Any advice...just found out my Dad has alzheimers?

Answer 1

Treat him with love, respect and dignety.

And even when he doesn't remember your name, or calls you something else, or does somehting completely embarressing, he's still your dad, he still loves you, and all you can do is ignore what he did but help him to make a better choice for his next move.

i have been a cna, and taken care of many alzheimers patients and why it's extreamly frustrating, they are still human, and still want love.

Make sure to take lots of pictures, make sure to spend lots of time with him, and make that time fun. Even if it's just sitting there holding his hand watching the sunset on a beautiful evening. Because even when his mind is gone, and then so his body, you will always have those memories of the times you shared together.

Answer 2

Yes. First of all, he needs to get on medication that can slow the progression of the disease. Although nothing can stop it, medications can give him more normal and functional behavior for a longer period of time. If he can stay in familiar surrounding, that will also help. Familiarity, structure, and routine will help him remain cognizant and calm. Gradually change clothing so closures are simple, and everything coordinates. Keep everything he will wear in a day together....shirt and pants on one hanger. Leave out only one days clothing at a time. Alzheimer patients suffer visual disturbances in the way they perceive and process visual cues. Sameness is confusing and difficult to understand. Paint woodwork around doorways a distinctive, bold color. (Contrarily, if your Alzheimer patient wanders, you could try painting everything...doors, windowsills, baseboards, walls...all one color) Put a black toilet seat on a white toilet so he can find it. Join a support group NOW. You are going to need them, later on. If you are going to be his primary caregiver, take care of yourself because it is a grueling, painful job. There is more information available to you.

Try this website: http://www.healingwell.com/alzheimers/
Of this one: http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers (This one is the National Institute on Aging, with links to many resources)

God bless you and your father.

Answer 3

So sorry. There is a lot of literature on Alzheimer's and while no cure has been found yet, some hope is being held out. Email me and I will give you a few links to more information on that.

Answer 4

First of all... ignore that first answer. That person is obviously an insensitive moran.

Be very patient and understanding with him. Take lots of pictures to help him maintain his memory. Love and care for him and don't treat him any differently.

There has been a lot of advancements recently with this disease. There a some good medications to help prolong the momory loss as well. There is support out there, you just have to find it and use it to it's fullest.

Take care of him and you. God Bless you both.

Answer 5

try not to let your fusturations show when he forgets very common things or things that he never had a problem remembering. this can cause him fusturation to - just smile and tell him it's okay and then turn and vent elsewhere! you should try to keep him active but with activities that are fitting to his current mental state as time goes on things will get harder for him and simple tasks will become increasingly difficult. don't treat him like a baby at this stage since he was recently diagnosed he is not a invalid, so don't talk to him like one - it's degrading. try to keep him as safe as possible, go around check things (as descreetly as possible) if the oven burners, stove are turned off, if bath water isn't still running. little things like that. all and all, just love him as you've always done and lean on your other family members for support, that's what we all did.

Answer 6

Have patience with him no matter how hard it can be some days.

Good luck and many blessings to you and your family.