day care a couple of days a week for him.
2007-04-23 23:09:08 · answer #2 · answered by D B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Poor you - it's awful for everyone involved. My dad had exactly that, except his was bladder cancer and it was radio-therapy.
Yes, totally normal behaviour for him, have you talked to his neighbours so they can keep an eye out for nocturnal wanderings or going out inappropriately dressed etc?
Introducing him to a microwave now is too late, he will not be able to grasp new instructions... have you thought about meals on wheels for him?
If you are really concerned, then videotape him and show that to the mental health nurse - as they are only there for a short time, your dad is probably still capable of putting on a "show" for them!
Good luck with it all -
2007-04-23 23:23:43 · answer #3 · answered by essdee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds typical. You must keep an eye on him, without him feeling that he's being "looked after" too much. Beware of him using the grill- he may forget to turn it off. Perhaps you could arrange for a trained carer to go in each day and make him a meal or snack? He may appreciate the company, after a while. You could say it's to give him a break from cooking, not to be looked after
2007-04-24 01:03:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
MY mom had Alzheimers for three yrs. befofe her death. I took care of both my parents until there death Mom was the best cook but she forgot how it, you could never believe what she said because one day she was believeable the next even hour you knew she wasn't there. it was sad to see her that way . Alzheimers Association could give you a lot more information about new drugs, treatments , etc... Its a free call sorry I don't remember it. It should be easy to find. I wish you well. God bless you . Take care of yourself to or use A.A. for help and information .
2007-04-24 03:04:37 · answer #5 · answered by paws4shy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its normal.
You dad bless him, is scared. He knows theres something wrong but either wont or cant admit it.
The early stages of alzheimers are worst, when you still realise theres something wrong with you.
You sound very supportive and keep being so. Leave little reminder notes around for him and perhaps get him some home help or meals on wheels.
Good luck1
2007-04-23 23:02:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are 3 stages of Alzheimer's disease. 1 being the early, and 3 being the final/worst stage. It seems like he is on stage 1 of the disease.
I hope he gets better...
2007-04-23 23:03:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather has the same problems. He lived with me for 6 months and it was a VERY stressful time for us. I definitely suggest looking for a facility for him. I know that sounds difficult to do, but you want the best for him, and believe me that is where he will do the best. If he doesn't have enough money to pay for them(cuz they are expensive) there are places that can help, but you need to start the process soon b/c it takes a long time to get approved. The web site that was given earlier is a great place to start. Good luck!!
2007-04-23 23:13:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is definitly normal behaviour.i work in a care home for old ppl with this awful condition & their behaviour can change with a blink of an eye. your dads symptoms appear mild at the moment but i would really recommend you get as much info about this disease as you can as there is no preparing for what happens when the condition gets worse.sorry to scare you but so many family members go in denial when their relative gets worse & it can make life very difficult for the family & the person involved. so please get as much help as poss & good luck
2007-04-24 07:28:58 · answer #9 · answered by debbie b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my grandad had alzheimers, he passed away last year.. this was what he was like in the early stages.. a few times he went out n got lost.. thankfully someone who knew him, brought him back home..
i would just advise u to give him all the support u can.. my uncles didnt like my grandad and treated him really bad which really upset me.. because he was helpless and they treated him like it was his fault.. i just hope he is in a better place now..
anyway, its definately normal behaviour for someone with alzheimers, and its good news that he seems to be getting better, i hope he gets well x
2007-04-23 23:17:56 · answer #10 · answered by atz333 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋