Alzheimers?

Question

I think my grandmother has Alzheimers. She doesn't even recognize us when we visit her at her nursing home, and sometimes when we visit she looks into space at no one and talks to them. She can still talk but her sentences don't make sense and sometimes she talks about her sister (who has been dead for years now). She also hallucinates and sometimes pretends to crochet or something with her hands. Does this sound like Alzheimers?
I don't think she is in the last stage, but I think she might be in the later stages. It's hard to see her as she is now. I would also like some advice on how I can talk with her, connect with her again. It's hard to have a grandmother who is there but isn't. I want to tell her all about my college graduation but it's hard when I don't have any response from her. I am also worried about her going into advanced stages as it is hard to see her how she is even now. Has anyone else been through this and/or have any advice for me? Thanks.

Answer 1

It is a very hard situation! And a sad one too. Unfortunetly odds are that you won't get the reconnection that you are looking for. She might have signs of rememberence here and there.
I would still talk to her, tell her about your life, everything that you are feeling, yes it will be hard when she does not give you the response you want to hear or acknowledge that she knows what you mean, but I think if you talk to her like nothing was wrong that would be easiest for you!
I remember seeing my grandma the last few times before she died. It was hard, for she was my best friend, the person I always confided in and not being able to confide in her was very hard, and seeing her so sick was just as hard. But I still talked to her knowing that she was happy for me, and just knowing her so well and loving her so much regardless the situtation sharing my life with her made me feel better!
I am so sorry that you are going through this! My prayers go out to you! Keep your head up, and remember she loves you!! Remember all the things you did together, and all the fun you had, most of all remember this is no ones fault!

Answer 2

The people in the nursing home should be able to tell you what's going on with her diagnoses, and your parents ought to know. I am not an expert, and also can't tell whether it's Alzheimers, or if she's had a stroke, or if her medications are doing this to her, but your parents should find out from the people at the nursing home. As for how to relate to her, you don't know how much info she is receiving, so hold her hand if she likes it, talk in calm tones and don't argue with her if she seems confused, just follow her train of thought as best you can. This is not about you, it's about her now. The best quote I've ever heard on the subject is that people may not remember what you say to them, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Have your parents get involved to make sure your grandma's medicines are not causing these problems.

Answer 3

My sister in law had alzheimers, and eventually it caused her death. My brother died on saturday, and she died the next saturday, in 1997. Yes, it sound like that is what it is. Try taking some old music that she would recognize, and playing that, and then talk to her about past events in her life, then gradually bring up the present. My Mother had a stroke, and if affected her memory, and she lived in the past also. If that were today, they would call her's alzheimers also. I think it is just something to "hang" on a disease. Take her something to make use of her hands, that will not harm her. She probably needs something to use her hands for. If she is still eating, she is not near the end. Keep visiting. Their condition changed from day to day, hour to hour sometimes, so you want to be there often as you can, so that you can interact with her, when she is at her best. God Bless.

Answer 4

It does sound like Alzheimers. This is a terrible disease and unfortunately there is no cure. The chances of having your grandmother back as she was are very slim. Every now and then you might see a glimmer. When you go to see her tell her who you are. Try to accept her world as it is now and ask her questions. You might learn new things about her past as a young girl. Those moments seem to be the ones they remember. Try to have patience although I know it is extremely hard.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I have worked with Alzheimer's for 15 years. It sounds like your Grandmother may have it. It is a hard disease for the family. You probably won;t be able to connect with her like you want. My advise is to accept her for however she is that day. visit often, she may not remember your name or who you are but she will recognize a familiar face.She may have , what we call a window, where she is coherent for a while remember to go along with what she believes at that moment. there is no use in trying to correct her, it only upsets them. Make all her moments happy.

Answer 7

First off, I am sorry for both you and your Grandmother. From your discription it could very well be Alzheimers. She could also have vision and hearing problems. She might also be heavily sedated for some reason. What ever it is, or combination of, as long as she is not suffering let her be. I know it is hard on you, and probably worse on your Mom or Dad, but these things happen.