What can we do to help him?

Question

My father has fronto temporal dementia.

He is only 60 years of age. He can't communicate to us. He doesn't speak to us and finds simple tasks hard to do.

He walks around the house and keeps trying to get out of the house. He seems bored but what can we do? We take him out in the car as he likes it but can't give him anything to do in the house as he just walks away.
Any suggestions? I love my dad and want to help him. I asked him to pass me a newspaper 5 or 6 times nice & slowly as I thought he might understand but he just just shouted really loud and clenched his fists. In anger at himself for not understanding. I think It's Pick's disease.

Answer 1

My father has what I think is a similar form of onset dementia. It is difficult to deal with and sometimes you and he get angry over things that happen because of the disease. I am not sure there is much you can do, but love him, spend time with him, and take care of him. When he CAN do things praise him, tell him how proud you are of him. Build up his self confidence. I feel for you and yours. If you ever just want to talk you can email me. I'll listen.

Below is a link for a support group, they may have more information for you. Good luck, and you and your family will be in my thoughts.

Answer 2

I researched and read about this illness. My Husband is from a family that has been overpowered with Alzheimer's.
It would seem the disease your Father has is quite similar.

My Mother in law eased into it for the last 10 or 11 years of her life. She lived with us the last few years. She also barely spoke. Which is for the best since they cannot fit in because of the way their brain is working. She took Melatonin to sleep nights for the last few years. It made life easier.

I have to say it is best not to try to encourage your father to be his old self. It is not there. Frustration will make him very angry. I saw a little old lady with white hair and a form of Alzheimer's, scream at me and scare the puddin' out of me.
She was probably 85, but frightening.

The doctor should be able to provide something to help calm him.

Put him on a wide vitamin program, but if his is angry as many people with dementia are. They recognize they are sick and cannot do anything about it.

I used to say that it is like having a slice of swiss cheese with the holes pass between them and reality. Through the holes they could see their old life and what they are missing. I would occasionally see her with tears so I knew she was aware of the fact she was seriously ill.

In her family of 6 sisters 1 died at 26 of a brain tumor, 3 died of side effects from alzheimer's, one was Schitsophrenic (she is the last one alive). Sadly enough my Husband is showing early signs. It is not fun.

Try to get a high quality Multiple Vitamin for seniors down at least once a day and twice for a month or two until his Vitamin levels are up.

I wish you the very best. And God Bless it is a serious challenge for caregivers. Just do not expect more than he can possibly give. Try to have a group of support friends or family, you cannot do this alone. You will burn out and crash. I Did.

Answer 3

Don't ask him to do anything, even the simplest things. I have an idea I know it sounds strange (and maybe a little mean) but get him a video game console and a few different games (mainly games for toddlers or pre-schoolers) They are simple games but the controller and the games might keep him focused as they do with young children, let him decide when he wants to play, maybe show him how fun it is by playing the games yourself. Hopefully it helps, also try to get a second opinion from a different doctor. I am very sorry about his ailments I hope that things get better.

Answer 4

It sounds like Altsheimer's Disease to me. The people with that disease tend to walk away from the house. So please keep your eye on him. It's so sad. My aunt has it and doesn't recognise anyone anymore. But she's in her own little world and happy as can be. Is there anything on TV he could enjoy? Like maybe animals on "Animal Planet". Hopefully his doctor can come up with something. Good luck to you and your family.

Answer 5

Im sorry to say, but there is really nothing you can do for him =(
It will only continue to get worse just hope they find a cure soon =) and just watch him to make sure he dosent get bored and goes wondering off and gets loss..
Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 6

I think Becky gave great advice. Although it my be a difficult concept for him to hold a controller and press the buttons...