Alzheimers is such an awful 'intruder'!
To witness a Loved One going through that is so traumatic.
People say it's worse for those witnessing than for the sufferer, but how can anyone know?
...or how can any sufferer ever adequately explain?
(The light-hearted opening to my question was intended to express or mirror the black humour we often employ to get us through the dark days; please don't mistake it for callousness.
2007-07-20 04:36:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
My grandmother (she was known as June) suffered from this for many years. I was a teenager then and would sit with her and talk for hours about the same topics over and over. We watched the same movies over and over. I sat in the car with her and watched her drive around the neighborhood because she couldn't remember how to get back home from church -the same community, church, and house she had lived in for 30 years.
It's such a devastating illness. No one really understands how they must feel on the inside. But I can tell you in those days she would cry and cry whenever she realized that she had forgotten something or someone confused her in some subtle way. It was quite hard on her. I always tried to reassure her that it was ok and that no one was upset with her. She found comfort in me and my grandfather.
She eventually forgot people, relatives, and then got to the point where she could no longer talk, feed or bathe herself. She wore diapers. A machine known as a 'choking machine' was used to clear her throat from food obstructions when she didn't swallow properly. She lost her dignity and eventually most relatives stopped visiting her when she was unresponsive. It's very sad.
But to be honest when she was in those final stages I think she no longer knew who she was or anything about herself. I even think she had no concept of reason. In that way, I felt assured because I knew she wasn't hurting anymore at that point.
Instead the tables turned at that final phase and made me and my grandfather and other relatives suffer. My grandfather suffered most of all. He went to see her everyday and feed her, sit with her, make sure she had her medicine. The staff members knew to do everything perfectly because if they did not he would definitely be there to compain about any little thing. That was his queen, his love for life. Even when her mind left her body, he still loved her beyond any other kind of love I have ever seen for anybody.
She finally died after having suffered for 10 years. She was in a nursing home the last 4 years. It is very hard. My grandfather loved her so much that he has had bouts of alcoholism and its surprising that he is still alive. But he is a wonderful man. I guess his biggest flaw would be that he loved her so much and just couldn't let go. But could you if you shared your life with someone and had a full and happy life and children together?
To this day he sits in an old house full of memories and pictures. His heart will never recover the loss. Others have been harsh on him about his alcohol problems but I always say if he died it would be from a broken heart no matter what they think.
I miss her so much too. I try to carry on some of the same traditions that my grandmother left behind. Her love of butterflies, red cardinals, and travel. Her favorite movies and collecting crystal. Whenever I see a crystal figurine or porcelein doll I remember her and it touches my heart. I went to her grave after I had my firstborn to bring a spring bouqet of silk flowers. I knew she would be so happy to see my babies and to know about my journies. She lives on in my heart. I will never forget her. I love my grandmother so much and I was so closely connected to her. I pray that someday I will see her again, I miss her so much.
2007-07-20 07:17:17 · answer #1 · answered by Somebody'sMother 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its so true. My BF's G-ma had it real bad. She died this past winter and it was so horrible to watch. there are no words to explain it. I also vollenteer at hospice and have seen many patients who have that or dimentia and its so sad. Being with my boyfriend for over 3 and a half years i got to know even more then when i did in Hospice how it affects a family. She didnt even know her own son, brother...no one. She didnt even know who she was at times. I always wondered what she was thinking about when she was looking off into space...the Dr. said that there prob is nmo activity what so ever. So for them to understand what is going on they cant, in the beginning they can because its like they are just forgetting but once they have it the end stages they dont understand so there are no porblems with them suffering unless they are sick as well.
2007-07-20 13:17:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
what is your question about this disease i would call it much more than an intruder more like a thief it steals peoples lives from them and their families there is also nothing about it to be light hearted or humorous my father has it and i would not wish this despicable illness on anyone
2007-07-20 13:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by cherry45uk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dad died a couple of years ago but in truth he died three or four years before that as he had Alzheimer's for the last six years of his life.
2007-07-20 11:42:15 · answer #4 · answered by john m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Laughter gets us through the day. It is hard when one has an illness. Have a good weekend. I will remember you in my prayers.
2007-07-20 12:40:53 · answer #5 · answered by Sammy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
See www.neurologychannel.com & http://www.mental-health-abc.com Take Gingko Biloba, and fish oil supplements. Avoid alumin(i)um, as in cookware, antiperspirants, and some antacids. Keep mentally active.
2007-07-20 11:46:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think Al is a good friend of Dee Mentia
2007-07-20 11:41:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋